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What Is a Pelvic Sonogram?

Misty Wiser
Misty Wiser

A pelvic sonogram is a diagnostic imaging test used to visualize the internal structure of organs in the pelvic region. Males may need a pelvic sonogram to examine the prostate, bladder, or seminal vesicles. Infertility, unexplained pelvic pain, or abnormal vaginal bleeding may indicate the need for a woman to have an ultrasound exam. The noninvasive test is used to diagnose reproductive disorders, including fibroids, cysts, and polyps, and it can indicate the need for further testing for colorectal or prostate cancer. This procedure is painless and usually only requires a 15 minute appointment.

Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to measure the growth of the unborn baby. The images produced can reveal the amount of amniotic fluid within the uterus and any developmental problems the baby may be having. A sonogram is used to confirm the due date of a pregnancy and determine the placement of the placenta when the time for delivery approaches.

Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancies to asses fetal health.
Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancies to asses fetal health.

The pelvic sonogram can be administered by a transvaginal, transrectal, or transabdominal examination. Which one used is dependent on the organ or medical condition for which the person is being evaluated. In some cases, the physician will recommend a combination of ultrasound examinations in order to get a complete imaging record of the entire pelvic region.

Ultrasound gel is used to lubricate the transducer in preparation for a pelvic ultrasound to ensure a clear image is displayed.
Ultrasound gel is used to lubricate the transducer in preparation for a pelvic ultrasound to ensure a clear image is displayed.

Before a transabdominal pelvic sonogram, a person will need to drink a large volume of water. A full bladder allows the sound waves transmitted by the ultrasound machine to produce clearer images for evaluation. The person may feel a strong urge to urinate during the exam.

During the transabdominal ultrasound, a person will need to lie flat on their back. The technician administering the pelvic sonogram will apply a gel substance to the abdominal area. Gel aids in the transmission of the sound waves during the testing. A small handheld instrument called a transducer is gently swiped across the abdomen, and images are projected onto a nearby computer screen. The technician is able to label the images seen during the pelvic sonogram for quick evaluation by the physician.

A pelvic sonogram can indicate the need for further testing for prostate cancer.
A pelvic sonogram can indicate the need for further testing for prostate cancer.

A transvaginal pelvic sonogram produces images from a small transducer inserted into the vagina. It is done in a setting similar to a yearly gynecological exam. A woman will need to lie on an exam table and place her feet into the stirrups. The transducer is lubricated and placed inside the vagina. Images produced are instantly transmitted to a nearby computer screen and saved for future reference.

Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.
Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.

The transrectal pelvic sonogram is usually performed on men being evaluated for prostate health or colorectal cancer. During the assessment, a man will need to lie on his side on the exam table. The technician will insert a very small-lubricated transducer through the anus and into the rectum. No residual discomfort is usually experienced after a transrectal sonogram.

Discussion Comments

anon233768

what causes blood to come out after the insertion of a transducer in women, long after the sonogram was done?

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    • Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancies to asses fetal health.
      By: Monkey Business
      Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancies to asses fetal health.
    • Ultrasound gel is used to lubricate the transducer in preparation for a pelvic ultrasound to ensure a clear image is displayed.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Ultrasound gel is used to lubricate the transducer in preparation for a pelvic ultrasound to ensure a clear image is displayed.
    • A pelvic sonogram can indicate the need for further testing for prostate cancer.
      By: peterjunaidy
      A pelvic sonogram can indicate the need for further testing for prostate cancer.
    • Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.
      By: zayacsk
      Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.
    • Pelvic sonograms may be necessary for women experiencing infertility.
      By: diego cervo
      Pelvic sonograms may be necessary for women experiencing infertility.
    • A pelvic sonogram may be used to reveal the amount of amniotic fluid within the uterus.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      A pelvic sonogram may be used to reveal the amount of amniotic fluid within the uterus.
    • During a transabdominal ultrasound, a person will need to lie flat on their back.
      By: jovannig
      During a transabdominal ultrasound, a person will need to lie flat on their back.