Ultrasound Pelvis Scan and its uses
A pelvic ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the organs inside your pelvis, the area below your belly button and between your hip bones. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes in both men and women.
Here are some of the most common uses of a pelvic ultrasound:
In women:
- To diagnose and monitor problems with the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes: This includes conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and endometriosis.
- To monitor pregnancy: Pelvic ultrasounds are routinely used to check on the baby’s growth and development, as well as to assess the mother’s placenta and amniotic fluid.
- To investigate abnormal bleeding or pain: This could be due to a variety of factors, such as ovulation, mittelschmerz (painful ovulation), or uterine polyps.
- To evaluate fertility: Pelvic ultrasounds can be used to assess the health of the eggs and follicles in the ovaries, as well as to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
- To guide procedures: Pelvic ultrasounds can be used to guide procedures such as biopsies, cyst aspirations, and IUD insertions.
In men:
- To assess the prostate gland: This is usually done as part of a prostate cancer screening or to investigate symptoms such as difficulty urinating.
- To diagnose testicular problems: This could include conditions such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or hydrocele (fluid collection around the testicles).
- To investigate urinary tract problems: This could include conditions such as kidney stones or bladder tumors.
Other uses:
- To assess the blood supply to the pelvic organs: This can be helpful in diagnosing conditions such as vascular disease.
- To guide drainage of fluid collections: This could be done for abscesses or other types of fluid collections in the pelvis.
Pelvic ultrasounds are a safe and effective way to image the pelvic organs. They are relatively painless and do not involve exposure to radiation. If you have any questions or concerns about a pelvic ultrasound, please talk to your doctor.