Test Overview
A pelvic ultrasound, Opens dialog is a test that uses sound waves to make a picture of the organs and structures in the lower belly (pelvis).
This test looks at the bladder, Opens dialog and:
- The ovaries, Opens dialog, uterus, Opens dialog, cervix, Opens dialog, and fallopian tubes, Opens dialog of a woman (female organs, Opens dialog).
- The prostate gland, Opens dialog and seminal vesicles, Opens dialog of a man (male organs, Opens dialog).
Organs and structures that are solid and uniform (such as the uterus, ovaries, or prostate gland) or that are fluid-filled (such as the bladder) show up clearly on a pelvic ultrasound, Opens dialog. Bones may block other organs from being seen. Air-filled organs, such as the intestines, can make the image less clear.
Pelvic ultrasound can be done in several ways.
- Transabdominal ultrasound.
A small handheld device called a transducer is passed back and forth over the lower belly.
- Transrectal ultrasound.
The transducer is shaped to fit into the rectum, Opens dialog. A transrectal ultrasound is the most common test to look at the male pelvic organs, such as the prostate and seminal vesicles. The test may also be done to look for rectal problems in men or women.
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
The transducer is shaped to fit into a woman's vagina, Opens dialog. A woman may have both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds to look at the whole pelvic area.
- Transperineal and translabial ultrasound.
- Both of these types of ultrasound are used on the outside of the genital area to look for urinary and pelvic problems.
In all of these ultrasounds, the transducer sends the reflected sound waves to a computer, which makes them into a picture that is shown on a video screen. Ultrasound pictures or videos may be saved as a permanent record.
This test is done in an ultrasound room in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. If both a transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound will be done, the transabdominal ultrasound will usually be done first.
You will need to remove any jewelry that might be in the way of the ultrasound. You will need to take off most of your clothes below the waist. You will be given a gown to use during the test.
You will lie on your back (or on your side) on a padded table.
You need to lie very still while the ultrasound is being done. You may be asked to take a breath and hold it for several seconds during the test.
Transabdominal ultrasound
For transabdominal ultrasound, Opens dialog, you may need to drink 4 to 6 glasses of water about an hour before the test. Don't empty your bladder until the test is over. If you can't drink enough fluid, your bladder may be filled with water through a thin flexible tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder.
Gel will be put on your belly to improve the quality of the sound waves. A small, handheld device called a transducer is gently moved over your belly. A picture of the organs and blood vessels can be seen on a video screen.
When the test is done, the gel is cleaned off your skin.
Transrectal ultrasound
If you are having a transrectal ultrasound, Opens dialog, you may need an enema, Opens dialog before the test.
For transrectal ultrasound, Opens dialog, you will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees bent. A digital rectal examination may be done before the ultrasound test. Then a lubricated transducer probe will be gently placed into your rectum. It will slowly be moved to take pictures from different angles. You may feel some pressure. Water may be put into your rectum to clean the end of the transducer so that clear pictures can be seen.
Transvaginal ultrasound
For transvaginal ultrasound, Opens dialog, you will empty your bladder. You will be asked to lie on your back with your knees bent and feet and legs supported by footrests.
A thin, lubricated transducer probe will be gently placed into your vagina. It will slowly be moved to take pictures from different angles.
In rare cases, sterile saline is put in the uterus through a thin tube (catheter). This allows the doctor to look at the inside of the uterus (hysterosonogram).
How long the test takes
A pelvic ultrasound can take 15 to 30 minutes.
If you have a transabdominal ultrasound, you may feel pressure in your bladder and a strong urge to urinate because your bladder is full.
You will feel pressure from the transducer as it passes over your belly. If you have an injury or pelvic pain, the pressure of the transducer may be painful. You will not hear or feel the sound waves.
During a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound, you will feel pressure from the transducer probe as it is put into your vagina or rectum.
There is little risk from a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound.
A transrectal ultrasound has a small risk for problems if a biopsy is done. Call your doctor if you have any problems after the test.
