Pelvic Ultrasound in Bethesda, MD
All forms of ultrasound imaging tests are performed by using sound waves to create a depiction of a patient’s internal organs. As its name would suggest, a pelvic ultrasound is utilized in situations that require insight into possible problems of the pelvic region. Such issues typically relate to the health of an individual’s reproductive or urinary system.
Conditions That Typically Require a Pelvic Ultrasound
Given that men and women have major differences in the structure of their internal pelvic organs, there are a few different types of pelvic ultrasounds that may be used to diagnose conditions of these two genders.
Pelvic Ultrasound for Women
A transvaginal (also known as endovaginal) ultrasound can be used to assess the vagina, uterus, ovaries, cervix, or fallopian tubes. This examination is often related to female reproductive disorders, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Ovarian cysts
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal bleeding
This type of diagnostic test may also be performed to simply check the progress of a developing fetus during a woman’s pregnancy, which is most commonly referred to as a fetal ultrasound.
Transabdominal Ultrasound
There is one other type of pelvic ultrasound that may be used for both men and women who experience unexplained pelvic pain. This test, which is called a transabdominal ultrasound, is often performed when attempting to diagnose issues of the lower abdomen. This particular area of the body contains many vital organs including the pancreas, liver, kidneys, appendix, and more.
Common Concerns About the Exam
Many patients become anxious about how to best prepare for a pelvic ultrasound, and whether or not it will be a painful experience.
Preparation Recommendations
Your doctor will give you a complete list of instructions prior to your pelvic ultrasound. These instructions will vary from one type of pelvic ultrasound to another, but are all quite simple and easy to follow. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your examination, please contact Capital Women's Care (Bethesda) as soon as possible to have a specialist address your concerns.
Will It Be Painful?
Due to the more invasive nature of transvaginal and transrectal ultrasounds, these imaging tests may be mildly uncomfortable, but should certainly never be painful. The transabdominal ultrasound does not require the insertion of any sort of probe. Instead, this type of pelvic ultrasound is performed using a device that gently glides across the stomach, which means it is a completely painless procedure.
Additional Information from Capital Women's Care (Bethesda)
If you still have questions about pelvic ultrasounds and what these unique imaging tests entail, please call our specialists today at (301) 897-9817 for more details.
