Pelvic Complete Ultrasound in Colorado
Our specialized radiologists at The Women’s Imaging Center use complete pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures, helping identify the possible causes of pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and other gynecologic concerns.
A Comprehensive Look at Your Pelvic Health
The female pelvis contains several important reproductive and urinary structures, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and bladder. Changes affecting these organs may cause pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, urinary symptoms, or other concerns.
A complete pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the pelvic organs. A device called a transducer sends sound waves into the body and receives the reflected echoes, which are converted into images for a radiologist to interpret.
Unlike a limited pelvic ultrasound, which focuses on a specific finding or area, a complete pelvic ultrasound is intended to provide a systematic evaluation of the relevant pelvic anatomy.
The examination commonly includes transabdominal imaging, transvaginal imaging, or both, depending on the clinical indication and patient circumstances.
What Can a Complete Pelvic Ultrasound Detect?
Complete pelvic ultrasound can help radiologists evaluate several conditions affecting the reproductive organs, including:
Uterine fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic masses
Endometrial thickening
Certain endometrial polyps
Adenomyosis-related changes
Uterine structural abnormalities
Free fluid within the pelvis
Abnormalities associated with pelvic pain or bleeding
Uterine fibroids are common benign (noncancerous) growths that develop within or around the uterus. While many fibroids cause no symptoms, others may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or discomfort.
Ovarian cysts are another common finding. Ultrasound helps radiologists determine whether a cyst is simple and fluid-filled or has more complex features that may require monitoring or additional evaluation.
A complete pelvic ultrasound can also help identify certain uterine abnormalities and evaluate the thickness and appearance of the endometrium.
When Is a Complete Pelvic Ultrasound Recommended?
Your physician may recommend a complete pelvic ultrasound when a broader assessment of the pelvic organs is needed.
Common reasons include unexplained pelvic pain, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, an enlarged uterus, suspected ovarian abnormalities, or concerns identified during a pelvic examination.
A complete pelvic ultrasound may also provide useful information during an infertility evaluation or when monitoring previously identified fibroids or ovarian cysts.
The examination helps characterize pelvic abnormalities, but not every condition can be diagnosed with ultrasound alone. Certain findings may require additional testing, such as MRI, sonohysterography, or tissue sampling.
What to Expect During a Complete Pelvic Ultrasound
A complete pelvic ultrasound usually involves one or two imaging approaches to obtain the necessary views of the pelvic organs.
If transabdominal imaging is planned, you may be instructed to drink water before your appointment and avoid emptying your bladder. A full bladder helps create a clearer imaging window through the lower abdomen.
If a transvaginal examination is also planned, you will generally be asked to empty your bladder before that portion begins.
Follow the specific preparation instructions provided when scheduling your examination.
For transabdominal imaging, you will lie on an examination table while the technologist applies a water-based gel to your lower abdomen. A handheld transducer is gently moved across the skin to obtain images of the pelvic organs.
If transvaginal imaging is appropriate and you consent, a slender, covered, lubricated transducer will be gently inserted into the vagina. This allows more detailed imaging of certain structures, including the uterine lining and ovaries.
The technologist may capture images from several angles and take measurements of the uterus, ovaries, or any areas of concern.
Once the examination is complete, you can generally resume your normal activities without restrictions.
A radiologist will review the images and measurements and provide a report to your referring physician. Depending on the findings, follow-up ultrasound or additional diagnostic testing may be recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Complete Pelvic Ultrasound
A complete pelvic ultrasound evaluates the relevant pelvic anatomy, typically including the uterus, endometrium, ovaries, adnexal regions, and surrounding pelvic spaces. Transabdominal and transvaginal imaging may be used together to obtain a more thorough evaluation.
A complete pelvic ultrasound describes the scope of the examination, while transvaginal ultrasound describes one method of obtaining images. A complete study may include transvaginal imaging along with transabdominal imaging, depending on the clinical indication.
Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used to identify and measure uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. It can also help characterize their appearance and determine whether additional evaluation may be needed.
Ultrasound may identify certain findings associated with endometriosis, including ovarian endometriomas and some forms of deep endometriosis. However, superficial endometriosis may not be visible, and a normal ultrasound does not rule out the condition.
Yes. Diagnostic pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation and has no known harmful effects when used appropriately. Transabdominal ultrasound is noninvasive. Transvaginal ultrasound involves an internal transducer and is performed with the patient's consent.
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