A pelvic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the reproductive or urinary tract, including the uterus, bladder, kidneys, and prostate. There are different types of pelvic ultrasounds, and they can be used to diagnose various medical conditions. The procedure is non-invasive and may cause some discomfort. Patients should wear loose clothing and may need to change into a hospital gown. Results may take several hours or days to obtain.
A pelvic ultrasound is an ultrasound imaging study conducted for the purpose of examining the anatomical structures in and around the pelvis. This type of imaging study can be used to examine the reproductive tract or urinary tract, to get a closer look at structures such as the uterus, bladder, kidneys, and prostate, among others. There are a variety of reasons a doctor requests a pelvic ultrasound, and there are several types available.
Ultrasound imaging involves the generation of high-frequency sound waves that are directed into the body, where they bounce off internal structures. The ultrasound machine records the sound waves as they return and uses information about how the sound waves have changed to generate a picture of the inside of the body. Ultrasound is considered a non-invasive form of medical testing, because it doesn’t involve breaking down the skin.
In an abdominal ultrasound, the ultrasound probe is held over the stomach. It can be pushed into the stomach to get a better picture or angle, and the patient usually lies on their back to get the best picture. In a vaginal ultrasound, also called a transvaginal ultrasound, the probe is inserted into the vagina for the purpose of obtaining a better picture, as less tissue will be between the ultrasound probe and the area of interest. Rectal or transrectal ultrasound involves inserting the probe into the rectum.
Sometimes, a pelvic ultrasound is used in the process of diagnosing the disease. The doctor may want to see if a patient has a birth defect, urinary blockage, tumor, fibroid, or similar abnormality that could explain a medical problem. Pelvic ultrasound is also used in fertility treatment and to monitor the course of a woman’s pregnancy. The imaging study may also be ordered after surgery, to confirm that a patient is recovering well. In all cases, it can take several hours or days to get results from the ultrasound test, depending on when your doctor has time to interpret the images.
To prepare for a pelvic ultrasound, a patient will need to wear loose, comfortable clothing and may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Abdominal ultrasound should not cause any discomfort. Transvaginal ultrasound can be somewhat uncomfortable, but is usually less uncomfortable than a manual pelvic exam. Rectal ultrasound can be uncomfortable for some patients, with a level of comfort similar to that of a manual rectal exam.
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