Hello my dear readers. I recently read in one popular newspaper that millions of girls and women turn to doctors every day with complaints about gynecological problems.

In this article, I decided to touch upon the topic of pelvic ultrasound.

Barely noticeable ailments may indicate the development of pathology of the reproductive system, which is why it is so important to regularly carry out ultrasound examinations.

The internal organs of the female pelvis include:

• the uterus, in which the formation and development of the fetus occurs;
• ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones;
• fallopian tubes, in which mature eggs are fertilized;

These organs are responsible for the ability to reproduce offspring, and also affect the state of the body system as a whole, since they produce important hormones.

The action of estrogens, progesterones and androgens produced by the ovaries is closely related to such health indicators as: general emotional background and metabolism, the development of adipose tissue, the condition of the mammary glands, bones and epidermis.

Regular visits to the gynecologist and functional diagnostics of the condition of the pelvic organs are necessary for every woman, regardless of the presence or absence of complaints - this is precisely what prevention of disease development consists of.

However, more often the study is used for medical reasons - in the presence of confirmed ailments or suspicious symptoms that require a diagnosis.

• Menstrual irregularities.
• Pain during menstruation, excessive or scanty bleeding.
• Unexplained pain.
• Suspicion of infertility.
• Inflammatory diseases of the female organs.
• Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.).
• Suspicions of the presence of neoplasms (cysts, polyps, tumors).
• Observation after surgery.
• Monitoring the position of the intrauterine device after its installation.
• Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy.
• Monitoring pregnancy and diagnosing fetal development.

There are three types of ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women, differing in the ways of accessing the organ being examined:

Transabdominal - through the abdominal wall using an external sensor. This method was once very common, but today, with medical institutions equipped with modern equipment, it has almost ceased to be used.

Transvaginal - access is carried out using a sensor-probe inserted through the vagina up to the cervix. Its obvious advantage is the accuracy of observation results due to the maximum proximity of the sensor to the uterus.

Transrectal - a special sensor is inserted through the rectum. Used in cases where examination through the vagina is impossible: in virgins, if it is necessary to clarify the results of a transabdominal ultrasound.

A detailed description of these methods can be found in the next section.

When a gynecologist prescribes an ultrasound, you need to take into account the method of performing it, because This is what determines the specifics of preparation for the procedure.

Preparing for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Typically, gynecologists prescribe transvaginal ultrasound, for which no special preparation is required. There are no restrictions related to liquid or food intake. Of course, a woman should take care of personal hygiene, given the method of examination.

The sterility of transvaginal ultrasound is ensured using disposable means - the sensor-probe is protected by a special medical condom. Sometimes the patient is asked to purchase a condom on his own. It should not be confused with a standard means of contraception - condoms for ultrasound with the same name are sold in every pharmacy.

Note: if the doctor has prescribed a transvaginal ultrasound in combination with laboratory tests (smear for hidden infections, microflora or cytology), an ultrasound should only be done after collection of smears, because The gel that generously covers the sensor gets on the vaginal mucosa and distorts the test results.

Transrectal examination requires preliminary bowel preparation. A few hours before the appointment, the patient should do a small enema (300-350 ml of water) to cleanse the rectum.

Transabdominal ultrasound differs in more thorough preparation for the examination.

During the day before the appointment, you should not eat food that increases gas formation in the intestines (vegetables, fruits, carbonated drinks, brown bread, sweets, etc.) - accumulations of gases can distort the observation picture.

The procedure must be carried out with a full bladder - otherwise it will be difficult for the doctor to “examine” the uterus and ovaries. An hour to an hour and a half before the test, you need to drink a liter of still water and not have a bowel movement until it’s over.

In what phase of the menstrual cycle should a pelvic ultrasound be performed?

Taking into account the characteristics of the female reproductive system, the study should be carried out on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Usually, gynecologists recommend doing an ultrasound immediately after the end of menstruation - on the 5th–7th day of the new cycle.

The fact is that the functional state of the female pelvic organs continuously changes throughout the monthly cycle.

So, having done an ultrasound in the last phase of the cycle, you can mistakenly mistake epithelial growths for a pathology, which will completely naturally “disappear” during menstruation. Therefore, doctors give clear recommendations regarding the period of the study.

However, sometimes it is necessary to observe the functional state of the reproductive system. In these cases, ultrasound can be performed several times during one cycle in order to track the dynamics of the development of the dominant follicle, the onset of ovulation and other processes.

