A pelvic ultrasound is a fundamental diagnostic tool in medicine. This procedure uses sound waves to generate images of the organs and structures in the pelvis, which is essential in various areas of healthcare such as obstetrics, gynecology, and urology.
What is a pelvic ultrasound for
A pelvic ultrasound is mainly used to evaluate the pelvic organs in women, men, and children.
It is a non-invasive, painless, and highly effective technique that helps identify various medical problems, monitor existing health conditions, and even guide certain therapeutic procedures.
In women, pelvic ultrasound allows examination of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and bladder. It is particularly useful for identifying the causes of pelvic pain, diagnosing menstrual irregularities, detecting masses or tumors such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts, and evaluating infections in the pelvic region. It also plays a fundamental role in obstetric medicine.
In men, it is used to examine the prostate, bladder, and other related structures. It is essential for investigating urinary problems, detecting abnormalities such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) or prostate cancer, and exploring causes of pelvic pain. It is also used in diagnosing male infertility problems.
Additionally, in both men and women, pelvic ultrasound helps evaluate bladder health, investigate recurrent urinary tract infections, diagnose bladder stones, and analyze bladder emptying before and after urination.
Types of ultrasound
When discussing pelvic ultrasound, several modalities can be used, each designed to provide specific information depending on the reason for the study.
- Transabdominal ultrasound: the most common, performed with a transducer placed over the abdomen; it provides a general view of the pelvic organs and is used in patients with mild discomfort or in advanced pregnancies.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: involves inserting a thin, elongated transducer into the vagina to obtain detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. It is used to detect small cysts or masses, diagnose infertility causes, and evaluate early pregnancies.
- Transrectal ultrasound: generally used in men, this involves inserting the transducer into the rectum to evaluate the prostate and seminal vesicles; it is essential in suspected prostate cancer or fertility problems.
- Doppler ultrasound: assesses blood flow in the vessels around the pelvic organs and is crucial for detecting circulation abnormalities such as ovarian torsion or placental problems in pregnancy.
- Sonohysterography: a specialized technique in which fluid is injected into the uterus during transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the uterine cavity; it is often used in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding or suspected polyps.
There are also advanced techniques such as 3D ultrasound, which provides detailed three-dimensional images, and 4D ultrasound, which additionally shows movements in real time.
Obstetric ultrasound
Obstetric ultrasound is a specific type of pelvic ultrasound designed to evaluate pregnancy development.
This test is essential to ensure the health of both mother and fetus and to obtain detailed information about growth and well-being.
Key functions of obstetric ultrasound include confirming the presence and location of the pregnancy in the early weeks, which is crucial for identifying possible ectopic pregnancies.
As pregnancy progresses, this study is used to evaluate fetal development, measure size, determine gestational age, and calculate the estimated due date. It also monitors the baby’s heartbeat and position within the uterus.
Another benefit of pelvic ultrasound during pregnancy is the detection of congenital anomalies or structural defects in the fetus, such as problems with the spine, heart, or brain.
It also evaluates the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and analyzes the health of the placenta and umbilical cord.
In some cases, obstetric ultrasound is used to guide invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, to obtain genetic information or detect certain diseases.
Because of all these applications, pelvic ultrasound is a versatile and essential tool in medical practice for identifying gynecological and urological problems as well as monitoring pregnancy at different stages.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Radiology and Molecular Imaging Department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Stanford Children, MedlinePlus, UCSD
