Why is a pelvic ultrasound performed? Norms and pathologies of pelvic ultrasound in women: interpretation and protocol. Decoding the research results

Frequently Asked Questions

On what day of the cycle is a pelvic ultrasound performed?

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is recommended to be carried out in the initial phase of the menstrual cycle - 5-7 days from the start of menstruation. In preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), an ultrasound can be scheduled on days 2-4 of menstruation.

Is preparation required for an ultrasound?

Features of preparation for ultrasound scanning of the pelvic organs depend on the method used to conduct the study (transabdominal, transvaginal or transrectal diagnosis). General recommendations for preparation include following a gentle diet and taking enzyme preparations to improve digestion.

What does an ultrasound of the pelvic organs show in women?

In women, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is performed to visualize the anatomical features and pathological disorders of the bladder, uterine cavity, ureters and other organs of the genitourinary system. During pregnancy, ultrasound allows you to monitor the development of the fetus and assess the condition of the reproductive organs of the expectant mother.

Where is the best place to do a pelvic ultrasound in women?

The website Gynecologists.Moscow contains contacts and addresses of medical centers in Moscow where you can perform a pelvic ultrasound. After reading patient reviews, finding out the cost of the procedure and other necessary information, you can sign up for the study. The most popular metro stations in Moscow for pelvic ultrasound services are:,.

How much does a pelvic ultrasound cost?

The price for an ultrasound examination of the pelvis in women is determined taking into account several factors: the pricing policy and location of the selected medical center, the quality of the equipment used, the qualifications of the specialist, the methodology for carrying out the procedure, as well as the goals and objectives of the diagnosis.

How can I sign up for a pelvic ultrasound?

To sign up for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, you first need to choose a suitable clinic. The application form for each medical center contains the necessary contact information, work schedule and telephone number where you can contact the medical institution’s consultants and sign up for the study.

A woman’s body is a fragile and delicately constructed mechanism that requires constant care and attention. Many people have a question about how to check the changes occurring in the body, as well as the condition of certain organs. In this matter, a specialist in diagnostics using ultrasound can come to the aid of a woman.

Ultrasound

The most common examination in this area is an ultrasound of the lower pelvic organs. This is logical, because it is this group of organs in a woman that is most susceptible to various changes. However, many women are frightened by this procedure due to their ignorance of the peculiarities of its implementation. Below we will consider all the main points of conducting a study using ultrasound of the organs of the lower pelvis, as well as a transcript of the results. Detailed information about the procedure often helps a woman get rid of her fear of it. Not everyone knows what day to do a pelvic ultrasound.

Research using ultrasonic waves is considered the safest for the human body, including pregnant women and infants. In addition, it is one of the most highly accurate. Unlike an x-ray, which can give false information if the patient moved during the procedure, a study using ultrasound waves can assess the condition of organs over time. This makes it possible to detect any abnormal indicators, which are almost impossible to miss during an ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women.

Operating principles

How is a pelvic ultrasound done in women? Let's understand the principles of operation of an ultrasound machine. This research method has many similarities with echolocation. The sound wave sent by the transducer of the ultrasound machine through the tip is reflected from the organs being tested and returned back. Such data exchange allows you to create an image on the screen, with the help of which a specialist evaluates the processes occurring inside the body.

Your doctor will tell you what day to do a pelvic ultrasound.

Indications for use

Most often, in order to examine the organs of the lower pelvis, a woman is sent for an ultrasound. Such a study allows you to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, bladder, rectum, and also detect pregnancy even at the earliest stage. A referral for examination is issued by a therapist or gynecologist. The reason for such an appointment may be:

    Disruption in the menstrual cycle.

    Pain in the lower abdomen.

    Bleeding and abnormal discharge.

    Suspicion of the presence of formations such as endometritis, tumors in the ovaries, cysts in the fallopian tubes and on the cervix.

    Ultrasound also helps diagnose the presence of kidney stones and other diseases of the urinary and biliary tract.