You can do an ultrasound during menstruation. The duration of menstruation in some women reaches 7–8 days, which means that the period recommended for examination occurs before their end.

In addition, if sharp pain or acute conditions occur, specialists perform an ultrasound scan promptly and urgently. The sterility of the procedure and personal protective measures for the patient eliminate the risk of infection.

Ultrasound during pregnancy is absolutely harmless and cannot cause any harm to the developing fetus. Questions related to conducting Ultrasound in pregnant women, deserve special attention and are highlighted in a separate article.

How is an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs performed?

The examination procedure is absolutely painless. The patient, having undressed from the waist down, lies on the couch with her back down.

If ultrasound is performed externally, the doctor generously lubricates the procedure site with a special gel to ensure better contact of the sensor with the surface of the skin and, with slight pressure, slowly moves the device within the pelvic area.

If a transvaginal ultrasound is performed, a probe with a diameter of 1.5–2 cm, covered with a disposable condom, is inserted deep into the vagina.

As a rule, a woman feels quite comfortable during this procedure. For optimal penetration, it is necessary, lying on your back, to slightly spread your legs slightly bent at the knees.

The sensor is connected to an ultrasound machine, the monitor of which displays an accurate dynamic image of the observed organs, tissues and their structure (with magnification).

Such accuracy is achieved due to the ability of ultrasound, passing through the boundaries of organs and tissues of various structures, to respond with changes in the magnitude of the acoustic response.

What does pelvic ultrasound reveal in women?

During the diagnosis, which lasts about 20 minutes, the specialist has time to study:

• position and size of the uterus;
• cervical condition;
• thickness and features of the endometrium (the inner layer lining the uterine cavity);
• the presence of pathological inclusions and neoplasms;
• size and position of the ovaries;
• condition and patency of the fallopian tubes (presence of adhesions);
• number and condition of follicles;
• congenital anomalies of the structure of MT organs;
• the presence of free fluid in the pelvis.

In most cases, the data obtained as a result of ultrasound is a reliable conclusion about the health of the patient’s reproductive system.

Based on the results of ultrasound, the following diseases can be identified:

• neoplasms of the uterus or ovaries (fibroids, polyps, cysts, etc.);
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (salpiginitis, oophoritis, acute inflammatory disease of the uterus, pelvic peritonitis, etc.);
• endometriosis;
• malignant tumors;
• functional disorders of the reproductive system;
• congenital pathologies of organ structure.

Since deviations from the average values ​​of healthy indicators are present to one degree or another in every person, the patient should be able to correctly “read” the results of his studies in order to have a correct idea of ​​the state of his body.

For this purpose, you can familiarize yourself with and decipher the results of the conclusion obtained.

Well, that's all. If you have any questions or comments, ask them in the comments to the article.

I would like to say finally - take care of your health and the health of your loved ones. You can't buy it for any money. All the best!

Pelvic ultrasound is performed on women and men for many reasons. Sometimes some patients try to avoid this type of diagnosis - either out of false modesty, or out of fear of finding out a bad diagnosis. Let's consider the main features of the procedure, its indications and contraindications, as well as what can be seen during such an examination.

• Organs examined

  The ultrasound method for studying the pelvic organs differs between representatives of both sexes. And this is due mainly to the anatomical features of the organs being analyzed.

  Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is rightly considered an absolutely safe type of diagnosis, since in modern clinical practice the harmful effects of ultrasound on the human body have not yet been discovered.

  What is examined in women?

  Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is used to examine the following organs in women:

  • Ovarian
  • Uterus
  • Bladder
  • Uterine cervix
  • Fallopian tubes.

  This type of diagnosis is also used to analyze the conditions of pregnancy.

  What is examined in men?

  This ultrasound is a comprehensive examination and is used to analyze the condition of the following organs:

  • bladder (in this case, the amount of residual urine is additionally determined);
  • prostate gland (adjacent tissues and lymph nodes are additionally examined);
  • seminal vesicles.

  In what cases is it carried out?

  Indications for such examination for women

  This procedure is carried out when:

  • diagnosis of pregnancy abnormalities;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • the appearance of vaginal bleeding;
  • infertility.

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

  • Various urination disorders (when a patient consults a doctor with complaints of painful, frequent and difficult urination).
  • Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
  • Pain in the urinary area, as well as in the perineum and scrotum.
  • Attacks of colic.
  • The appearance of blood in seminal fluid and urine.
  • Trauma to the urinary tract, perineum, prostate gland.
  • If abnormalities in the structure of the genitourinary organs are detected, as well as when deviations in the functioning of these organs are detected.
  • If the patient has complaints of erectile dysfunction.
  • To clarify the indicators obtained from a digital examination of the prostate gland.

