Pelvic ultrasound in non-pregnant women

Where to do a pelvic ultrasound? As a rule, this question arises in people suffering from diseases of the internal organs located in this area or from painful sensations of unknown origin.

• If an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is prescribed to women, it is used to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, and cervix. The procedure is also performed during pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus. Ultrasound helps to establish the causes of pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities, and pathological bleeding. Using a vaginal sensor, you can assess the condition of the endometrium and the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Men are prescribed pelvic ultrasound to assess the condition of the prostate gland, bladder or seminal vesicles. In addition, the examination can detect urinary tract pathologies and bladder tumors, kidney stones.
• In children, examination of the pelvic organs is prescribed to diagnose pain in the lower abdomen, with premature sexual development or its delay in girls. The study is necessary to detect neoplasms in the pelvic cavity, as well as to examine and identify anomalies in the structure and functioning of organs and systems.

Scanning allows you to evaluate the movement, blood supply and structure of internal organs, that is, to identify disturbances in their functioning. Today, there are several types of ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs:

• Transabdominal

During this diagnostic procedure, the patient is placed on a special couch that can tilt. A special gel is applied to the skin to ensure tight contact between the sensor and the skin. The doctor presses the sensor tightly to different points of the body area being examined. Due to this, ultrasound waves penetrate the tissue at different angles and allow the necessary organ to be examined. As a rule, there are no unpleasant or painful sensations during the examination. If the sensor touches a painful area, slight discomfort may occur.

• Transvaginal

In its manner, ultrasound is similar to a gynecological examination, as it involves inserting a sensor into the vagina with an empty bladder. The sensor is smaller than standard gynecological mirrors, so it does not cause discomfort. A condom is put on the sensor and gel is applied, after which it is inserted 4-5 cm into the vagina. This allows you to assess the structure of the ovaries and uterus. Most often, this study is carried out due to pain in the lower abdomen of unknown origin.

• Transrectal

This examination is similar to a rectal examination and is performed on men. A condom is put on the sensor, gel is applied and inserted into the rectum. During the procedure, the patient lies on his side with his legs slightly bent at the knee joints. The ultrasound takes from 20 to 40 minutes.