Pelvic ultrasound is considered one of the reliable and accurate diagnostic methods used in gynecological practice. The advantages of this examination are the painlessness, accuracy and accessibility of the procedure.

Ultrasound of the reproductive organs can be transvaginal (in which the sensor is inserted into the vagina), transabdominal (done through the abdominal wall), and also transrectal (the sensor is inserted through the rectum). In addition, a combined method can be used, in which the first two research methods are used.

Ultrasound examination of the reproductive system organs is prescribed in the following cases:

1. Suspicion of pregnancy.
2. Monitoring and monitoring the course of pregnancy.
3. Violation of the monthly cycle (irregularity, scanty or heavy menstruation, delay, bleeding).
4. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
5. Vaginal discharge during menopause.
6. Use of hormonal contraceptives.
7. When using a spiral.
8. To determine the follicular process in the ovaries with.
9. Prevention of diseases of the reproductive organs.

In addition, it allows you to diagnose the following pathological conditions of the uterus or ovaries, namely:

• Salpingo-oophoritis
• Salpingitis
• Endometritis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Oncological diseases
• Pathological processes of the cervix

More information about ultrasound of the pelvic organs can be found in the video:

This diagnostic method can also be used to identify disorders associated with urology, for example, with complaints of frequent urination, inflammatory processes in the urethra, and urinary incontinence.

Transabdominal ultrasound is used to examine pregnant women. This method is also suitable for girls who have never had sexual intercourse. In this case, transrectal diagnosis can also be used.In other situations, transvaginal or combined examination of the genital organs is indicated.

On what day of the cycle can an ultrasound be done?

Often, women who are referred for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs have a question about when is the best time to carry out the diagnosis, and on what day of the cycle the results will be more informative and accurate.

Experts say that it is advisable to do the procedure from the fifth to the seventh day of the menstrual cycle. This feature is explained by the fact that during this period (namely after the end of menstruation), the structure of the ovaries and uterus is determined more accurately and clearly.

At this time, various formations can be diagnosed, for example, endometrial hyperplasia and polyps, the size of fibroid nodes.

During ovulation, due to the volume and looseness of the uterine mucosa, such formations are not very clearly visible.

However, if a woman has an irregular cycle, a delay or absence of menstruation, then an ultrasound examination can be performed on any day of the menstrual cycle.

1 Do we need to prepare for such a study?

– It depends on what needs to be checked. For example, before a liver ultrasound, doctors advise giving up foods that increase gas formation for 2-3 days - white bread, milk, cabbage, carbonated drinks, any raw vegetables, citrus fruits, grapes, beans and peas. An ultrasound scan of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen is performed strictly on an empty stomach - at least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal. To get a better look at the uterus and appendages, women undergo an ultrasound scan of a full bladder - for this you need to drink about 1.5 liters of liquid in about an hour. A full bladder is also needed to examine the bladder itself. There is no need to prepare for an ultrasound scan of the kidneys, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, joints and blood vessels.

2 What cannot be seen on an ultrasound?

– Ultrasound does not examine hollow organs – the intestines and stomach. That is, it is technically possible to check them in this way, but the study will not be informative - the doctor will only be able to see the walls and large tumors, gastroptosis (prolapse of the stomach). The intestines are checked using colonoscopy, the stomach - gastroscopy, these studies are not pleasant, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to replace them with a “harmless” ultrasound. Bone structures, such as the spine, are not examined using ultrasound; for this purpose, there are x-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

3 Is it possible to detect breast or lung cancer this way?

– The lungs are a hollow organ, so ultrasound in this case will be of little information. But formations in the chest, even the smallest ones, can be seen on an ultrasound. That is why it is recommended that women, even if there are no complaints, undergo an ultrasound scan every 2 years until age 35, and every year after age 40 (plus mammography). It is best to do an ultrasound of the mammary glands immediately after the critical days, that is, on the 6th–9th day of the menstrual cycle.