  An ultrasound should also be performed before planned surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.

  How to prepare?

  Men need to drink about a liter of liquid an hour to an hour and a half before undergoing a transabdominal examination.

  The procedure itself is carried out when the urge to urinate appears.

  If patients undergo a transrectal diagnostic ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, then they must prepare for it several days in advance. The main thing is to avoid consuming foods that increase gas production. Their excessive quantity will interfere with normal examination.

  Such products include:

  • bread;
  • alcoholic drinks, especially beer;
  • vegetables containing coarse types of fiber;
  • fermented milk dishes.

  On the day when the transrectal ultrasound is performed, the intestines should be cleansed.
  Women should have a bowel movement before a transvaginal examination. To reduce the formation of gases, you can take activated carbon, Mezim, etc.

  How does the research procedure work?

  In modern conditions, this procedure occurs with maximum comfort for all patients. However, the methodology for carrying them out differs depending on gender. There may be slight pain if the sensor touches a painful area. Sometimes discomfort appears when the sensor is inserted into the rectum.

  If a biopsy is performed (for example, of the prostate gland), then the patient experiences additional discomfort associated with the insertion of a thin needle into the organ. However, such sensations are minimal, since the doctor inserts the needle into a place where the number of nerve endings is minimal.

  Carrying out the procedure in women

  In women, the doctor conducts an examination transabdominally, transvaginally or transrectally.

  During a transabdominal examination, the patient lies on a couch, which can freely change the angle of inclination and other parameters. A special harmless gel is applied to the skin (for a closer contact of the sensor with the skin).

  The bladder should be full. The specialist moves the sensor over areas of the patient’s skin, pressing it against the skin. This way he can examine the organ being examined in more detail.

  This type of examination is convenient because it is not invasive, i.e. during examination, the sensor does not penetrate into the natural environment of the body

  A transvaginal test involves the doctor inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina. A condom is placed over the sensor and a gel is applied to it. The position of the patient is the same as during a regular examination by a gynecologist.

  

  With the transvaginal method, a full bladder is not required, and the information content of the procedure is much higher than with the transabdominal type of examination

  A rectal examination involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum. This type of procedure is prescribed to girls. The patient lies in a lateral position with her knees bent.

  Features of the procedure for men

  The doctor chooses one of the following methods for performing a pelvic ultrasound.
  Transabdominal examination of the pelvic organs occurs using an ordinary sensor emitting ultrasound waves. It moves along the abdominal wall (the bladder must be full).

  Thus, the specialist can see the condition of all organs being examined, the thickness and structure of their walls and other parameters. The same diagnosis is carried out after urination (during such an examination, the doctor also determines the amount of remaining urine).

  A rectal examination is performed using a specially designed probe that is inserted into the anus. This study is done in cases where the patient cannot hold urine in the bladder for a long time (this happens during inflammation of the organ, as well as with urinary incontinence).

  In this way, it is possible to detect pathologies that are not visualized by conventional transabdominal examination. The doctor can clearly see stones, abscesses, cysts and other foreign objects. Sometimes, during a transrectal examination, a prostate biopsy is performed (this procedure is necessarily carried out under ultrasound control).

  

  This type of examination combines high information content and accessibility, and also allows you to diagnose most possible pathologies

  Doppler examination is an additional clarifying diagnosis. It makes it possible to see the causes of circulatory disorders in the pelvic organs and detect other vascular lesions.

  Detected pathologies

  Based on such a study, the doctor makes his conclusion and makes a diagnosis. The results can be provided in the form of pictures, or recorded on a digital disk.

  In women

  The doctor evaluates the structure of the uterine tissue, its dimensions and location, the location of the ovaries, and the presence of a follicle. In addition, the following parameters are examined:

  • the presence of formations of different nature and degree of malignancy in the uterus and gonads;
    urinary condition, its dimensions;
  • the presence of various types of pathologies of the colon and rectum.
  • During the study, the results obtained are compared with the norm. The presence of deviations indicates certain dysfunctions of the body part being diagnosed:
  • if the study showed a change in the thickness of the cervix, a change in the size of the uterine tubes - this indicates a high risk of developing cancer;
  • if the image shows formations of different sizes or geometric shapes, this indicates the presence of cysts and fibroids in the body;
  • a reduced uterus (as well as with enlarged ovaries) indicates that a woman has polycystic disease;

  If such an examination shows that the examined organs have changed their echogenicity, the sonologist usually diagnoses endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

  In men

  Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in men visualizes:

  • kidney stones;
  • tumors of the urinary gland, prostate gland;
  • disorders of the development and functioning of the urinary tract;
  • neoplasms in the pelvic area;
  • diseases of the prostate, seminal vesicles;
  • anomalies of the rectum.

