Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelvic Scan?
A Pelvic Scan is an ultrasound test that takes the pictures of the organs inside the pelvis by using sound waves. This test is done to diagnose a condition or to check the health of the fetus while still in the womb. This test can be done for men and women as well. The test is also known as:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Pelvic sonography
- Gynecologic ultrasound
- Transabdominal ultrasound
- Endovaginal ultrasound
- Transrectal ultrasound
- Transvaginal ultrasound
Why is Pelvic Scan done in men and women?
In men, the Pelvic Scan is done to check:
- Bladder
- Seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
Whereas, in women, the Pelvic Scan is performed to check :
- Cervix
- Bladder
- Fallopian tubes
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Ovaries
Why is Pelvic Scan indicated in men and women?
In men, Pelvic Scan is indicated to find the stones or tumors in the bladder, seminal vesicles, prostates glands, etc
In women, Pelvic Scan is indicated for the following reasons:
- To find the reason behind misshapen ovaries and uterus
- To look for cancer in the ovaries, uterus, and bladder
- To find IUD (Intrauterine device)
- Look for abnormal growths such as fibroids, cysts, or tumors
- To identify the reason for abnormal bleeding and pain
- To examine fertility-related problems
- To monitor fetal health
- To check for pelvic inflammatory diseases such as infection
- To detect ectopic pregnancy
- Endometrial biopsy
What is the preparation done for a Pelvic Scan?
- Pelvic ultrasounds are carried out by professional Radiologists and well-trained Sonographers. The scans are carried out in dimly lit rooms so that the Sonographers can see the scans properly on the screen.
- The patient is asked to full the bladder as the scans are more clear when the bladder is full.
- The patient will be asked to lie down on the bed or couch and asked to lower the bottom he/she is wearing till the hips and lift the top till the chest hence the abdomen is bare.
- The gel is applied to the lower abdomen to make good contact between the abdomen and the probe used during sonography and a black and white image of the internal organs are seen on the screen.
- Usually, the scans don’t hurt, but the Sonographer has to apply little pressure on the abdomen to get better visuals. The scan usually takes around 30 minutes.
- During the transvaginal scan, the patient is asked to empty the bladder and the probe is inserted through the vagina.
What are the types of pelvic Scan?
Following are the available types of Pelvic Scan:
- Transabdominal scan
- Transvaginal scan
- Transrectal scan
What happens after the Pelvic Scan is done?
Once the scan is finished, the Radiologist or the doctor will examine the scan and a report will be made. The doctor will explain the report to the patient and the treatment plan if needed. The doctor might ask the patient to go for other tests to determine the health of the pelvic organs depending on the reports and the tests include:
- Hysteroscopy: a thin and lighted device is inserted into the vagina and into the uterus to check for the issues.
- Laparoscopy: a thin and lighted tube is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the internal organs and the issues with them.
The doctor will let the patient know if further tests or treatment is needed.
What are the risks of Pelvic Scan?
Pelvic Scan doesn’t have any risk and even the ultrasound waves don’t use radiation like X-rays and hence doesn’t cause any harm. The transabdominal scan won’t hurt, but the patient might feel mild discomfort during the transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound as the probe is inserted into the vagina and rectum respectively.