Pelvic Ultrasound
Ultrasound, also called “sonography”, is a technique that uses sound waves to map out targeted areas of the body. This map creates an image that your radiologist can use to detect tissue abnormalities, rule out or diagnose disease, and even check up on the health of a growing baby inside the womb. Ultrasound is safe and painless. Your physician may apply ultrasound gel to the skin prior to the procedure. Then a wand is used, gently gliding across the skin over the area in question, and at the same time transmitting the image to a monitor for viewing.
Why is Pelvic Ultrasound Used?
Women:
- Find problems with the structure of your uterus or ovaries
- Look for cancer in your ovaries, uterus, or bladder
- Find an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Look for growths like noncancerous tumors, fibroids, or cysts
- Discover the cause of abnormal bleeding or pain
- Evaluate or treat fertility problems
- Monitor your baby’s growth during pregnancy
- Check for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID — an infection of your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes)
- Diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that grows outside of the uterus)