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.
    Image of Ultrasound of an ovarian cyst
     
  • 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.
    Image of Ultrasound of a baby in the womb
  • 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.
    Image of Ultrasound of the prostate gland
  • To diagnose testicular problems: This could include conditions such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or hydrocele (fluid collection around the testicles).
    Image of Ultrasound of 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.