The Anatomy Of The Female Pelvis
A woman’s pelvis is an arrangement of bones that house the reproductive organs. Pelvic size and shape vary among different women, but the basic components remain the same. The primary pelvic bones are the hip bones, coccyx, and sacrum. The pelvis also has an inlet, outlet, and cavity. The cavity is where the reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, fallopian tubes, vagina, and cervix are located. The vulva, which is the external part containing the clitoris and labia, is also part of the pelvic region. Pelvic imaging varies, but pelvic ultrasound is used most readily.
What is a pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is an exam that uses imaging equipment to take photographic images of the pelvic bones and organs for medical evaluation. The main tool used during the procedure is a transducer. This device uses high-pitched sound waves to send electrical signals between the bodily tissues and the ultrasound machine. Doctors use a special ultrasound gel on the skin to move the transducer around the area. The 2 most common methods of pelvic ultrasounds are transabdominal and transvaginal.
Reasons for a pelvic ultrasound
The main reasons for obtaining a pelvic ultrasound are pelvic pain, pelvic tumors or cysts, pregnancy, irregular vaginal bleeding, cancer screenings, bladder infections, kidney stones, and fertility issues. Doctors may also recommend pelvic ultrasounds for people experiencing pain while having sex. A pregnancy ultrasound is performed multiple times to track fetal development.
Things to know about pelvic ultrasounds
Patients should know that sonographers are the medical professionals that conduct pelvic ultrasounds. Sonograms are the real-time pictures the ultrasound takes of the pelvic region. Prior to the ultrasound, the patient will receive instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound session. Here are some other facts to know about pelvic ultrasound.
1. Transabdominal versus transvaginal pelvic ultrasound
During a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, sonographers lubricate the transducer tool with gel before inserting the probe into the vagina. For transabdominal ultrasounds, a gel is applied to the outer abdomen skin, and the transducer is maneuvered over the stomach to create sonograms. A transvaginal ultrasound focuses more on specific reproductive organs, while a transabdominal ultrasound gives a general picture of pelvic organs. In some cases, doctors perform both types of exams.
2. Do I need fluids before?
Preparation instructions differ depending on the type of ultrasound scheduled. For transvaginal ultrasounds, patients will be advised to empty the bladder and to limit fluids or stop drinking fluids entirely prior to the procedure. For the transabdominal ultrasound, patients are encouraged to have a partial or completely full bladder. The body needs fluids because the transducer is more likely to take clearer pictures when the stomach is full.
3. Not all ultrasound results are available on the same day
Typically, after the ultrasound is finished, the images are sent to a radiologist for further review. Then, the radiologist’s report is sent to the ordering doctor, and the doctor shares the findings with the patient. This process can take a few days to complete. Certain types of ultrasounds, like pregnancy and emergency, offer same-day results.
Should I get a pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a procedure that a doctor orders based on certain medical issues. People interested in a pelvic ultrasound should speak to a physician about the procedure. Pelvic ultrasounds are non-invasive, don’t involve radiation, and pose very low risk to the patient.
