1.1 What is ultrasonography of pelvis?
Pelvic ultrasonography is a non-invasive scanning procedure in which doctors use ultrasound energy to scan the organs within the pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This allows the doctor to assess the structures within the pelvic region and helps in identifying any pathological changes for clinical diagnosis.
1.2 Different types of pelvic ultrasonography
Pelvic ultrasonography can be performed in two ways: trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal.
During trans-abdominal pelvic ultrasonography, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe on the surface of your lower abdomen. The ultrasound waves penetrate through the skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle layers to reach the pelvic organs. The reflected ultrasound waves are then received by the probe and processed by a computer to create real-time structural images. Prior to the examination, the healthcare provider may ask you to drink a large amount of water to fill your bladder, which helps in obtaining clearer images.
On the other hand, trans-vaginal ultrasonography involves inserting an ultrasound probe into your vagina. The ultrasound waves pass through the vaginal wall to reach the pelvic organs for scanning. Since the distance is closer in this approach, the image quality is generally better. If the doctor needs a more detailed examination of the pelvic organ structures, they may recommend a trans-vaginal ultrasonography.
1.3 When would I need a pelvic ultrasonography?
Pelvic ultrasonography can assist doctors in understanding the structure and pathological changes of pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This helps doctors make pathological diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans. The following conditions can be diagnosed or provide useful clinical information through pelvic ultrasonography:
- Uterine body cancer and endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometriomas (chocolate cysts)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
Some of these conditions may not have obvious early symptoms and can be easily overlooked, resulting in late-stage diagnosis when symptoms become apparent. By undergoing regular gynecological examinations and pelvic ultrasonography, adult women are advised to check for any abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment can greatly improve patient outcomes.
1.4 How is pelvic ultrasonographic examination done?
This scanning procedure does not require fasting or hospitalization.
Trans-abdominal Pelvic Ultrasound Scan
The healthcare personnel will first ask you to lie down on the examination bed. You will need to roll up your shirt and loosen your clothing. A small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to your lower abdomen by the healthcare personnel. During the examination, the doctor will gently press the ultrasound probe against your skin in the lower abdominal area to perform the scan. The doctor will carefully examine the organs in the pelvic area (including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) from different angles.
Trans-vaginal Pelvic Ultrasound Scan
You will need to remove your lower clothing, and the healthcare personnel will ask you to lie down on a gynecological examination bed for the scan. The doctor will insert a specially designed ultrasound probe into your vagina to examine the organs in the pelvic area. The doctor will carefully examine the organs in the pelvic area (including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) from different angles.
During the examination, the healthcare personnel may dim the lights in the room to allow the doctor to clearly visualize the ultrasound images on the screen. You will not experience pain during the examination, but you may feel some mild discomfort.
After the examination is completed, the healthcare personnel will assist you in cleaning off the ultrasound gel from your body. Pelvic ultrasound scans generally take about ten to twenty minutes.
1.5 Examination tips
- Please bring any relevant reports, scan films, and CDs for the radiologist’s reference and comparison.
- When undergoing the examination, please clearly inform the radiographer of your medical history.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably a two-piece outfit such as a shirt and pants.
- On the day of the examination, refrain from applying deodorant or perfume as these products may affect the imaging of the examination.