General Radiography (x-rays)Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging
Pelvic ultrasound (US) is most often used in women to exam the uterus and ovaries. Ultrasound shows these organs well, and evaluates the blood flow both within these organs as well as in the adjacent pelvic arteries and veins. Pelvic ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate causes of pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or other menstrual problems. Ultrasound also helps to define masses that your physician may discover during a pelvic examination. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3-D US) is helpful to evaluate congenital anomalies of the uterus.
In men, pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the bladder, prostate gland, or testes.
How to prepare for your exam.
Wear comfortable clothing for your ultrasound examination. Most pelvic ultrasounds for women are done by inserting a small transducer into the vagina. For this exam your bladder should be empty. Please do not bring children with you as they get bored and may disrupt the exam.
For children in whom the placement of a vaginal ultrasound probe is to be avoided, the study can be done alternatively by firmly placing the transducer on the abdomen. For these trans-abdominal scans of the pelvis, you should drink several glasses of water before the exam so that your bladder is as full as possible before the study begins. A full bladder helps to better see the uterus, ovaries and bladder.