Preparing for an ultrasound

There are several types of pelvic ultrasound:

    Transabdominal, that is, the anterior wall of the peritoneum.

    Transvaginal.

    Transrectal.

    Obstetric, for pregnant women.

Each method provides its own preparatory measures, but there are also general nuances:

    For several days before the procedure, you should avoid foods that can cause increased gas formation. These can be legumes, yeast bread, alcohol and fermented milk products.

    If the patient had an X-ray with a contrast agent such as barium a few days before the pelvic ultrasound, the ultrasound should be postponed. This is because barium can distort the results.

    On the day of the study, you should cleanse your intestines. On what day to do a pelvic ultrasound, we will consider below.

Research options

It is better to find out in advance how to prepare for a pelvic ultrasound. Modern diagnostics offers several options for conducting ultrasound research:

    Before transabdominal, the bladder should be filled. This is done by drinking several glasses of water. In case of emergency, fluid is administered using a catheter.

    A transvaginal ultrasound, on the other hand, requires an empty bladder, so you need to go to the toilet before it.

    An obstetric ultrasound, or so-called screening, does not require special preparation, but it is optimal to drink a glass of water a few hours before it is performed. Every woman should know how to prepare for a pelvic ultrasound.

If you have problems with flatulence or constipation, you should take enzyme-containing drugs, for example, Espumisan or Mezim, for several days before the study. However, on the day of the procedure, it is better to stop taking any medications, and 10 hours before you should also avoid eating.

It is considered most effective to carry it out during the first week after the end of menstruation. There are no strict contraindications to the procedure, but you should tell the specialist about an allergy to latex or about ongoing menstruation.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women

It was mentioned above that it is most optimal to conduct an ultrasound examination of the organs of the lower pelvis in the first week after the end of menstruation. This rule is relevant both for checking for erosion and polycystic disease, as well as the condition of the appendages and uterus. If the presence of uterine fibroids is suspected, the examination should be carried out immediately after the end of menstrual bleeding.

What else is included in a pelvic ultrasound?

Endometriosis is diagnosed before the onset of menstruation. To diagnose folliculogenesis, transvaginal ultrasound should be performed on days 5, 9, 14-17 of the cycle. Depending on the length of the menstrual cycle, these dates may vary. For prevention, you should undergo an ultrasound examination at least once a year. If you have any complaints of pain in the lower pelvic area, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Pregnant women

How is a pelvic ultrasound performed in women during pregnancy?

During the period of bearing a child, it is also important to visit the ultrasound room. In addition to the study during which pregnancy was detected, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound scan in each trimester:

  • Week 9-10 involves a so-called genetic ultrasound. Determines whether the embryo has abnormalities of genetic origin.
  • 16-20 weeks, scheduled ultrasound. You can determine the gender of the child.
  • 32-34 weeks, screening. Weight, height, facial features of the child.

Who carries out the diagnosis?

The procedure should be performed by an ultrasound diagnostic specialist or a gynecologist with the appropriate skills. The research is carried out according to a certain scheme. First, the patient is positioned on the couch, opening the lower abdomen for specialist access. Most clinics provide disposable sheets, but it’s a good idea to play it safe and bring your own. If the procedure is performed transvaginally, you will have to completely undress from the waist down. After this, the doctor lubricates the sensor and the patient’s skin with a special gel and begins the examination procedure itself. The duration of an ultrasound is from 5 to 20 minutes. In fact, this procedure is painless, but in case of severe inflammation, slight sensitivity may occur.

The transvaginal method uses a special oblong sensor called a transducer. Its diameter is approximately three centimeters. The sensor is inserted into the vagina. For hygienic purposes, a condom is put on it, on which the gel is also applied. This substance helps improve the conductivity of sound waves. The specialist observes the data on the screen and analyzes the results.

Below we will consider what a pelvic ultrasound shows in women.