  Choosing a research method

  A pelvic ultrasound can be done using the methods described above; one of them is determined individually. Usually, when prescribing a gynecologist, he recommends a study, the time of its implementation and talks about preparation for diagnosis.

  In the case when an ultrasound examination is carried out without first visiting a gynecologist, the choice of method and preparation for it is independent.

  All girls who have not begun sexual activity are examined transabdominally. The abdominal method requires pre-filling of the bladder to improve visualization.

  For women, examination of the pelvic organs is most often performed transvaginally. However, it is possible to use both methods - first, examination through the abdomen, and then (after emptying the bladder) TVUS.

  During pregnancy, the examination is performed transabdominally, and preliminary filling of the bladder is not required. TV is used in case of low position of the fetus.

  Feelings during the study

  Often among patients, especially young ones, the question arises about whether it hurts during an ultrasound.

  Doing a transabdominal examination is absolutely painless. You can only feel a chill from applying the gel to the lower abdomen. With transvaginal, a short-term feeling of discomfort is possible when the sensor is inserted. If pain occurs during an ultrasound, you should tell your doctor about this, as this is not normal.

  Frequency of ultrasound

  This issue remains important and controversial in gynecological practice.

  The harmlessness of the method has been confirmed by many years of experience. This allows the use of ultrasound in every necessary case. However, like any other study, ultrasound is correct to do when indicated. After menopause, annual ultrasound examinations are recommended.

  Given the absence of harmful effects on women, frequent use of this method is possible. This makes it possible to conduct an annual analysis of women even before the onset of menopause and identify precancerous diseases and oncology at an early stage.

  Study protocol

  Every healthcare organization has its own template. The differences relate more to design, but all protocols have established measurement and evaluation parameters. An example of this (ultrasound of the pelvic organs) is presented below.

  For research during pregnancy, there are separate protocols for each trimester. They must indicate the class of the apparatus (expert, high), since the quality and reliability of the analyzes depends on this.

  Normal test results

  OMT ultrasound can be performed at any age. In pediatric practice, the transabdominal method is used.

  In newborn girls, the cervix is ​​not differentiated; a general measurement of the uterus is performed. The size of the organ is increased due to the hormonal background of the mother, and the uterus shrinks during the first year of life. It is 8-10*10-15*30-40 mm. The organ restores this size by 7 years.

  

  the arrow indicates a narrow cavity

  Table of female organ sizes depending on age.

  Notes The length of the uterus up to 10 years was measured together with the cervix. After the start of menstruation, measurements are taken in the first phase of the cycle.

  During the reproductive period, indicators of the size of the uterus have a wide range and depend on a number of factors (the presence and number of pregnancies, their interruptions, the number of births).

  Table of uterine sizes during the reproductive period.

  Ultrasound after menopause can detect uterine involution. The decrease in its value depends on the duration of menopause.

  Size of the uterus at menopause.

  The thickness of the endometrium is an important parameter, which also changes during the menstrual cycle: from 0.6-0.9 cm in proliferation to 1.1-1.6 cm at the end of the cycle (photo of the endometrium during various phases is normal. No change in M -An echo during the cycle is a pathology, which indicates hormonal disorders.

  

  the condition of the walls, the thickness of the layers and echogenicity are determined. The size of the ovaries also changes with age: active growth is observed in adolescence, and involution occurs with the onset of menopause.

  Linear parameters are used to estimate size, but ovarian volume is more important. During the reproductive period, the volume norm does not exceed 8 cm³. With the onset of menopause, the volume decreases: after a year - to 4.5 cm³, 5 years - to 2.5 cm³, 10 years - no more than 1.5 cm³. At any age, the volume of the right and left ovaries should normally not differ by more than 1.5 cm³.

  

  size, structure and echogenicity are determined

  Uterus measurement video

  The interpretation of the results should be carried out correctly taking into account age, reproductive history, and the day of the menstrual cycle (if menstruation is present).

