A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain images of your pelvic organs. Your physician may order a pelvic ultrasound to get a detailed look at the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as the bladder and rectum, as they are also part of the pelvic space. While ultrasound excels at evaluating organs that are solid or fluid-filled, it is not optimal for evaluating gas-filled organs such as the bowel.
Ultrasound is the first line among medical diagnostic radiology imaging tools to diagnose ovarian cancer. It is also excellent for investigating premenopausal complaints, such as abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding, and conditions like pelvic floor prolapse or urinary incontinence.
A pelvic ultrasound is useful for examining common concerns, such as:
Ovarian cysts
Uterine fibroids
Uterine bleeding
Urinary incontinence
Uterine polyps
Pelvic floor prolapse
Ultrasound of the pelvis may help to evaluate findings your clinician has felt on your clinical examination, such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids. Your clinician may want to measure the thickness of the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, which is especially important for any uterine bleeding after menopause. A thickened endometrial lining can be a sign of endometrial hyperplasia. Too thin of an endometrial lining can also cause bleeding known as atrophic or estrogen-deficient bleeding.
Some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle in length or quantity. Ultrasound can determine whether your heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding is from a uterine polyp, fibroids, or adenomyosis.
Since ultrasound excels at evaluating the fluid-filled bladder, it can be used to assess whether you retain urine after voiding. Some women with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be unable to empty the bladder completely, which creates an optimal environment for growing bacteria.
If you are premenopausal, try to schedule your imaging examination when you are not having your menses, optimally during days 6-14 of your cycle. A pelvic ultrasound generally consists of two components:
A Pelvic Ultrasound may be ordered by your physician to get a detailed look at the pelvic organs including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The bladder is also considered part of the pelvic space. Because ultrasound excels at evaluating organs that are fluid-filled, it excels at evaluating solid or fluid-filled organs but is not optimal for evaluating gas-filled organs such as the bowel.
The technologist or radiologist will be able to share the pelvic ultrasound results with you at the time of the study. Your clinician will receive those results within 24 hours, unless comparisons are required which may take longer. You will then follow up with your referring clinician regarding their care plan. The technologist and radiologist will not be able to prescribe any treatment - that is solely the responsibility of the referring clinician as they are the ones who determine any next steps.
A Pelvic Ultrasound is optimal to evaluate any solid or fluid-filled organs such as for finding uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometrial (pelvic lining) problems like hyperplasia or polyps. Since ultrasound excels at seeing fluid, it is also used to evaluate for excess fluids in patients who complain of “bloating”.
A Pelvic Ultrasound cannot visualize gas-filled structures so lower abdominal pain that could be caused by small or large bowel problems cannot be determined by this technique. Very small structures such as fallopian tubes are typically seen by Pelvic Ultrasound unless there is excess water in the tubes called hydrosalpinx.
The ovaries naturally contain fluid called follicles or cysts. Follicle production is normal in all premenopausal women. Cysts, which are larger than follicles, also occur in some women. The persistence of complex-appearing ovarian cysts can suggest an abnormality that your gynecologist may want to follow up or evaluate further with laparoscopy. The ovaries cannot be biopsied externally like the cervix or endometrium because they are located within a larger peritoneal cavity. Therefore, pelvic ultrasound is vital in assessing whether further intervention is required. The ultrasound can provide your GYN with a detailed map before any intervention.
If you are in need of an emergency pelvic ultrasound, please reach out to us at (303) 321-2273. We have several locations in the Denver area where we can see you.
A pelvic ultrasound is a radiology imaging technology that uses sound waves to distinguish normal from abnormal tissues within organs. Sound waves emit from crystals in a hand-held wand called a transducer or probe, reflected back to produce images that a specialized radiologist uses to distinguish various findings. This radiology technology is also called a sonogram since it uses sound waves.
With multiple location across the Denver area, we make it easy for you to find a “Women’s Imaging Center near me” or a “Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center near me”