Doctors resort to a pelvic ultrasound to confirm your reproductive organs are in a healthy condition. This ultrasound helps examine the female vagina, ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.
Sound waves are directed to your organs through your tissues using the transducer tool. In turn, the reflected waves are picked up by the transducer and convey an accurate assessment of your internal organs.
Depending on why you need an ultrasound, you may be subjected to either one or both these methods:
- Transvaginal may give you mild pain as latex or plastic-covered thin and long transducer is inserted into your vagina
- Transabdominal ultrasound is painless and conducted on a full bladder by moving the transducer on your tummy covered in gel
Here is where all your doubts surrounding pelvic ultrasounds are put to rest. These ultrasounds help your doctor to:
- Detect problems in the functioning of your uterus
- Identify harmless growths and tumors in your pelvis
- Monitor your ovaries if you are undergoing treatment for infertility
- Spot inflammatory conditions
- Diagnose pregnancy problems
- Recognize health issues in a growing fetus
An ultrasound examination is an advanced, painless, and comparatively non-invasive diagnostic tool used commonly. It detects issues within the body that could otherwise go unnoticed, without making an incision. Here, we attempt to answer the questions you may have regarding female pelvis ultrasound:
How Do I Prepare For It?
One hour before your appointment, you are advised to drink clear fluid amounting to 24 ounces minimum. Wait till after the examination to empty your bladder as the fluids within your system facilitate a transabdominal ultrasound.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, empty your bladder just before undergoing the procedure. Only an ultrasound does not require any fasting or sedation. Your doctor may advise a specific preparation based on your medical history.
What Happens During The Procedure?
Ultrasounds are either performed at your doctor’s office or when admitted to a hospital. You may have to remove your clothing and accessories that may come in the way of the scan and be provided a gown instead. During a transabdominal ultrasound, you lie on your back, and a gel is applied to your abdomen.
The transducer is pressed around your skin, moved around the examination area, and corresponding images are displayed on a computer screen. On completion of the procedure, the gel is removed, and you can empty your bladder. The only difference in a transvaginal ultrasound is that a lubricated transducer is inserted into your vagina to examine that region.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
In the absence of radiation, there are no risks associated with a pelvic ultrasound. If you have a latex allergy, bring the same to your doctor’s notice, especially before undergoing a transvaginal procedure. Apart from the slight discomfort you may experience because of a full bladder, or when the transducer is inserted, there is nothing to fear.
When Can I Know The Results?
If everything appears normal during the ultrasound, your doctor will convey the same immediately. Should they need to closely review the images to rule out any abnormality, they may revert after a few days. Intestinal gas and severe obesity may not lead to an accurate ultrasound result.
Approach the best in the business for a comprehensive understanding of this diagnostic practice.