  Dopplerography

  All types of ultrasound in gynecology can be supplemented with assessment of uterine blood flow. This method shows the condition of the arteries, and with the help of color flow it is also possible to assess capillary blood flow and differentiate focal formations. Ultrasound ultrasound is important for obstetricians. Doppler ultrasound may show changes in blood flow in the uterine and umbilical cord vessels. Based on these parameters, the risk of intrauterine growth retardation at the preclinical stage is identified. In older women, examination of the venous network can reveal their varicose veins.

  Standards for Doppler measurements include velocity indicators, and are also based on an assessment of the resistance index and systolic, systole-diastolic ratio.

  Conclusion

  After the doctor conducts this type of diagnosis, the patient must wait some time until a conclusion is drawn up. This usually takes a short time. Based on the diagnostic results, the necessary treatment is prescribed or additional clinical examinations are carried out.

  If a sonologist has prescribed a pelvic ultrasound for a patient, there is no need to refuse. After all, only based on the results of an accurate diagnosis can you select the most effective treatment for pelvic problems. On the contrary, untimely diagnosis has a negative impact on the effectiveness of treatment.

  Additional photos

  

  

  

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women is a safe and informative method of examining the reproductive system that can be used at various periods of a woman’s life, including pregnancy. A pelvic ultrasound examines the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

An ultrasound of the pelvic organs is necessary in case of pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities, or if inflammatory diseases and tumor formations in the pelvis are suspected. Such an examination is used to monitor the development of pregnancy, identify the causes of infertility, and as a preventive diagnostic procedure. Women who care about their health are recommended to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs at least once a year.

There are two methods of conducting research - transvaginal (through the vagina) and transabdominal (through the anterior abdominal wall). In any case, a pelvic ultrasound is recommended to be performed in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (5-7 days from the beginning of menstruation). To undergo an examination using the transvaginal method, no special preparation is required; it is enough to empty your bladder immediately before the examination. Ultrasound of the pelvis using the transabdominal method, on the contrary, is performed with a full bladder. You should not urinate for 3-4 hours before the procedure, and drink at least 1 liter of liquid an hour and a half before the examination.

Where to do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs in Moscow

If you are looking for where to have a pelvic ultrasound performed in Moscow, contact the Family Doctor JSC network of clinics. Ultrasound services are provided in all clinics of the network. In order to do a pelvic ultrasound, you can immediately sign up for the study, or you can first visit a gynecologist. Many gynecologists at Family Doctor JSC have a certificate as an ultrasound diagnostic specialist and perform this study. There is an additional advantage to having the diagnosis performed by the attending physician. The doctor will be able to obtain enough information to form the most complete picture of the situation.

The price for pelvic ultrasound is indicated below.

How to sign up for a pelvic ultrasound

You can sign up for an ultrasound of the pelvic organs through the call center, and if you have already been served by the Family Doctor, then through the service of your personal account. Taking into account the fact that a pelvic ultrasound can be done in any clinic, evaluate the location of our clinics and choose the one whose location is most convenient for you. The results of the study will be included in your electronic record, and if your gynecologist sees you in another of our clinics, he will see them immediately.

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) of the prostate, bladder, developmental anomalies 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.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs (PU) in women is a highly accurate diagnostic technique. It allows for a comprehensive examination of the uterus and appendage area. This procedure allows you to verify the correct location of the reproductive organs and identify pathology.

Types of pelvic ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the pelvis can be of several types:

• transvaginal,
• transabdominal,
• transrectal.

The first type of procedure does not require any preliminary preparation. The bottom line is that a special sensor is inserted directly into the vagina. This technique allows you to collect the maximum necessary information, since the sensor is located in close proximity to the organs being studied.

The advantages of the transvaginal technique are as follows:

• the ability to obtain accurate visualization of the area under study;
• monitoring the state of the internal organs of the reproductive system in real time;
• painlessness;
• the ability to conduct research in patients who have problems with urinary incontinence or other urological disorders.

Transvaginal ultrasound is also performed in the early stages of pregnancy. In this case, the procedure is needed for the following purposes:

• determination of intrauterine pregnancy;
• monitoring the condition of the ovaries and appendage area;
• observation of the embryo if a non-developing pregnancy is suspected;
• diagnostics for the risk of miscarriage.

Transabdominal examination is performed only on a full bladder. A few hours before the procedure, the patient needs to drink a liter of water and refrain from going to the toilet. Preparing for the study also involves a certain diet.

