A pelvic ultrasound is a type of medical test that creates an image of the organs that exist in between your legs. This type of test helps a doctor identify possible issues that are developing in this part of the body, such as tumors and cysts. Knowing more about a procedure ahead of time can give you peace of mind and increase the likelihood of a successful operation. If you are curious about what takes place during a pelvic ultrasound, read on to see Pink Door Imaging’s outline of this routine gynecological imaging procedure.
What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a type of diagnostic imaging test that utilizes sound waves to form an image of the area it targets. The image that an ultrasound produces is known as a sonogram. Ultrasounds are considered very safe and easy procedures that are highly accessible for virtually all patients.
A pelvic ultrasound takes an image of the organs that exist in the pelvic region. This can include the following body parts:
- Ovaries
- Uterus
- Prostate
- Vagina
- Rectum
- Fallopian Tubes
- Bladder
What Takes Place During a Pelvic Ultrasound?
During a pelvic ultrasound, a sonographer observes the pelvic area and creates a sonogram using a tool known as a transducer. The transducer emits sound waves that reflect from the internal tissues back to the transducer. Those reflected sound waves are captured and translated into electric signals that can be processed by a computer and studied.
The details of your ultrasound will relate to the specific type of ultrasound that you receive. There are several different types of ultrasounds, which typically fall into the following categories:
- Abdominal Ultrasound: During this type of ultrasound, a physician applies a warm gel to the lower part of the abdomen. The transducer is then moved over the area of the stomach where the gel is applied.
- Rectal Ultrasound: During a rectal ultrasound, a patient lies on their side while the transducer is placed into the rectum to examine the lining within. Doctors can also observe the prostate in this manner.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: In this type of exam, the transducer is placed a few inches into the vaginal canal. The transducer is then moved at different angles to form a clear picture of the reproductive organs.
- Pregnancy Ultrasound: This type of ultrasound uses ultrasound technology to create an image of the in-vitro child. These types of diagnostic imaging practices are very common for tracking the development of a growing child.
After the procedure, you will go over your results with your physician. Should the ultrasound detect any abnormalities, your doctor may recommend you for additional tests. These tests may be administered by a medical specialist other than your general practitioner, depending on the nature of the issue.
What Types of Conditions Can a Pelvic Ultrasound Diagnose?
A pelvic ultrasound is a powerful tool that can help to diagnose many pelvic conditions. Pelvic ultrasound technology commonly detects the following conditions:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Kidney stones
- Hernias
- Bladder cancer
- Endometriosis
- Gynecologic tumors
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovarian torsion
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Scrotal injury
This is a partial list of the kinds of conditions that a pelvic ultrasound can diagnose. Talk to your physician if you have concerns about the health of your pelvic area. A pelvic ultrasound may help.
The Benefits of a Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasounds have many benefits, including that it is:
- Quick and Easy: A pelvic ultrasound can take as little as 15 minutes and requires little effort from the patient.
- Detailed: An ultrasound procedure can produce very high-quality images.
- Safe: Pelvic scans do not utilize radiation, which makes them kinder to the body than X-rays.
A pelvic ultrasound is one of the easiest ways to identify health issues in the pelvic region. If an ultrasound identifies a potential issue in its early stages, it can save you massive amounts of time and money in the long run.
The Best Imagist in Houston
Pink Door Imaging is widely recognized as one of the best imaging clinics in Texas. If you are interested in scheduling a pelvic ultrasound with gynecological imaging experts, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.