Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
There are three types of pelvic ultrasound: abdominal, vaginal (for women), and rectal (for men).
- Transabdominal (through the abdomen) – A transducer is placed on the abdomen using the conductive gel
- Transvaginal (through the vagina) – A long, thin transducer is covered with the conducting gel and a plastic/latex sheath and is inserted into the vagina.
- In men, a pelvic ultrasound is used to evaluate the:
- Bladder
- Seminal Vesicles
- Prostate
- Transrectal ultrasound, a special study usually done to view the prostate gland, involves inserting a specialized ultrasound transducer into a man’s rectum.