4 Is it possible to brush your teeth, smoke, drink water and take medications before an ultrasound?

– Brushing your teeth is fine, unless, of course, you have the habit of swallowing toothpaste. You can also drink water. Diabetics are even allowed tea and a piece of dried bread. But it is better to hold off on smoking if you are planning an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, in particular the gallbladder. The doctor must decide about medications in each specific case: for example, there is no need to cancel thyroid hormones before examining the thyroid gland itself or antihypertensive drugs before echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) or vascular examination. And sometimes medications become part of the preparation for an ultrasound - if a person has a tendency to increased gas
formation in the intestines, in addition to diet, he is also prescribed adsorbents.

5 How many times can you go for an ultrasound?

- As much as you need, as much as you can. This is a common question for pregnant women: usually ultrasounds are done 4 times during the entire pregnancy, but sometimes it is necessary much more often. Doctors reassure: there can be no terrible “irradiation” from the sensor, this is not an x-ray, and a regular obstetric ultrasound will not harm either the mother or the child. On the contrary, this is the only test with which you can see the details of the structure of the fetus, and if there are problems, identify them as early as possible.

6 At what age are children allowed to undergo ultrasound diagnostics?

– From the first days of life, and if you take into account obstetric ultrasounds, even before birth. It doesn't hurt - just a little ticklish, it's not scary, it's not dangerous, and if the doctor has the talent of Mary Poppins, it can be funny.

7 Can a diagnosis made using ultrasound be a mistake?

– Quite, and it’s not that uncommon. It all depends on the qualifications of the doctor who does the ultrasound, on the machine, on whether you are well prepared (for example, if there is a lot of gas in the intestines, this can distort the picture), even on your weight. The doctor may see something that is not there, or not see something that is already there, due to its small size. Sometimes it happens that a kidney stone detected by ultrasound upon repeated examination turns out to be a stone in the gall bladder. The doctor may see a mass formation, for example in the ovary, but cannot say exactly what he found. Ultrasound results are serious information for the doctor, but not yet a definitive diagnosis.

In gynecology, ultrasound serves as the main method of confirming the primary diagnosis. During the procedure, it is possible to make an adequate assessment of the condition of the female reproductive organs, in particular the uterus, ligaments and periuterine space. The examination can be performed vaginally or abdominally, which depends on various determining factors (type of pathology, presence or absence of pregnancy).

Many representatives of the fairer sex ask a completely logical question: if a gynecological ultrasound is prescribed, on what day of the cycle is it better to undergo the examination? The optimal period is also determined by the characteristics of the clinical case. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly prepare for the procedure and in what situations it can be performed.

What can be seen during diagnosis

If a woman is prescribed an ultrasound after visiting the gynecologist, she will definitely be interested in knowing what screening of the pelvic organs can show. The presented diagnostic method is quite often used to confirm or refute various diseases, as well as body conditions.

During the examination, the following can be revealed:

1. Type of pregnancy and location of the fertilized egg (in the uterine cavity, in the fallopian tube or on the cervix).
2. Individual characteristics of the reproductive organ and developmental anomalies (bicornuate, saddle-shaped, double uterus).
3. Progression of inflammatory diseases.
4. Pathological proliferation of endometrial tissue.
5. Determining the presence of purulent contents, fluid or blood in the fallopian tubes.
6. Fetal remains after gynecological cleansing.
7. The condition of the reproductive organs after childbirth.
8. Tumor neoplasms with an approximate determination of the degree of their malignancy.
9. The presence of polyps on the endometrial layer.
10. Number, size and localization zones of myomatous nodes.
11. Determination of cystic formations, including detection of pedicle torsion.
12. The presence or absence of pathological fluid in the pelvic organs.

In gynecology, ultrasound is also actively prescribed to women who are about to undergo in vitro fertilization. Thanks to the study, it is possible to dynamically monitor the condition of the ovaries and determine the day of ovulation, and subsequently monitor the quality of embryo attachment and its stage of development.

Methods for performing the procedure

Depending on the purpose for which the patient is prescribed an ultrasound in gynecology, on what day of the cycle, what is her initial state of health, as well as the degree of complexity of the clinical case, specialists in the field of gynecology distinguish several types of diagnostics.