Decoding

The specialist makes a conclusion and makes a diagnosis based on the data displayed on the screen. An assessment is made of indicators such as the size and echogenicity of internal organs. It would be optimal if the conclusion on the study was made not by a sonologist, but by a urologist or gynecologist. It is the doctor who can assess the structure, position and size of the uterus and its cervix, as well as the ovaries, and identify the presence of follicles and uterine tumors. The specialist is also able to detect the presence of stones in the kidneys or bladder, neoplasms in the large intestine, etc.

At the end of the examination, the specialist draws up a written report containing all the data obtained, indicating normal values. In addition, the doctor draws conclusions about the health status of the patient’s pelvic organs and prescribes additional examinations or prescribes the necessary treatment. What else does a pelvic ultrasound show in women?

Deviations

Deviations from the norm indicate the presence of certain diseases. For example, thickening of the walls of the fallopian tubes or cervix indicates an increased risk of developing cancer. Round or oval formations visible on scanograms indicate the possibility of the formation of fibroids and cysts. Polycystic disease will be indicated by a shrinkage of the uterus and an increase in the size of the ovaries. Fibroids and endometriosis are diagnosed based on changes in echogenicity.

The diagnosis of the disease should be carried out by the attending physician, that is, a gynecologist. The specialist issues test results in the form of a written report with an attached image. The conclusion is issued within an hour after the procedure, but some clinics issue all documents immediately after the ultrasound.

Medical experts rightfully consider ultrasound not only the safest, but also the most reliable. The accuracy of the results obtained is close to 100 percent. When detecting cysts, this value is 98%, and when fibroids are close to 90%. However, factors that may distort diagnostic results should be taken into account. As mentioned above, this could be excess weight, x-rays with contrast, etc. The quality of the equipment used in the study is also of great importance.

Conclusion

Thus, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is an integral part of diagnosing pathologies of the reproductive system in women. The procedure is painless and does not require special preparation conditions, which makes it accessible to every woman.

We looked at what day to do a pelvic ultrasound.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is the recognition of pathological changes in organs and tissues of the body using ultrasound. Ultrasound is based on the principle of echolocation - the reception of signals sent and then reflected from the interfaces of tissue media that have different acoustic properties.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed in order to visually determine the presence of a particular pathology in a woman (or fetus during obstetric ultrasound) based on echographic signs.

A pelvic ultrasound can be performed with an abdominal (through the belly) or vaginal (vaginal) probe. In a woman's pelvis, an ultrasound scan examines the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, ovaries and bladder.

  • Uterus: The position, shape, main dimensions of the uterus and the structure of its walls are determined.
    In addition, the mid-uterine structures are examined separately: the uterine cavity and the endometrium (M-echo). In a non-pregnant woman, the uterine cavity is slit-like. The endometrium, the functional inner layer, changes during the menstrual cycle.
  • Ovaries: The position relative to the uterus, the size, size of the follicles and the corpus luteum (the formation that remains in place of the follicles after the release of the egg from the ovary) are assessed. A comparison is made with the phase of the menstrual cycle.
    When formations are detected in the ovaries, they are also described (shape, structure, size).
  • The presence of free fluid is also determined (normally, after the release of the egg from the ovary, it is present in small quantities) and the presence of tumor formations in the pelvic cavity.
  • In addition to the structure of the uterus and ovaries, during an ultrasound the condition of the bladder is assessed (if it is sufficiently filled).

Advantages of ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound examination is carried out quickly, the ultrasound method is visual, economical and easy, can be used repeatedly and with minimal effort in preparing for the examination. It is reliably confirmed that Ultrasound is absolutely safe even for a pregnant woman.

Indications for ultrasound of the pelvic organs

The ultrasound examination method is widely used in cases of suspected gynecological diseases, pregnancy, to monitor the treatment and cure of the patient.

