Pelvic Ultrasound

Gynecologic Ultrasound, Prostate Ultrasound, Transrectal Ultrasound, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Ultrasound, Gynelcologic, Ultrasound, Pelvic, Ultrasound, Prostate

Results

A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the organs and structures in the lower belly (pelvis).

Pelvic ultrasound in women
Normal:

Your ovaries, cervix, and uterus have a normal shape and size and are in the normal place. No growths, tumors, fluid, or other problems, such as cysts, are present. Small cysts (follicles) in the ovaries of women who are able to have children are normal.

If you are using an intrauterine device (IUD), it is in the uterus.

If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, your baby (fetus) is developing inside the uterus.

Your bladder is normal in size and shape. No stones or abnormal growths are present. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it empties completely. Urine flows normally from the ureters into the bladder.

Abnormal:

Your uterus is big or abnormally shaped because of uterine fibroids. Cysts or tumors are present, such as cancerous or noncancerous tumors of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix.

The thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), called the endometrial stripe, is greater than normal. In some age groups, a thicker endometrial stripe (also called endometrial hyperplasia) may mean a higher chance of endometrial cancer.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abscesses, kidney stones, or other problems are present.

An ectopic pregnancy is present.

An abnormal amount of fluid is present in the pelvis.

The bladder has an abnormal shape or a thick wall. A growth or stone is seen in the bladder. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it may not empty completely during urination.

 

Pelvic ultrasound in men
Normal:

Your prostate gland and seminal vesicles are normal in size and shape. No growths, tumors, or other problems, such as cysts, are present.

Your bladder is normal in size and shape. No stones or abnormal growths are present. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it empties completely during urination. Urine flows normally from the ureters into the bladder.

Abnormal:

Your prostate gland is enlarged (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH). This is one of the most common abnormal findings. An abscess, kidney stone in the urinary tract, or a tumor in or near the prostate gland or bladder may be present.

The bladder has an abnormal shape or a thick wall. A growth or stone is seen in the bladder. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it may not empty completely during urination.

An abnormal amount of fluid is present in the pelvis.


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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: June 22, 2007
Medical Review: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
Arrow PointerResults
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits