US PELVIS

What is an Ultrasound Pelvis?

An ultrasound pelvis is a medical imaging technique that uses a small, handheld device called a transducer. This device emits high-frequency sound waves that travel into the body. When these waves encounter different organs and tissues, they bounce back as echoes.

A sophisticated computer system then captures these echoes and translates them into real-time, black-and-white images on a monitor. This process allows our radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics to examine the size, shape, texture, and overall condition of your pelvic organs with remarkable clarity, all without any invasive procedures or radiation exposure.

Types of Ultrasound Pelvis

To get the most comprehensive view of the pelvic organs, our specialists may use one or both of the following methods during your examination:

Transabdominal Pelvic Ultrasound

This is the external method. A special gel is applied to your lower abdomen, and the sonographer moves the transducer across the skin. For this scan to be effective, you will need a full bladder, which acts as a "sonic window" by pushing the bowel aside and providing a clearer view of the pelvic organs behind it.

Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)

A transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is an internal examination that provides much more detailed images of the uterus and ovaries. For this procedure, a thin, specially designed probe is covered with a protective sheath, lubricated, and gently inserted into the vagina. Because the probe is closer to the organs, it produces higher-resolution images. This scan is typically performed with an empty bladder.

Often, a complete pelvic assessment at Cadabams Diagnostics involves performing the transabdominal scan first, followed by the transvaginal scan for a thorough evaluation.

During the scan, our radiologists meticulously examine several key parameters to assess your pelvic health.

An ultrasound for uterus and ovaries will typically evaluate:

• The size, shape, position, and texture of the uterus.
• The thickness and appearance of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
• The size, shape, and appearance of the ovaries, checking for developing follicles, cysts, or other masses.
• The condition of the cervix and fallopian tubes if visible.
• The presence of any free fluid in the pelvic region.

For male patients, the assessment focuses on:

• The bladder, including its volume before and after voiding, and the thickness of its walls.
• The prostate gland, evaluating its size, shape, and texture.

Your doctor may order this scan to investigate a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including:

• Unexplained lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Abnormal menstrual cycles, such as heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) or irregular periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Difficulty conceiving or as part of fertility treatment monitoring
• Pain during intercourse
• Investigating suspected conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids
• Screening for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• To confirm the correct placement of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Evaluating pelvic masses or tumours found during a physical exam
• Assessing bladder issues like difficulty urinating or incontinence

When and Who Needs to Take an Ultrasound Pelvis?

A doctor may recommend an ultrasound pelvis for various reasons, making it a common test for different patient groups.

• Common Indications: The test is frequently ordered for individuals experiencing symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, abnormal menstrual bleeding (heavy, irregular, or post-menopausal), suspected ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids, and as part of infertility evaluations.
• Patient Groups: While it is most commonly performed on women to assess their reproductive organs, it is also a valuable tool for men to examine the bladder and prostate gland.
• Purpose: An ultrasound can be used for both diagnosing a new problem and for monitoring a known, pre-existing condition over time to check the effectiveness of treatment.

Benefits of Having the Test Taken are:

Choosing an ultrasound pelvis at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several key advantages:

• Radiation-Free: It is an extremely safe procedure that does not expose you to ionising radiation.
• Real-Time Imaging: The test provides live images, allowing the sonographer to observe the movement and function of pelvic structures.
• High Detail: It offers excellent visualisation of soft tissue structures that are not as clearly seen on X-rays.
• Non-Invasive: The transabdominal approach is completely non-invasive, and the transvaginal approach is minimally invasive.
• Guidance for Procedures: It is highly effective for guiding minimally invasive procedures, such as needle biopsies or follicle aspiration during fertility treatments.

Illnesses Diagnosed by the Pelvis Ultrasound

An ultrasound is instrumental in diagnosing and managing numerous pelvic conditions. Some of the most common illnesses identified include:

• Uterine Fibroids: Benign tumours that grow in the uterine wall. [Link to: Uterine Fibroids Page]
• Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in an ovary.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts. [Link to: PCOS Page]
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can sometimes be identified via ultrasound (particularly endometriomas or "chocolate cysts").
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs.
• Tumours: Both benign and malignant tumours of the uterus, ovaries, or bladder.
• Prostate and Bladder Issues: Such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or bladder stones in men.

Proper preparation is simple but essential for ensuring the best possible image quality. The instructions vary depending on the type of scan.

• For a Transabdominal Pelvic Ultrasound: You will need to have a full bladder. Please drink approximately 1 litre of water (about 4-5 glasses) finishing about one hour before your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder until after this part of the scan is complete.
• For a Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS): No specific dietary preparation is needed. You will be asked to empty your bladder completely in a private restroom right before the test begins.
• Clothing: It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting two-piece clothing, as this allows for easy access to your lower abdomen.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor’s referral or prescription is generally required to undergo an ultrasound pelvis.
• Please bring any previous medical records or imaging reports relevant to your condition, as this can provide valuable context for the radiologist.

Best Time to Take the Ultrasound Pelvis

For most general diagnostic purposes, the scan can be performed at any time. However, for specific gynaecological or fertility assessments (such as measuring endometrial thickness or counting follicles), your doctor may recommend scheduling the test during a particular phase of your menstrual cycle for the most accurate results.

Eligibility

The ultrasound pelvis is safe for virtually everyone, including pregnant women. It is the primary method for monitoring fetal development. It is important to inform the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics if you have a latex allergy, as the cover for the transvaginal probe is often made of latex. We have non-latex alternatives available.

Procedure for Taking an Ultrasound Pelvis

The pelvic sonogram procedure is straightforward and typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

1. Check-in & Preparation: You will check in at reception and may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
2. Transabdominal Scan: If this scan is performed, you will lie comfortably on your back on an examination table. A clear, water-based gel will be applied to the skin of your lower abdomen. This gel helps ensure good contact and eliminates air pockets. The sonographer will then press the transducer firmly against your skin and move it around to capture the necessary images.
3. Transvaginal Scan: If required, you will first be asked to empty your bladder. You will lie on the table with your feet placed in stirrups, similar to a gynaecological exam. The thin transvaginal probe, which has been disinfected, covered with a sterile sheath, and lubricated, is gently inserted into the vagina. The sonographer will carefully move the probe to obtain detailed images. While you may feel some pressure, the procedure should not be painful.
4. Completion: Once all the necessary images have been recorded, the gel will be wiped off, and you can get dressed.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety and the accuracy of the test, please remember:

• It is crucial to inform the sonographer if you are or think you might be pregnant.
• Notify the staff of any recent abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
• Let us know about any allergies, especially to latex.
• Communication is key. If you feel significant pain or discomfort at any point during the scan, please tell your sonographer immediately.