  • Using an ultrasound of the uterus, it is possible to diagnose pregnancy in the early stages.
  • A pelvic ultrasound in women should be performed in case of menstrual irregularities (delayed menstruation, early onset of menstruation, bleeding in the middle of the cycle), with heavy or scanty menstruation, in the absence of menstruation, with various vaginal discharge, with pain in the lower abdomen, with the appearance of discharge during menopause.
  • Using gynecological ultrasound, various diseases are detected: from inflammatory gynecological diseases to benign and malignant formations of the uterus and ovaries (including endometriosis, salpingoophoritis, ovarian cysts, endometritis, etc.).
  • Ultrasound of the uterus makes it possible to early diagnose uterine fibroids.
  • Pelvic ultrasound is widely used to monitor the follicular apparatus of the ovaries in the treatment of infertility and pregnancy planning.
  • An ultrasound examination of the pelvis is prescribed when taking contraceptive and hormonal medications, or in the presence of an intrauterine contraceptive (“IUD”) to monitor and prevent complications.
  • Ultrasound during pregnancy (obstetric ultrasound) allows you to monitor the normal development of the fetus and promptly detect pathology.
  • In urology, pelvic ultrasound is necessary to identify the causes of urination disorders, urinary incontinence and pathology of the urethra (urethra).

Contraindications to ultrasound of the pelvic organs

There are no contraindications to ultrasound examination

Preparation for ultrasound of the pelvic organs

When visiting the ultrasound diagnostic room to remove residual gel from the skin after the examination, you must have a towel or napkin with you, as well as a diaper on which you will lie for the examination.

In non-pregnant women, a routine gynecological ultrasound is performed on a full bladder, unless otherwise specified by the doctor. To ensure maximum accuracy and reliability of the results, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the established rules for preparing for ultrasound of the pelvic organs:

  • For transabdominal (through the abdomen) gynecological ultrasound, bladder preparation is necessary: ​​drink 1-1.5 liters of still liquid 1 hour before the procedure and do not urinate before the examination;
  • For transvaginal (through the vagina) gynecological ultrasound, no special preparation is required; the study is carried out with an empty bladder;
  • obstetric ultrasound (ultrasound during pregnancy) is performed with a moderately full bladder (drink 2 glasses of liquid 1 hour before the procedure).

When examining organs of the genitourinary system (bladder, prostate, uterus, ovaries), it is necessary to drink 0.5 liters of liquid 1-1.5 hours before the examination or not urinate for 2 hours. This is necessary to fill the bladder, which pushes aside the organs being examined.

A prerequisite for a successful ultrasound- empty intestines and absence of gases in it. Therefore, preparation for an ultrasound should begin in advance: it is important to follow a diet with a limit on foods that cause constipation or gas formation 2-3 days before the upcoming ultrasound examination. It is recommended to exclude from the diet foods that cause increased gas formation (brown bread, fruits, raw vegetables, confectionery, milk). It is recommended to take enzyme preparations: festal, panzinorm, enzistal, creon, etc. Cleansing enemas are not recommended, as they often increase gas formation. In addition, you can take activated carbon, espumisan, and dill water. If you have constipation, it is recommended to take a laxative, especially if necessary, to conduct an examination using a rectal probe.

Ultrasound is performed on an empty stomach (last meal 8 - 12 hours before the examination) and immediately after bowel movement.

Examination of the mammary glands, uterus and appendages is recommended to be carried out in the first half or middle of the menstrual cycle.

Examination for folliculogenesis is carried out at 5; 9; 11-14 and 15 days of the menstrual cycle.

The accuracy of the results obtained largely depends on how you prepare for the ultrasound..

In emergency cases, ultrasound is performed without preparation, but its effectiveness is lower.

How to perform an ultrasound of the pelvic organs

You lie down on the couch (having previously spread a diaper) with your head towards the doctor (ultrasound machine) and expose your stomach and lower abdomen. The ultrasound doctor will lubricate the ultrasound probe with gel (for a transvaginal ultrasound, he will put a condom on the probe and lubricate it with gel) and will move the probe over you, occasionally applying pressure, to view the pelvic organs from a different angle. The procedure is absolutely painless, with the exception of diagnostics for acute inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs. An ultrasound examination takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the purpose of the examination.

