US ABDOMEN - PELVIS

• A pelvic ultrasound is a simple procedure that is used to examine pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, prostate, and bladder. It employs the use of sound waves to produce images of various structures located in the pelvic region without requiring invasive means. A medical ultrasound of the pelvis helps examine problems related to the male and female reproductive systems. 
• As a part of the preparation for a pelvic ultrasound, a patient may be required to fill their bladder by drinking an adequate amount of water in order to help them achieve better pictures. Most of the times patients are asked not to pee until the test has been completed. At times, intake of water is not enough and some medications also have to be skipped. 

What is the ultrasound of the Pelvis? 

• During a pelvic ultrasound procedure, sound waves are sent to the pelvis and the echoes are retrieved to produce relevant pictures. An ultrasound of the pelvis allows the analysis of the images, which are captured by the missing. The missing converts the echoes into conforming graphics, which are displayed on a screen. 
• A very small probe called a transducer or an ultrasound probe is used in this procedure. It can either be inserted through the vagina or rectum for women and men respectively or can also be placed on the skin to give a detailed view of the insides of the body. 

Types of Ultrasound of the Pelvis 

There are two broad categories for a pelvic ultrasound’s. 

1. Transabdominal Ultrasound: In this procedure, ultrasound images are captured by moving the ultrasound over the lower part of the belly. 
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound: In this, an ultrasound is placed inside the vagina and focused on a specific area for a detailed view of anatomy. 

Assessment done by the professionals include: 

• The size, shape and location of the pelvic organs 
• Any abnormality in the form of mass or cyst 
• Vascularity of the pelvic organs using Doppler ultrasound (if applicable) 
• Evaluation of pelvic organs for any abnormalities 

There are some factors that may require adjustments such as the patient's age, weight and underlying issues. 

• Trauma history relevant to the pelvic region to aid in the controversial diagnosis. 
• Evaluation of abnormal discharge during menstruation or inter-mensural bleeding. 
• Investigation of special tumours such as fibroids cysts, or other forms of cancerous tumours. 
• Examination of expectant mothers or in cases of difficulty in conceiving. 

Advantages of Having the Test Taken are:

• In some instances there is a clearer view of the soft tissues that are not visible with X-rays. 
• Is secure and painless. 
• Test has an immediate result and the interpretation is out and so facilitates prompt diagnosis and decision-making. 

Illnesses That can be Highlighted by the Pelvis Ultrasound include:

The uterus is one of the most common findings on ultrasound screening as it has; 

1. Cysts associated with Ovaries 
2. Pregnancy in the tube 
3. Infections affecting the pelvic region 
4. Enlarged or other disease states in the prostate gland. 

• Patients are advised to drink glasses of water enough to avoid a foul smell in urine prior to taking the ultrasound procedure after which they will be made to refrain from urinating after specified times to ensure that the bladder is full. 
• It is also important to wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing in anticipation that during the test one is to lie down on the examination table. 

Pre-requisites 

• If the patient is keen of performing this ultrasound procedure during the times specified then supervision of taking adequate fluids is essential, this is essential so that the bladder is the full. 
• Avoiding any kind of medications with the health care professional in order to omit whether this procedure needs to be skipped. 

Best Time to Take the Ultrasound of the Pelvis 

• This test can be conducted at any preferred time. Nonetheless, there may be effects in how the images are taken due to particular periods of the menstrual cycle or certain parts of pregnancy. 

1. Eligibility 

• It is normally recommended on women showing signs of reproduction problems relating to the pelvic area, in not the part why they are seeking diagnosis. It is not typically recommended on patients with great obesity however furthers may be available if aiming at different images. 

Procedure for Taking an Ultrasound of the Pelvis 

• After reaching the target facility you will be prepared and moved to the ultrasound room whereby you will be required to lie down on the examination table. 
• For a Transabdominal Ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen and a transducer is then moved above to remove the gel on the abdomen surface. 
• For a Transvaginal Ultrasound, the ultrasound probe is infiltrated slowly deep into the vagina. 
• The examination mostly takes 20 minutes to 45 minutes within the range. 

What Should One Be Cautious About This Test? 

• Tell the technician if you have allergies or medical conditions, such as pregnancy, which might interfere with how this test is performed. 
• Let the person performing the test know if you feel any pain during the test.