Ultrasound Abdomen and Pelvis
Ultrasound imaging of the pelvis uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Description
What Is Ultrasound Abdomen and Pelvis?
Ultrasound imaging of the pelvis uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
A pelvic ultrasound looks at the organs in your pelvic area between your abdomen (belly) and legs. It may also look at your lower abdomen. The pelvic organs include:
- Bladder, which holds urine.
- Fallopian tubes, which carry eggs between the ovaries and uterus.
- Ovaries, organs that make and store eggs.
- Prostate, a gland that helps with reproduction in men.
- Rectum, the lower part of your intestines.
- Uterus, also called the womb.
- Vagina, the canal to the uterus.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
- A pelvic ultrasound can help diagnose a range of conditions:All people:
- Bladder cancer.
- Hernias.
- Kidney stones that have traveled or are traveling down to your bladder.
In people assigned female at birth:
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Endometriosis.
- Gynecologic tumors.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Ovarian torsion.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Pelvic organ prolapse.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Uterine fibroids.
In people assigned male at birth:
- Infections or cysts in seminal vesicles (glands that help produce semen).
- Prostate cancer.
- Testicular cancer.
- Testicular or scrotal infection.
- Scrotal or penile injury.
When would a healthcare provider recommend a pelvic ultrasound?
A healthcare provider may recommend a pelvic ultrasound if you have:
-
- Difficulty getting pregnant.
- Pain during sex.
- Pain during urination.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Swelling in your abdomen.
- Unusual periods or bleeding after menopause.
- Urinary incontinence (urine leakage).