Complications of pelvic ultrasound

No complications are observed after an ultrasound examination, but transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, is performed only after assessing the risk to the fetus.

Interpretation of the results of ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Only an experienced doctor can correctly interpret ultrasound results.

What can a pelvic ultrasound detect?

Congenital developmental anomalies: The use of ultrasound, especially three-dimensional, makes it possible to diagnose developmental anomalies of the uterus (bicornuate, saddle-shaped, one-horned, duplex uterus).

The presence of congenital developmental anomalies can cause infertility, increase the risk of premature birth, spontaneous termination of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death, abnormal fetal position and disruption of labor.

Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a pathological process that is characterized by the spread of the endometrium beyond the uterine cavity (uterine wall, ovaries, peritoneum, etc.). An ultrasound of the pelvic organs reveals internal endometriosis or adenomyosis (growth of the endometrium into the wall of the uterus) and endometrioid ovarian cysts.

Diagnosis of endometriosis is important for predicting the possibility of pregnancy (endometriosis can cause infertility) and pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are a benign tumor of the female reproductive system. Ultrasound determines the presence, number, location and size of myomatous nodes. In addition, ultrasound makes it possible to monitor the dynamics of their growth rates. Therefore, ultrasound is done several times a year. Diagnosis of fibroids is extremely important when preparing for conception, since the presence of fibroids can affect the course of pregnancy.

Diagnosis of pregnancy: Ultrasound allows you to diagnose pregnancy starting from 3 - 4 weeks. Short periods of pregnancy are determined only with the help of a transvaginal sensor, a device with good resolution. Various types of ectopic pregnancy are diagnosed (tubal - the fertilized egg is attached to the fallopian tube, cervical - the fertilized egg is attached to the cervix, ovarian - the fertilized egg is attached to the ovary), which allows the woman to remain healthy.

Intrauterine contraception: The process of insertion and removal of the intrauterine contraceptive is monitored using ultrasound. promptly detect incorrect location, partial or complete prolapse of the IUD from the uterine cavity, and ingrowth of parts of the contraceptive into the uterine wall. If you are planning a pregnancy, then after removing the intrauterine contraceptive, the doctor will recommend that you do an ultrasound.

Hyperplastic processes of the endometrium (hyperplasia, polyps, malignant tumors of the endometrium), and space-occupying formations of the ovaries are also detected.

Preventive ultrasound of the pelvic organs

For healthy women, for preventive purposes, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs once every 1 - 2 years, and after the age of 40 - once a year in order to identify hidden pathology. Preventive ultrasound of the pelvic organs is usually performed in phase I of the cycle (5-7 days from the start of menstruation).

Examination of the pelvic organs using ultrasound is one of the main instrumental methods for diagnosing diseases of the urinary and reproductive system. Ultrasound helps to see pathologies in the initial stages of their development. The procedure requires proper preparation, on which the reliability of the results depends.

Advantages of the method

Today, ultrasound is one of the most common procedures used in gynecology to diagnose most diseases. This instrumental research method has a number of advantages:

  • Absolute painlessness of any type of procedure;
  • ease of use;
  • no age restrictions;
  • high information content;
  • no side effects;
  • the opportunity to examine the state of internal organs from different angles.

The complete absence of contraindications and adverse reactions makes it possible to conduct examination even for pregnant women and patients in serious condition.

Indications for ultrasound OMT in women

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is done in the following cases:

  • conception planning – to assess the condition of the internal genital organs;
  • determination of follicle supply;
  • ovulation tracking;
  • pregnancy - scheduled screenings are carried out three times during gestation;
  • preparation for the installation of an IUD;
  • monitoring the patient’s condition after an abortion;
  • infertility treatment;
  • inflammatory diseases of internal organs and the urinary system - endometriosis, adnexitis, cystitis, urolithiasis, etc.;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • nonspecific discharge and pain in the lower abdomen;
  • oncological diseases;
  • preparation for surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity;
  • rehabilitation period after operations;
  • monitoring the condition of the genital organs in order to determine the effectiveness of treatment.

