What is a Ultrasound (Abdomen & Pelvis)?

An ultrasound is an imaging exam that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of organs inside your body. The pictures are called sonograms. An ultrasound is a safe, fairly quick procedure. It helps to diagnose problems like tumors or cysts.

A pelvic ultrasound looks at the organs in your pelvic area between your abdomen (belly) and legs. It may also look at your lower abdomen. The pelvic organs include:

• Bladder, which holds urine.
• Fallopian tubes, which carry eggs between the ovaries and uterus.
• Ovaries, organs that make and store eggs.
• Prostate, a gland that helps with reproduction in men.
• Rectum, the lower part of your intestines.
• Uterus.
• Vagina, the canal to the uterus.

When would a healthcare provider recommend a pelvic ultrasound?

A healthcare provider may recommend a pelvic ultrasound if you have:

• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain during urination.
• Pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Swelling in your abdomen.
• Unusual periods or bleeding after menopause.
• Urinary incontinence (urine leakage).

What conditions can a pelvic ultrasound diagnose?

A pelvic ultrasound can help diagnose a range of conditions:

All people:

• Bladder cancer.
• Hernias.
• Kidney stones that have traveled or are traveling down to your bladder.

Female:

• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Endometriosis.
• Gynecologic tumors.
• Ovarian cysts.
• Ovarian torsion.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Pelvic organ prolapse.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Uterine fibroids.

Male:

• Infections or cysts in seminal vesicles (glands that help produce semen).
• Prostate cancer.
• Testicular cancer.
• Testicular or scrotal infection.
• Scrotal or penile injury.