Many women have a pelvic ultrasound so that a doctor can figure out the specific problem which may be affecting their pelvic organs and the rest of their bodily health.
However, you may ask: what can it find? Do I need to do any pelvic ultrasound preparation beforehand? And what are the different types of ultrasound?
This article will answer all these questions and more as we give you an in-depth overview of the pelvic ultrasound.
What Is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
Simply put, a pelvic ultrasound is mostly a non-invasive exam. It creates images that help doctors better assess the well-being of the different organs inside the pelvis.
But how does an ultrasound in gynecology work? The transducer provides ultrasound waves that move throughout the body, bouncing off the different organs, providing an echo that the transducer then receives back. The waves are then interpreted by a computer turning these waves into images of the organs and tissue for the doctor to look at.
What Are the Different Types of Ultrasound?
There are two types of ultrasound: transabdominal and transvaginal.
Transabdominal
This is one of the most non-invasive types of ultrasound and is where the transducer is used through lathering conductive gel on the abdomen.
Transvaginal
This form of ultrasound in gynecology is where the transducer is placed inside the vagina. Before insertion, it is first placed inside a sheath and then covered in the conductive gel to minimize discomfort.
What Is It Used For?
One of the most common uses is testing the health of a baby that is still inside the womb or conducting an ultrasound of the ovaries to test for growths or cancers. Furthermore, it is also used to view the health of other female pelvic organs such as:
- Ultrasound of the endometrium (the tissue that lines the walls of the uterus)
- Ultrasound of the uterus (also known as the womb, this organ is between the rectum and the bladder)
- Ultrasound of the vulva (outer part of the genitals)
- Ultrasound of ovaries (reproductive organs in the pelvis where estrogen and progesterone are produced)
- Ultrasound of the cervix (lower section of the uterus in between the bladder and rectum)
- Ultrasound of the vagina (connected to both the cervix and vulva)
Why Have an Ultrasound?
As mentioned earlier, an ultrasound in gynecology is necessary to understand more about your female pelvic organs. Ensuring the blood is flowing correctly, the size, shape, position, and thickness of the organs are all in good condition is very important.
It can catch diseases and cancers early, although it can’t provide a definite diagnosis. It is perfect for figuring out if more procedures need to ensure you are in healthy condition.
For example, in the ultrasound of the ovaries, it can find growths and tumors, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and possible cancers. All of which can ruin the health of your organs and cause much pain.
Are There Risks Involved?
The ultrasound procedure is very safe and comes with no risks when performed.
Unlike other procedures, there is no radiation. When placed on the abdomen, the process provides almost no discomfort to the patient and only a small amount of discomfort when inserted into the vagina.
It might be an issue if you have a latex allergy, as transvaginal ultrasound requires a plastic or latex sheath to cover the conductor before being inserted.
So, although there are hardly any side effects or risks involved in this process, a few things may intervene with the results of the procedure.
For example, those with severe obesity or intestinal gas and those who do not have a full bladder may find that the results won’t come out as intended, and subsequent ultrasounds may be necessary.
Is There Any Pelvic Ultrasound Preparation I Should Take?
For transabdominal pelvic ultrasound preparation, it is recommended to drink at least 24 ounces of water one hour beforehand. As well as this, you should not empty your bladder until the ultrasound has been completed.
For transvaginal pelvic ultrasound preparation, you should do the opposite and empty your bladder right before the exam starts.
Unlike other procedures, you will not need to fast or be under anesthesia.
However, your doctor will explain all of this to you and more, and ask if you have any questions before it begins to keep your mind at ease.
What Happens in the Ultrasound Procedure?
An ultrasound of ovaries or any other type of pelvic organ can be conducted in many different places, from a doctor’s office to a hospital.
So, what happens during a transabdominal ultrasound?
- First, you will remove any clothing that will directly affect the scan. If you need to remove clothing, you will be given a gown.
- Then you will lie down on the chair as the gel is gently placed on your abdomen.
- The transducer will then be used, as it carefully presses against your abdomen and the gel as it moves around the area needing imaging.
- Images will then be shown on the computer to see your organs.
- The gel will then be removed, and the procedure will be finished.
So, what happens during a transvaginal ultrasound in gynecology?
- Once more, you will need to remove clothing that will affect the scan. A gown will be given to you to make the process easier.
- Then you will lie down on the chair or examination table. You may be given leg supports to best conduct the transvaginal ultrasound.
- The gel is then placed on a sheath that covers the transducer. It will then be inserted, and slight discomfort may be felt.
- While inside, images of your organs will appear on the computer screen.
- It will then be removed, and the procedure will be finished.
What Do I Need to Do Afterwards?
As you won’t receive any side effects or pain during the treatment, you shouldn’t need any sort of care after it has finished. You will be able to carry on with your regular diet and activities like normal.
In certain cases, the doctor will give you advice or instructions about what to do after the procedure.
A radiologist will then see and analyze these images before sending a report. Your doctor will show you this report and tell you if there are any issues with your organs that you should be worried about.
At this stage, it is often a good idea to ask any questions that you have about the test results so that the doctor can help you understand what it all means and how it affects you. They may recommend that you go in for treatment if there is a serious issue.
Talk to an Expert
Hopefully, this clears up any confusion you may have had about the pelvic ultrasound procedure.
If you want advice or are looking for someone to talk over and complete this procedure, we can help. At OB-GYN Specialists, we have provided quality ultrasound procedures and offered experienced advice to our patients in the greater Miami, Florida area for many years. Book an appointment with us today.