Ultrasound screening can be performed using several methods:

• transvaginally - provides the most accurate information if progression of pathologies of the female reproductive system is suspected (the sensor is inserted into the vagina);
• transabdominal - performed for patients who have not yet had intimate intimacy, as well as for diagnosing severe diseases (the sensor is in contact with the anterior wall of the abdomen);
• transrectally - in rare cases it is prescribed to virgins, and in terms of information content it is not inferior to the first method (the sensor is inserted into the rectum).

In gynecology, ultrasound is also prescribed to women when there is a need to assess the condition of the ovaries. This procedure is called folliculometry and is done transvaginally. During pregnancy, three routine screenings are always carried out. If the period is early (first trimester), then the sensor is inserted into the vagina; in later periods, an abdominal procedure is performed.

In gynecological practice, experts identify a number of diseases and conditions for which the patient may be prescribed the procedure in question.

The main indications are:

1. Suspicion of pregnancy.
2. Menstrual irregularities.
3. Determination of treatment tactics and control of drug therapy for endometriosis.
4. Detection of tumors and other neoplasms.
5. In preparation for the curettage procedure and after it.
6. Scheduled preventive examination.
7. Identifying the causes of infertility.

The indications presented are the most common, but according to medical opinion, the list may be expanded.

Contraindications to the procedure

Even such a seemingly harmless procedure as ultrasound screening of the pelvic organs in gynecology has certain contraindications:

• progression of acute inflammatory processes;
• operations performed on the rectum or in the uterine cavity (performed transvaginally or transrectally, that is, interchangeable);
• pyoderma (purulent rashes on the skin);
• progressive infectious pathologies.

A referral for the procedure must be issued by a leading specialist, since he first conducts a full examination of the patient and pays attention to the presence or absence of prohibitions on ultrasound.

How to prepare properly

When a patient is prescribed a pelvic ultrasound in gynecology, preparing for this procedure will not be difficult, but there are some nuances, and they have a direct relationship with the method by which screening will be performed.

When carrying out transabdominal diagnostics, you need to stop eating foods that cause fermentation in the intestines (fatty foods, carbonated drinks, beans, legumes, cabbage, black bread) for about three days. On the eve of the study, in the evening, dinner should be no later than 19:00, in the morning you are only allowed to drink clean water.

If a transvaginal ultrasound is prescribed, then it is also necessary to follow a diet; before diagnosis, you should refrain from eating for about 4 hours, and you must empty your bladder before entering the procedure room. In the case of a transrectal examination, it will also be necessary to perform a cleansing enema.

Timing of ultrasound

In what way, as well as on what day, a gynecological ultrasound will be scheduled is determined by the leading specialist. If the procedure is prescribed as planned, then the optimal time will be the first half of the menstrual cycle.

At this time, the endometrial layer is quite thin, so it lends itself well to visualization on the monitor, and the doctor can easily identify pathological abnormalities. Polyps, condylomas, and small tumors will be clearly visible on the mucous membrane. If you clearly answer on what day a gynecological ultrasound is performed, then this is the 3-5th day after the end of menstrual bleeding.

It is also worth noting that starting from the second phase of the cycle, a corpus luteum forms on the ovary, which can be mistaken for a pathological cystic formation. In addition, a question may arise as to when it is better to do a gynecological ultrasound if there are complaints about deteriorating reproductive health.

When a woman notices that her menstrual cycle has gone wrong, pain in the lower abdomen appears, and there is atypical vaginal discharge with a characteristic unpleasant odor, then the procedure can be performed on any convenient day. If there is a delay, diagnosis is made on the 5-10th day.

How to perform the procedure

If the patient suspects that she is developing some pathological condition, then the day of the cycle does not matter. Ultrasound in gynecology is initially necessary for diagnosing diseases, so a woman should go to see a doctor as early as possible, where she will tell him all her complaints.

