Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Types, preparation for the procedure and benefits

Pelvic ultrasonography - types, purpose

Ultrasound examination is a non-invasive examination method that allows doctors to diagnose pathology of internal organs and systems, treat them and conduct dynamic monitoring of the patient's health during therapy and in the recovery period. Pelvic ultrasonography allows to obtain images of tissues and organs located in the lower abdominal cavity and pelvis.

There are three types of this examination:

• abdominal/transabdominal
• vaginal/transvaginal ultrasound of women
• Rectal/transrectal ultrasound of men.

Application of pelvic ultrasonography

In gynecology, this examination is most often used to assess the condition of the bladder, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. As a rule, the doctor refers a woman for transabdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs in case of complaints of menstrual irregularities, periodic or persistent pain in the lower abdomen, and pathological bleeding. This examination is mandatory when it is necessary to diagnose malignant or benign neoplasms (for example, during the examination of a woman on a gynecological chair, masses in the appendages were diagnosed).

Transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed to assess the condition of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus), myometrium (the muscle walls of the uterus) and ovaries. Often, with the help of such an examination, the doctor can make sure that the diagnosis is accurate in case of abnormalities of the uterus, endometrial polyps, uterine scars, and fibrinoids. Transvaginal examination of the pelvic organs can detect a malignant tumor in a woman if there is abnormal uterine bleeding, and all other types of examination are inconclusive.

In men, transrectal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is most often used, which allows you to carefully examine the prostate gland and assess its condition. In this type of examination, the sensor is inserted into the rectum.

Preparation for pelvic ultrasonography

The procedure of pelvic ultrasonography is not only informative but also simple. Preparation for pelvic ultrasonography is as follows:

1. The patient should come to the examination in loose and comfortable clothes.
2. All jewelry (including piercings) should be removed from the part of the body that will be examined.
3. If the doctor prescribes transabdominal ultrasound examination, the patient's bladder should be full. It is recommended to drink at least a liter of water 30-40 minutes before the examination. A full bladder greatly facilitates visualization of the ovaries/uterus in women, prostate gland in men and bladder walls in both sexes.
4. The doctor will tell you on which day of the cycle to undergo pelvic ultrasonography - it all depends on the preliminary diagnosis of the woman and the patient's general health. For example, in case of abnormal uterine bleeding, this type of examination can be performed on an emergency basis, and it does not matter what day of the menstrual cycle the procedure falls on.

Benefits of pelvic ultrasonography

There are a number of factors that have made this type of examination popular and in demand. They can be safely attributed to the advantages of pelvic ultrasonography:

• it is a non-invasive and in most cases painless procedure;
• the doctor receives a clear image of soft tissues, which are not visible in a classic X-ray examination;
• Pelvic ultrasonography allows to obtain images in real time, which makes it possible to control the aspiration or puncture biopsy;
• the cost of pelvic ultrasonography is quite adequate and is not an obstacle to this examination.

Pelvic ultrasonography is the most informative and reliable method of examination of patients of both sexes. More detailed information on when this procedure is prescribed, how it is performed and what its cost is, can be found on the pages of our website https://dobrobut.com/.

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