Meaning of pelvic ultrasound

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Dr. Trinh Van Dong - Radiologist - Department of Radiology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

1. Pelvic organs observed by ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound in women is indicated to view several major organs including the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and bladder.
Pelvic ultrasound in men is often indicated to visualize the bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles.

2. How to do pelvic ultrasound?

Pelvic ultrasound can be done in three ways:
Abdominal ultrasound : Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive ultrasound, the device is placed outside the body, the lower abdomen. This is the form of ultrasound used mainly, to detect abnormalities in the organs in the pelvis of both men and women. Transrectal ultrasound: Transrectal ultrasound is the most commonly used pelvic examination in men, in which mainly the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. In addition, the test is also done to look for abnormalities in the rectum such as problems in the rectal sphincter, hemorrhoids, etc. Transvaginal ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound is done to look for problems related to fertility or pregnancy. In some cases, ultrasound is used as a step in the biopsy procedure. In rare cases, the uterus is filled with ultrasound fluid for hystero sonograms.

3. When is the pelvic ultrasound?

For women, a pelvic ultrasound looks for health problems such as:
Structure of the uterus or ovaries (size, shape, thickness, etc.) Cancer of the ovary, uterus, or bladder , growths such as tumors (non-cancerous), fibroids, or cysts Intrauterine devices Causes of abnormal bleeding or painful conditions in the pelvic organs Treat related problems Reproductive: Checking the length of the uterus in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, etc. Monitoring the development of the fetus Pelvic inflammatory diseases (infections of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes) Endometrial biopsy Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy Ultrasound to remove an ovarian follicle for in vitro fertilization For men, pelvic ultrasound looks for health problems:
Problems pelvic organ abnormalities (bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles) Bladder tumors or stones Prostate cancer Rectal examination, blood tests for specific antigens Prostate signs and prostate biopsies Urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, such as from benign prostatic hypertrophy For men and women, a pelvic ultrasound looks for health problems such as:
Causes of urinary problems (haematuria, painful urination, etc.) Observation of bladder abnormalities Growth of organs in the pelvis Biopsy or when draining fluid from a tumor Cysts or Abscesses Colorectal cancer and response to treatment Pelvic ultrasound is performed with the purpose of identifying the health problems mentioned above. Therefore, when detecting abnormal changes in the pelvic organs, people need to go for a medical examination to detect possible diseases early.

4. Meaning of pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound to look for abnormalities in the genital and reproductive organs, such as dull pain in the lower region, difficulty urinating, painful urination, etc. In women, ultrasound can help identify conditions such as uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, thickening of the uterine lining, etc. For men, pelvic ultrasound helps identify conditions such as prostate enlargement, bladder stones, abnormal fluid, etc. Specifically, the ultrasound results are read as follows:
4.1 Pelvic ultrasound in women A normal ultrasound result is when the ovaries, cervix, and uterus are of normal shape, size, and position. ; no growths, tumors, fluid or other problems. Small cysts in the ovaries do not affect a woman's fertility. In addition, pelvic ultrasound in women shows normal results when the bladder is of normal size and shape, with no stones or other abnormal growths. If the woman is pregnant, the baby develops normally in the uterus.
Accordingly, pelvic ultrasound abnormalities in women are shown in the image of a large uterus, tumor appearance with uterine fibroids. Thicker-than-normal uterine lining increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Also detect pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abscess, kidney stones, etc. An ectopic pregnancy, abnormal fluid in the pelvis, an irregularly shaped bladder or thickened walls. Bladder stones
4.2 Pelvic ultrasound in men A normal pelvic ultrasound in men is when the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are normal in size and shape, with no growths, tumors, or other abnormalities. Other problems. The bladder is normal in size and shape, with no stones or abnormal growths.
Abnormalities in pelvic ultrasound in men will reverse, thereby appearing as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy - BPH). It increases the risk of an abscess, a kidney stone in the urinary tract, or a tumor in or near the prostate or bladder. Abnormally shaped or thick-walled bladder, bladder stones. Abnormal fluid in the pelvis.

5. What is the reason for incorrect pelvic ultrasound results?

Several factors can interfere with the accuracy of ultrasound results such as:
Stool, gases or X-ray contrast material (such as barium) present in the intestines or rectum Does not lie still in the colon during ultrasound Obese person Has an open wound on the abdomen Has not filled the bladder before ultrasound A pelvic ultrasound is an ultrasound that detects abnormalities in the genitals and reproductive function. This is a safe ultrasound, so in the periodic health checkup, if prescribed by the doctor, the patient can comply to bring the most accurate ultrasound results.
Master, Doctor Trinh Van Dong has nearly 10 years of experience in the specialty of Diagnostic Imaging, especially has strengths in performing techniques: X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance. Currently, Dr. Dong is working and working at the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Customers who want to receive medical examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital can call the hotlines of hospitals in the Vinmec International General Hospital System for more information or register for a direct examination. HERE .