Important! A few days before the OMT ultrasound, you should avoid fatty and spicy foods, baked goods and drinks with gas.

Externally, the transabdominal version of the study resembles a regular ultrasound; the doctor passes a special sensor along the lower abdomen.

This method of ultrasound diagnostics has its advantages:

• the opportunity to see the condition of not only a specific organ, but also the entire small pelvis;
• a large tumor in the pelvis is clearly visualized;
• painlessness and harmlessness of the procedure;
• the opportunity to conduct an ultrasound examination of the pelvis in girls who have not started sexual activity.

Despite the large number of advantages, the transabdominal ultrasound scanning method has a number of disadvantages. The main disadvantages include:

• the image on the monitor will not be entirely clear, so the detail of the organs is quite poor;
• with a thickened abdominal wall or the presence of excess weight, problems may arise with visualizing the pathology of the uterus and appendages;
• adhesions in the pelvis can complicate diagnosis.

This scanning method is inferior in its information content to transvaginal ultrasound.

During transrectal ultrasound, a special ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum. The study is excellent for young girls (virgins), and is also used in studies of the male pelvic organs.

Indications for the procedure

There are a number of indications for ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Most often, the doctor prescribes the procedure if the following clinical situations are observed:

• severe menstrual pain;
• the need for diagnostics for neoplasms;
• disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
• pain in the lower abdomen that is systematic;
• infertility;
• pregnancy planning;
• presence of blood in vaginal discharge.

Preparing for a pelvic ultrasound

The ultrasound examination procedure does not require complex and lengthy preparation. It is better to come to the procedure in loose and comfortable clothes.

If a transabdominal examination is prescribed, the patient should arrive with a full bladder. To do this, you need to drink 3-4 glasses of water two hours before the test. This is necessary so that the doctor can easily visualize the ovaries and uterus.

In what phase of the menstrual cycle should a pelvic ultrasound be performed?

On what day of the cycle an ultrasound should be done is indicated by the doctor. The exact date depends on the expected diagnosis and the woman’s general well-being. For example, an emergency examination is carried out in case of bleeding or pain in the lower abdomen. In this case, the day of the menstrual cycle does not matter.

Reference! Most often, doctors recommend performing an ultrasound examination on days 7-9 of the menstrual cycle.

If there is a suspicion of uterine fibroids, then the manipulation is carried out immediately after the end of menstruation. To diagnose endometriosis, an ultrasound is performed before the onset of menstruation. When planning a pregnancy, the patient undergoes research in the first and second phases of the cycle.

During pregnancy, ultrasound diagnostics are performed to confirm the fact of pregnancy and in each trimester. At 11-12 weeks, the doctor performs the first fetal screening, and at 18-22 weeks - a second screening and 32-34 weeks - an ultrasound of the fetus. Every study is important because... allows you to identify a certain pathology of the fetus at each stage.

How does the procedure work?

Modern methods of ultrasound examination allow the procedure to be carried out as comfortably and without pain as possible. The algorithm for carrying out the manipulation depends on its type. Transabdominal examination is carried out as follows:

• the patient takes the required position and exposes the abdomen;
• the doctor lubricates the sensor with a special conductive gel and moves it over the abdomen.

Diagnostics can last from 5 to 20 minutes. A transvaginal examination involves inserting a probe into the vagina. Its diameter does not exceed 2 cm, so the patient does not feel pain during insertion.

An important aspect is the issue of hygiene. The doctor places a special thicker condom, designed for ultrasound, on the sensor. Only after this, a gel is applied to the sensor, which improves the conductivity of ultrasonic waves. For any type of study, data is displayed on a monitor that is synchronized with the sensor.

What does pelvic ultrasound reveal in women?

Information obtained during an ultrasound examination allows you to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The procedure allows you to determine:

• location of the uterus, its structure, wall thickness, condition of the endometrium;
• formations in the bladder or large intestine;
• formations in the uterus and ovaries;
• follicular reserve in the ovaries.

Thickening of the fallopian tube indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the area of ​​the appendages and infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome is indicated by enlarged ovaries with a large number of small follicles and the absence of a dominant follicle.

The ultrasound doctor describes in detail all the collected information in a special ultrasound protocol and at the end writes his conclusion. With this conclusion, the patient goes to a specialist who makes a final diagnosis and prescribes treatment if necessary.

After undergoing an ultrasound examination at the “Grandchildren of Hippocrates” medical center, the patient receives a doctor’s report with a transcript of the results.