Pelvic Ultrasound

What are the pelvic organs?

A pelvic ultrasound gives your doctor a better view of the structures and organs that make up the female pelvis area. These structures include the:

• Cervix – the narrow opening to the uterus which forms a canal that leads to the vagina
• Endometrium – the uterine lining which is responsible for menstrual bleeding
• Fallopian tubes – pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus allowing the passage of eggs
• Ovaries – pair of organs that produces hormones and produces and releases eggs
• Uterus – the womb; a hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg is implanted, or otherwise the lining is shed each month during menstruation
• Vagina – the birth canal

Your doctor will explain which organs or structures he is most interested in during your pelvic ultrasound.

How does a pelvic ultrasound work?

A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that translates ultrasound waves into pictures. During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table. A technician may apply a clear gel on your abdomen to help the transducer, or probe, glide along your skin and conduct sound waves. The transducer will be rubbed back and forth over your abdomen. The transducer sends out sound waves that reverberate through the gel and bounce off different pelvic structures. The waves that bounce back are transformed into images on a computer.

Why do I need a pelvic ultrasound?

In the OB/GYN office, a pregnant woman will grow accustomed to undergoing a pelvic ultrasound as it helps your doctor check the development of your baby. However, pelvic ultrasounds may also be performed for other reasons, including to detect or diagnose abnormal vaginal bleeding, bladder problems, cysts or fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or pelvic inflammatory disease among others.

If you require a pelvic ultrasound, your women’s health provider will explain the procedure as well as the results received from the images.