Depending on the method of the procedure, it will be carried out differently:

1. Transvaginally. A woman needs to undress from the waist down, lie down on the couch, and bend her knees. After this, a sensor is inserted into the vagina, on which a condom is previously placed. The patient does not feel pain, but there is discomfort.
2. Transrectally. This research method is carried out identically to the previous one. The only differences are that the sensor used is thinner and it is inserted into the rectum.
3. Abdominal. During this procedure, the girl bares her stomach and lies on her side or back on the couch. The anterior abdominal wall is lubricated with conductive gel, after which the sensor is moved over the desired areas.

The ultrasound diagnostic procedure, regardless of the technique used to perform it, should not be accompanied by painful sensations. If they are present, then you must inform your doctor about this.

What indicators are assessed?

Without special medical education, it is unlikely that you will be able to understand what the results of the ultrasound screening indicate.

When decrypting, the specialist receives the following information:

• shape of the reproductive organ;
• endometrial thickness;
• the presence or absence of neoplasms of various types.

In most clinical cases, based on the results of ultrasound, the gynecologist confirms the initial diagnosis.

Patients' opinions on diagnosis

Those women who, for certain indications, were prescribed an ultrasound in gynecology, leave positive reviews. This is due to the fact that the procedure is not associated with painful sensations, and also does not require serious preliminary preparation.

The cost of diagnostics directly depends on the diagnosis made, as well as the level of the chosen medical institution. When conducting research using modern equipment, the level of effectiveness is quite high. Depending on the clinic and the completeness of the examination, the price of a pelvic ultrasound can vary from 1,500 to 22,000 rubles

When is the best time to undergo a gynecological ultrasound?

Gynecological ultrasound is best performed 3-5 days after the end of menstruation, but no later than 7-10 days of the cycle, if you count from the beginning of menstruation from the first day. Patients ask why gynecological ultrasound is best done in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. It's simple: during this period, the endometrium, which is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the uterus, is quite thin. If there are any pathologies of the uterine cavity or endometrium, for example, fibroids, hyperplasia, polyps, it is easier to examine them on ultrasound with a thin endometrium than with a thick one. The endometrium thickens in the second phase of the cycle and small polyps can hide in its thickness, remaining unnoticed.

From the second half of the cycle, a follicle begins to mature in one of the ovaries, which explains the appearance of cysts with a diameter of 2-3 cm. These cysts are normal physiological structures and are either a corpus luteum cyst or a follicle that should soon ovulate. In the first 3-5 days from the beginning of menstruation and at the very end of the menstrual cycle, small cysts with a diameter of up to 7-12 mm are distinguished in the ovaries. This is considered the norm. However, it is almost impossible to distinguish them by their external structure from pathological cysts that need to be removed.

Indications for a gynecological ultrasound in the middle or second half of the menstrual cycle are observations of follicle maturation in order to confirm the fact of ovulation. This study is indicated for women seeing a specialist for infertility.

Is it worth performing a gynecological ultrasound during menstruation?

Menstrual blood does not allow the doctor to properly examine the internal cavity of the uterus, however, to assess the condition of the ovaries and uterine walls, it is advisable to conduct an ultrasound examination during this period.

Preparation for gynecological ultrasound. What and how?

Girls who have not previously had sexual intercourse (virgins) must have a full bladder before the study. To do this, it is enough to drink 1-1.5 liters of non-cold liquid and avoid urinating for 40 minutes before the procedure. In other cases, it is necessary, on the contrary, to empty the bladder before a gynecological ultrasound.

Stages of gynecological ultrasound

Gynecological ultrasound can be performed either as an independent examination or as part of an examination by a gynecologist. Very often, it is the gynecologist who performs the ultrasound examination. In this case, the ultrasound machine will be located in the gynecological examination room.

• Before the test, your doctor will ask you to empty your bladder if you are not a virgin. Before starting the procedure, you need to remove some of your clothes and lie down on the couch.
• A gynecological ultrasound is performed using a vaginal probe called an abdominal probe. This sensor is an elongated cylinder with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm. Before inserting the sensor into the vagina, the doctor will put a special nozzle or condom on it and apply a special gel that facilitates the passage of ultrasonic waves.
• After this, the sensor will be inserted into the vagina. This procedure is completely painless and should not frighten the patient. A gynecological ultrasound lasts only 10-20 minutes.
• At the end of the study, the doctor gives the patient a conclusion. Thanks to modern equipment, it is possible to shoot short films and take photographs, recording them on digital media. These images and films can be subsequently transferred to another doctor to review the patient’s medical history and obtain another independent opinion for a more complete picture of the condition of the female reproductive system.