A referral for an OMT examination is issued by a gynecologist.

Timing of pelvic ultrasound in women

The time of the procedure depends on the indications. For example, if there are complaints of pain in the lower abdomen, problems with conception, menstrual irregularities and changes in the intensity of menstrual flow, an ultrasound scan is prescribed on days 5-7 from the beginning of menstruation.

To determine the functionality of the ovaries and their ability to form a follicle, pelvic ultrasound in women is performed several times during the menstrual cycle:

  • on day 8-9;
  • on day 14-15;
  • on day 22-23.

During pregnancy, subject to its normal course, ultrasound is performed as planned approximately once every 3 months:

  • at 11-13 weeks;
  • at 20-22 weeks;
  • at 32-36 weeks.

If necessary, the number and timing of diagnostic testing may be changed by the attending gynecologist.

Preparation for the procedure

The specifics of preparing for the examination directly depend on the method of conducting the examination, so before the procedure it is necessary to clarify with the doctor exactly how the ultrasound will be performed.

It is preferable to carry out any type of diagnosis on an empty stomach. It is advisable not to eat for at least 8-10 hours.

Transvaginal method

A study in this way is usually prescribed on days 5-7 of the cycle, after the end of menstrual bleeding. It is necessary to prepare for the examination in advance - 2-3 days in advance.

Features of preparation include proper nutrition. It is recommended to avoid consuming the following products:

  • raw vegetables and fruits;
  • whole milk and fermented milk products;
  • meat;
  • carbonated drinks;
  • alcohol;
  • spicy dishes;
  • beans, peas, legumes;
  • sweets;
  • muffins.

These products can cause increased gas formation in the intestines, which will lead to a decrease in the accuracy of the data obtained. On the eve of the examination, you should do a cleansing enema.

Transrectal method

The purpose of preparing for such an examination is also to change your diet. You need to stop eating foods that cause increased gas formation. Before undergoing an ultrasound, it is necessary to give several cleansing enemas. Often the procedure is performed by medical staff directly in the clinic.

Transabdominal method

Transabdominal ultrasound method

This examination method requires more careful preparation. It is necessary to avoid foods that increase the formation of gases 3-4 days before the ultrasound. In addition to the dense abdominal wall through which the examination is carried out, it is the gases accumulated in the intestines that can prevent the doctor from examining the exact picture and drawing correct conclusions regarding the condition of the patient’s internal organs. (photo on the right)

The study is performed with a full bladder. A couple of hours before the appointed time, you need to drink 1.5 liters of water or take a diuretic tablet.

A full bladder facilitates the diagnostic procedure: the uterus occupies a convenient place for examination, and the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract is displaced from view.

Types of research and technique

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is carried out in a special diagnostic room using a device consisting of a sensor and a screen on which the image is displayed.

The patient needs to free the examination area from clothing and lie down on the couch. To relax your abdominal muscles, your doctor may recommend bending your knees.

Methods of conducting ultrasound examination:

  1. Transabdominal ultrasound. The essence of the method is to study OMT using a special sensor through the abdominal wall. Medical gel is applied to the device and the patient's abdomen. This procedure is used from the second trimester of pregnancy, during menstruation and uterine bleeding. Girls who are not sexually active are also prescribed this ultrasound procedure.
  2. Transvaginal ultrasound. In the case of such a study, the procedure is carried out by introducing a special sensor into the vagina. The dimensions of such a scanner are significantly smaller than the dimensions of a standard gynecological speculum. A condom must be worn on the device. This method is considered the most reliable and informative. The procedure does not hurt at all.
  3. Transrectal ultrasound. The study is carried out by inserting a special sensor into the patient’s rectum. This diagnostic method is used quite rarely. The main indication for such a study is a large tumor in the vagina. For girls who are not sexually active, transrectal ultrasound is prescribed if a previously conducted transabdominal examination turned out to be uninformative.

