What is the purpose of pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a type of medical imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs.
The purpose of a pelvic ultrasound is to evaluate the following aspects of the pelvic area:
1. Female Reproductive Organs Assessment: In women, it evaluates the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and surrounding structures like the uterine lining (endometrium) or any abnormalities such as cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities in their size, shape, or structure.
2. Pregnancy monitoring: It is routinely used during pregnancy to monitor the developing fetus, check its location (e.g., intrauterine or ectopic), evaluate fetal growth, determine the gestational age, identify any fetal abnormalities, and assess fluid levels and the placenta.
3. Diagnosing Conditions: Identify various issues within the pelvic organs, including fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, or masses or tumors in nearby tissues.
4. Evaluating Pelvic Pain: If a person experiences persistent pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, an ultrasound can assist in recognizing potential sources of discomfort, including endometriosis, adhesions, or structural abnormalities.
5. Identifying Infections: It aids in detecting signs of infections or inflammation within the pelvic organs, guiding necessary medical interventions.
6. Fertility assessment: Pelvic ultrasound may evaluate potential causes of infertility by assessing pelvic structures, identifying obstructions such as blocked fallopian tubes, and estimating the number of follicles in the ovaries for fertility analysis.
7. Monitoring Procedures: During certain medical procedures such as biopsies, the real-time imaging capabilities of ultrasound assist healthcare providers in guiding surgical instruments or needles during procedures more precisely.
A pelvic ultrasound can provide helpful information for medical professionals to ascertain the potential issues, conditions, or abnormalities related to the organs situated in the pelvic region and offer appropriate advice or initiate treatment if needed.