At the Norma medical center, every woman will be able to undergo a gynecological ultrasound and learn everything about the state of her health. The clinic employs experienced specialists using modern equipment that allows for a complete diagnosis of diseases of the reproductive organs, based on its results, making an objective diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribing effective treatment.

Ultrasound examination in obstetrics and gynecology is one of the most informative and safe methods for examining the internal genital organs. For him, as for many types of examination, a certain kind of preparation is important. Therefore, it is important to understand how to correctly and at what period it is better to do an ultrasound to identify problems in the functioning of the female genital organs.

Transabdominal examination

Diagnostic methods

It is possible to obtain reliable information about the condition and anatomy of the internal genital organs thanks to high-frequency ultrasonic waves. Using ultrasound, you can evaluate the organs being examined in real time and check the blood flow in the vessels. The duration of the procedure is short.

Examination of the pelvic organs using ultrasound allows you to evaluate the structure and condition of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This study is carried out for fibroids, cysts, inflammatory diseases and other pathologies of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound is performed in three ways:

• Transvaginal examination. An ultrasound scan through the vagina will help diagnose the presence of genital pathology as accurately as possible. Thanks to the introduction of a special sensor into the vagina, clear visualization of all parts of the examined area is ensured. Transvaginal examination allows for a procedure such as folliculometry, which is a method of performing ultrasound of the ovaries in women. It becomes possible to assess the degree of maturation of follicles in the ovaries. Considering the physiological characteristics of the female reproductive system, be sure to discuss with your doctor on what day the procedure should be performed. In order to diagnose infertility, using the transvaginal method it is possible to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes or, as they are also called, the fallopian tubes.
• Transabdominal examination is carried out by guiding the sensor along the surface of the anterior abdominal wall, that is, non-invasively, without penetration of the sensor into the patient’s body. With this method, ultrasound is allowed during menstruation.
• Transrectal examination, which is an alternative to transvaginal examination, can be performed on virgins by inserting a probe into the rectum.

Methods of gynecological ultrasound examination

Indications for testing

For preventive purposes, a gynecological examination is recommended to be carried out at least once a year for all women. The frequency of examination in the presence of chronic diseases, for example, fibroids or cysts, can be increased. Also, the gynecologist may prescribe an unscheduled and sometimes emergency examination if the patient has the following symptoms:

• Painful menstruation;
• Delayed or absent menstruation (amenorrhea);
• Irregularity of menstruation (cycle failure when there are less than 20 and more than 35 days between menstruation);
• Sudden spotting or bleeding between periods;
• Pain during sexual intercourse;
• Suspicious vaginal discharge;
• Atypical enlargement of the uterus, which is detected when examining the uterus in speculum or two-handed examination;
• Pregnancy;
• Infertility.

Optimal timing

If you delve into the physiological characteristics of the female body, you can figure out on your own what day of the menstrual cycle to do a gynecological ultrasound. The favorable time for an ultrasound is the first 3-5 days after menstruation, counting from the very first day of the onset of menstruation. However, it is not recommended to conduct the study later than 8-10 days of the menstrual cycle. The appointment of gynecological ultrasound exclusively in the first phase of the menstrual cycle is not accidental.

This is due to the fact that it is during this period of time that the mucous membrane of the uterus, the so-called endometrium, has a minimum density. And with a reduced endometrial layer, pathologies of the uterine cavity such as fibroids, hyperplasia, cysts and polyps are quite easily visualized. Therefore, only a qualified specialist can correctly set the date for an ultrasound scan.

In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, a significant thickening of the endometrium occurs, therefore, the smallest pathologies may be hidden in its layers, which during a given time period will go unnoticed.