During the examination, the doctor can turn the screen of the device towards the patient so that she can observe the process taking place. Most often, this practice is used when examining pregnant women in later stages, so that the woman can examine her child. The latest generation devices allow you to take a photo of the area under study.

Possible complications

Diagnostics using ultrasound is carried out without punctures, incisions, injections and other surgical procedures, therefore the procedure is absolutely safe. Non-invasive examination has no side effects, contraindications or negative consequences.

Decoding the results

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women shows the presence of pregnancy at the earliest stage, allows you to determine the condition of the fetus and the degree of its development. Routine screening examinations make it possible to monitor the formation and growth of a child in order to take timely measures if any deviations from the norm are detected.

Ultrasound examination is a reliable method for the timely detection of ectopic pregnancy - a dangerous pathology that threatens a woman’s life. In this case, the fertilized egg is located in one of the fallopian tubes, and not in the uterine cavity.

Pelvic ultrasound in women includes examination of the internal genital organs: the uterus and its cervix, ovaries, fallopian (uterine) tubes, bladder and rectum.

When interpreting the results, the uzologist must take into account the woman’s age, the structural features of the internal organs, the number of births and abortions performed. Despite all the advantages and informativeness of ultrasound, a specialist cannot make an accurate diagnosis based on examination data alone.

Uterus and cervix

Ultrasound examination of the uterus makes it possible to assess its position, shape and size, and identify the presence of structural changes. Normally, the body’s indicators should be as follows:

  • length – about 7cm;
  • width – about 6 cm;
  • anterior-posterior indicator – 4 cm.

In addition, using ultrasound, the doctor examines the condition and thickness of the endometrium. These indicators of the mucous membrane should correspond to the day of the monthly cycle.

The study makes it possible to promptly identify diseases such as fibroids, endometriosis, malignant tumors of the uterine body and cervix, cervical erosion, and abnormal development of the genital organs.

Fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are hollow in structure, so in a healthy state they are not visualized on the monitor. They are mainly examined to check patency when a woman has problems conceiving. To do this, a contrast procedure is performed - a special substance is injected into the uterine cavity to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and the presence of adhesions. Such an examination is prescribed on days 12-14 of the cycle.

Ovaries

Ultrasound allows you to evaluate the position, structure and size of the ovaries. Normally, the indicators should be as follows:

  • length – about 3cm;
  • width – about 2.5cm;
  • thickness – about 1.5cm.

In women of childbearing age, the presence of follicular cysts in the appendages is a normal variant. Examination of the ovaries helps to identify the presence of cysts, polycystic disease, salpingitis and malignant neoplasms.

In case of problems with conceiving a child and treatment for infertility, folliculometry is performed - monitoring changes in the organs of the woman’s reproductive system throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Control is exercised over the formation and release of the follicle, and the correspondence of its size to the day of the cycle.

Bladder

The study allows you to determine the size, shape of the hollow organ and patency of the ureters. Normally, the bladder should be free of stones, sand and tumor growths. After emptying, the organ should be completely freed from residual urine.

Approximate cost of the procedure

You can undergo OMT diagnostics at a antenatal clinic, a free hospital or an independent diagnostic center. Visiting a specialized clinic has a number of advantages.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is a diagnostic procedure during which organs located in the pelvis are examined using ultrasound waves. In women, this examination includes examination of the uterus, cervix and uterine appendages, as well as the bladder. In men - bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles.

pelvic organs is carried out using three methods:

  • Transabdominal - when organs are examined through the abdominal wall.
  • Transrectal - when ultrasound is sent to the area under study through the rectum.
  • which is carried out through the vagina.

