Analyzing Pelvic Organs

Pelvic ultrasounds may be used to measure and evaluate the female pelvic organs. Ultrasound assessment of the pelvis may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Size, shape and position of the uterus and ovaries
Thickness, echogenicity (darkness or lightness of the image related to the density of the tissue), and presence of fluids or masses in the endometrium, myometrium (uterine muscle tissue), fallopian tubes, or in or near the bladder
Length and thickness of the cervix
Changes in bladder shape
Blood flow through pelvic organs

Pelvic ultrasound may be performed using one or both of two methods:

Transabdominal (through the abdomen): A transducer is placed on the abdomen using the conductive gel
Transvaginal (through the vagina): A long, thin transducer is covered with the conducting gel and a plastic/latex sheath and is inserted into the vagina

Reasons for the Procedure

Pelvic ultrasounds can provide much information about the size, location, and structure of pelvic masses, but cannot provide a definite diagnosis of cancer or specific disease. A pelvic ultrasound may be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following conditions:

Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, including endometrial conditions
Fibroid tumors (benign growths), masses, cysts and other types of tumors within the pelvis
Presence and position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other types of inflammation or infection
Postmenopausal bleeding
Monitoring of ovarian follicle size for infertility evaluation
Aspiration of follicle fluid and eggs from ovaries for in vitro fertilization
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube)
Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
Assessing certain fetal conditions
Ultrasound may also be used to assist with other procedures such as endometrial biopsy. Transvaginal ultrasound may be used with a procedure called sonohysterography in which the uterus is filled with fluid to distend it for better imaging.

There is no radiation used and generally no discomfort from the application of the ultrasound transducer to the skin during a transabdominal ultrasound. You may experience slight discomfort with the insertion of the transvaginal transducer into the vagina.

A pelvic ultrasound may be performed in your doctor’s office, on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your hospital’s practices.

Transvaginal ultrasound requires covering the ultrasound transducer in a plastic or latex sheath, which may cause a reaction in patients with a latex allergy. There may be risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Before the Procedure

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure. Generally, no fasting or sedation is required for a pelvic ultrasound, unless the ultrasound is part of another procedure that requires anesthesia.

Although the gel applied to the skin during the procedure does not stain clothing, you may wish to wear older clothing, as the gel may not be completely removed from your skin afterwards.

For a transabdominal ultrasound, you will be asked to drink several glasses of water or other liquid one to two hours before the procedure. Do not empty your bladder until the procedure is over. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you should empty your bladder right before the procedure.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

During the Procedure

Download the procedure information.

UPMC Susquehanna offers ultrasounds for a pelvic problem in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.