It is noteworthy that during the period from the middle and in the second phases of the menstrual cycle, small cysts with a diameter of about 2 cm can alternately form in the ovaries. As a rule, this is either a follicle that should ovulate in the near future, or a kind of corpus luteum cyst that forms on the spot ruptured follicle and can last up to two weeks. Both formations are physiological structures characteristic of the female body. Therefore, when performing an ultrasound in this phase, it can be difficult for gynecologists to determine exactly what structure these formations have.

The indication for an ultrasound before menstruation is the diagnosis of the formation and development of the follicle to ascertain the completed phase of ovulation. Typically, this procedure is performed to evaluate and treat women with infertility or in preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, as well as the fallopian tubes, must be performed within the above-mentioned periods, namely, on days 6-8 of the menstrual cycle. But there are circumstances in which the doctor needs to assess the functionality of the ovaries, namely the development of the follicle and the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum. In such cases, the question arises when is it better to do an ultrasound of the ovaries. It should be noted that this examination must be carried out several times throughout the menstrual cycle, for example, the first time on days 8-11 of the cycle, the second time on days 15-18, and the third time on days 23-25.

If a patient who consults a gynecologist complains of pain in the lower third of the abdomen, purulent discharge or excessively heavy menstruation, then on what day of the cycle an ultrasound is done is not significant. If menstruation is delayed, the procedure is carried out upon request to exclude serious pathological processes.

Ultrasound diagnostic device

Ultrasound during menstruation

Before going to the doctor, many patients wonder whether it is possible to do an ultrasound during menstruation? The answer to this question is quite ambiguous. It is not recommended to carry out a routine examination in the presence of bloody discharge, as this can create additional discomfort and pain for the woman, and existing blood in the uterus can significantly complicate the examination, interfering with the review, and making the procedure insufficiently informative. In general, this is not a contraindication and an ultrasound can be done during menstruation, for example, in case of emergency.

Common diseases

As a result of the study, many diseases can be identified, for example:

1. Uterine fibroids are a benign neoplasm in the muscular layer of the uterus. The use of ultrasound for fibroids is a mandatory diagnostic method. This disease is characterized by symptoms that depend on the size of the tumor and its location: periodic aching pain in the lower abdomen, prolonged menstruation and uterine bleeding in the middle of the cycle. On the monitor, in the presence of fibroids, an increase in the volume of the uterus and the formation of a myomatous nodule are noted. Ultrasound of uterine fibroids can detect even small nodes, up to 1 cm in diameter.
2. Endometriotic polyps are uneven growth of the inner mucous membrane of the uterus. This disease is most often asymptomatic and the main study in this case is ultrasound. Sometimes individual pathological symptoms are observed in the form of infertility or spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
3. Endometriosis is a pathological process of proliferation of the inner mucous membrane of the uterine body, lining its cavity (endometrium). The disease is characterized by extremely painful periods, an unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge and the occurrence of bleeding in the middle of the cycle. Ultrasound examination for endometriosis, unlike ultrasound of uterine fibroids, is not a reliable method of examination, but helps to prescribe additional diagnostic measures to make a diagnosis.
4. Ovarian cysts are round formations filled with fluid and located in the ovarian cavity. Common symptoms include menstrual irregularities, pain in the lower abdomen, and infertility. If you have this disease, you can do an ultrasound even during menstruation.

Preparing for the study

Despite the fact that the patient can undergo examination at her own request, it is still worth first consulting with a doctor on which day of the cycle is best to do an ultrasound.

Before the procedure, you should empty your bladder, undress to the waist and lie down on the couch. Before a transvaginal examination, the doctor puts a special attachment on the transvaginal sensor and treats it with a gel that improves the passage of ultrasound waves. There is no discomfort when inserting the sensor.

Thanks to ultrasound, the level of diagnosis of gynecological diseases has significantly improved, and the number of accurate and timely diagnoses has increased. Only the treating gynecologist can say with confidence on what day it is worth doing an ultrasound of the uterus. By following the recommendations for conducting an ultrasound gynecological examination taking into account the menstrual cycle, the doctor will be able to correctly and accurately make a diagnosis and begin timely treatment.