Transabdominal scan provides general information about the condition of the organs being examined, so if the doctor needs to specifically examine a particular anatomical structure, he additionally conducts a transvaginal examination in females, and a transrectal examination in males.

In addition, pelvic ultrasound almost always includes Doppler ultrasound - the study of blood vessels and blood flow in the area being examined. The information obtained during Doppler sonography is especially relevant in case of suspected tumor, as well as varicose veins of the pelvic veins and other pathologies of the vascular bed.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs: indications

Ultrasound scanning of the pelvic organs in women is indicated in the following situations:

  • During a regular preventive examination (to get a more complete picture of the patient’s reproductive health, the gynecologist may refer her for an ultrasound).
  • If a woman has complaints of pain in the abdomen, pelvis, perineum, various intermenstrual bleeding or spotting from the genital tract is noted.
  • If there are any urinary disorders - painful or difficult urine output.
  • If during a gynecological examination the doctor discovered an enlargement or abnormal hardening of the internal genital organs.
  • When (ultrasound examination helps to identify possible causes of infertility, monitor the effectiveness of treatment and “catch” the most favorable period for conception).
  • When there is a delay in menstruation and.

In men, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed if the following indications exist:

  • Pain in the pelvic area.
  • Pathological discharge from the urethra.
  • Dysuric phenomena (difficulty and painful urination).
  • Detection of space-occupying formations in the pelvis during a urological examination.

In addition, urologists recommend regular examination of the pelvic organs using ultrasound for preventive purposes to all men, regardless of whether they complain about something or not, have problems with reproductive health or not.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs: what it shows

In women you can identify:

  • Normal or .
  • Tumors (whether a tumor is benign or malignant can be determined only by the results of histological examination).
  • Inflammation of the internal genital organs and bladder.
  • Anomalies of genital development.
  • Fluid in the space behind the uterus (this symptom is one of the signs of internal bleeding, which can develop with ovarian apoplexy, rupture of the fallopian tube and other pathological conditions).
  • Cervical polyps and.

In men, this study allows diagnosing pathological changes (most often inflammation or tumors) in the prostate, bladder, developmental abnormalities of these organs, inflammation of the seminal vesicles.

Preparation for ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Features of preparation for ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs depend on the method by which it will be carried out.

For women nThe most optimal time for a scheduled ultrasound is 8-14 days of the cycle.

For example, for a transabdominal ultrasound scan, it is necessary to empty the intestines of gases and fill the bladder (a full bladder lifts the large intestine upward, thereby clearing the way for ultrasound waves). To do this, a few days before the study, it is advisable to start following a preventive diet, as well as take special medications. Immediately 1-2 hours before the procedure, you should drink about a liter of liquid so that the bladder has time to fill at the time of the examination.

Preparation for transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound examination consists of cleansing the intestines of feces and accumulated gases (for people suffering from it, it is advisable to do an enema on the eve of the examination), as well as hygiene procedures. In addition, during the study you must wear clothes that are easy to remove.

Important:To avoid any incidents during the ultrasound, it is advisable to discuss all questions regarding preparation in advance with the doctor who is referring you for the examination.

Description of the procedure

Most often, a pelvic examination begins with a transabdominal ultrasound, after which the doctor asks the patient to empty a full bladder and performs either a transrectal or transvaginal ultrasound scan.

During examination through the anterior abdominal wall, patients lie on a couch. When pressing on the abdomen with an ultrasonic sensor, you may experience discomfort and a strong desire to go to the toilet, since the bladder is full. Other unpleasant sensations usually do not occur.

Transrectal and transvaginal ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs are more uncomfortable procedures, since patients have to expose intimate parts of the body.

With transrectal ultrasound men lie with their legs slightly bent at the hip and knee joints, with their backs to the doctor. A rectal ultrasound sensor with a disposable condom on and a special gel applied is inserted into the rectum to a shallow depth. Discomfort may occur both during insertion of the sensor and during its movements in the rectum. If pain occurs during the study, you must immediately inform your doctor.