Pelvic sonograms use noninvasive ultrasound technology to diagnose reproductive disorders, measure fetal growth during pregnancy, and evaluate prostate and colorectal health. The procedure is painless and can be administered through transvaginal, transrectal, or transabdominal exams. A full bladder is required for transabdominal ultrasounds, while transvaginal and transrectal exams involve inserting a small transducer into the respective areas.
A pelvic sonogram is an imaging test used to visualize the internal structure of the organs in the pelvic region. Males may need a pelvic ultrasound to examine the prostate, bladder, or seminal vesicles. Infertility, unexplained pelvic pain, or abnormal vaginal bleeding may indicate the need for a woman to have an ultrasound examination. Noninvasive testing is used to diagnose reproductive disorders, including fibroids, cysts, and polyps, and may indicate the need for further testing for colorectal or prostate cancer. This procedure is painless and usually only requires a 15-minute appointment.
Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to measure the growth of the unborn baby. The images produced can reveal the amount of amniotic fluid inside the uterus and any developmental problems the baby may have. An ultrasound is used to confirm the due date of a pregnancy and determine the placement of the placenta as the time of delivery approaches.
Pelvic ultrasound can be administered as a transvaginal, transrectal, or transabdominal examination. Which used depends on the organ or medical condition for which the person is being evaluated. In some cases, your doctor will recommend a combination of ultrasound exams to get a complete record of your entire pelvic region.
Before a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, a person will need to drink a large amount of water. A full bladder allows sound waves transmitted by the ultrasound machine to produce clearer images for evaluation. The person may feel a strong urge to urinate during the exam.
During the transabdominal ultrasound, a person will need to lie flat on their back. The technician administering the pelvic ultrasound will apply a gel substance to the abdominal area. The gel helps in the transmission of sound waves during the test. A small, hand-held instrument called a transducer is gently rolled over the abdomen, and images are projected onto a nearby computer screen. The technician is able to label the images seen during the pelvic ultrasound for quick evaluation by the physician.
A transvaginal pelvic sonogram produces images from a small transducer inserted into the vagina. It is performed in a setting similar to an annual gynecological exam. A woman will have to lie down on a couch and put her feet in the stirrups. The transducer is lubricated and placed inside the vagina. The images produced are instantly transmitted to a nearby computer screen and saved for future reference.
Transrectal pelvic ultrasound is usually done on men being evaluated for prostate health or colorectal cancer. During the assessment, a man will need to lie on his side on the examination table. The technician will insert a very small, lubricated transducer through the anus and into the rectum. There is usually no residual discomfort after a transrectal ultrasound.
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