Ultrasound Assessment of Female Pelvic Organs - Key Points
A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of the female pelvic organs. These images allow your doctor to assess your pelvic structures and organs including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasound waves at a high, inaudible frequency. These sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer processes the reflected waves, which are then converted by a computer into an image of the organs or tissues being examined.
An ultrasound gel is placed on the transducer and the skin to allow for smooth movement of the transducer over the skin and to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer for the best sound conduction.
Types/Methods of Ultrasound:
- Transabdominal (through the tummy) - the transducer is placed on the abdomen with the ultrasound gel.
- Transvaginal - A long, thin transducer is covered with the conducting gel and a plastic/latex sheath and is inserted into the vagina
Risks of Pelvic Ultrasound
There are very few risks from pelvic ultrasound due to the lack of radiation used for imaging. You may, however, experience some discomfort during the insertion of the transducer into the vagina if you undergo a transvaginal ultrasound.
Certain factors may reduce the effectiveness of the test:
- Obesity
- Intestinal Gas
- Inadequately filled bladder - a full bladder moves the uterus up and the bowel out of the way for more effective imaging.
Reasons why you might be referred for an Ultrasound
- To determine problems with the shape, size or structure of your uterus.
- To look for cancer in your pelvic organs (bladder, ovaries, uterus)
- To identify non-cancerous tumours, polyps and fibriods.
- To identify the cause of excessive bleeding or pelvic pain.
- To locate an IUD
Pre-operative Instructions
Preparing for your procedure:
- EAT/DRINK : Drink a minimum of 700ml of clear fluid, preferably water, at least one hour before your appointment. Do not urinate until after the ultrasound.
- Generally, no fasting or sedation is required for a pelvic ultrasound, unless the ultrasound is part of another procedure that requires anaesthesia.
- For a transvaginal ultrasound, you should empty your bladder right before the procedure.
- Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation
