Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic exam that produces images using high-frequency sound waves to assess the status of organs and structures within the female pelvic. These include the uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes (if diseased) and ovaries. In the IVF process, a pelvic ultrasound is an important first test.
There are two components of a pelvic ultrasound:
- A transabdominal ultrasound
- A transvaginal ultrasound
A transabdominal ultrasound covers a wide view of the pelvic organs providing a quick visual of the organs and structure. It is useful in cases of big fibroids etc, however a transvaginal ultrasound is the gold standard for fertility assessment. A transvaginal ultrasound provides a more detailed view the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. It is an internal exam.
Why is a pelvic ultrasound performed?
Pelvic ultrasound may be used to measure or evaluate the pelvic organs. They generally show the size, shape and position of the ovaries and uterus, length and thickness of the ovaries, as well as the blood flow through pelvic organs. In addition, these tests are:
- Mostly performed on females for accessing ovaries & uterus and the intricate details important for improving success rates in infertility treatments especially IVF
- Help in showing size as well as shape of organs under observation
- Images also help in providing information of any lumps/swellings present for further investigation if needed
- The most important tools to assess the fetus and in utero growth and development of the fetus after pregnancy. (Maybe transvaginal in early pregnancy and abdominal sonography later on)
What is a pelvic ultrasound used for?
A pelvic ultrasound may be used to diagnose and help treat certain medical conditions that affect conception and childbearing such as:
- Abnormalities in uterine structure as well as endometrium conditions
- Cysts, different types of tumors, including fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, other types of infection
- Monitoring ovarian follicle size to determine infertility issues
- Aspiration of egg from ovaries during IVF process
- Hydrosalpinx and other medical abnormalities
Preparing for a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound
For a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound you will need to drink plenty of water before the exam. The water you drink is used as an acoustic window and is necessary for better imaging of the organs. You may be asked to remove your clothes and given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie flat on your back. The sonographer will apply gel on your abdomen and will use a transducer to press and move around against your abdomen.
For a transvaginal pelvic, the doctor may ask you to empty your bladder before the exam. A long, thin vaginal transducer will be inserted inside the vagina. The resulting images have better spatial resolution and are more detailed.
Both types of exams are performed as an out-patient. The entire process can take 15-30 minutes. Both exams cause minimal discomfort. There is no special after-care and you may resume your regular activities.
Diagnosis plays a very important part in determining the right treatment process for infertility. The female pelvic ultrasound is conducted at our clinic enabling us to accurately identify the problems causing infertility and to determine the best treatment for infertility. Xenith is one of the best IVF centres in PCMC, Pune, with the highest IVF success rates.