THEscan is a medical imaging technique that relies on the use of ultrasound, which makes it possible to “visualize” the inside of the body. Pelvic ultrasound, i.e. the pelvis (= basin) allows:

• in women: to visualize the ovaries, uterus and bladder
• in humans: to visualize the bladder and prostate
• to see the iliac arteries and veins, if it is coupled to Doppler (see Doppler ultrasound sheet).

Ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive examination: it is therefore prescribed in many situations, when the doctor suspects the presence of an abnormality in the internal genital organs or in the bladder (see the ultrasound sheet of the urinary system ). It can also make it possible to follow the evolution of a disease already diagnosed.

It is widely used in gynecology, among others:

• a cas de pelvic pain or unexplained vaginal bleeding
• to study theendometrial (the uterine lining), assess its thickness, vascularity, etc.
• to identify any malformations of the uterus
• to detect ovarian cysts or uterine polyps or fibroids
• to make a infertility assessment, visualize follicular activity (count of ovarian follicles) or confirm the existence of ovulation
• make sure of correct positioning of an IUD

In humans, pelvic ultrasound mainly allows:

• examine the bladder and prostate
• to detect the presence of abnormal masses.

Ultrasound consists in exposing the tissues or organs that one wishes to observe to ultrasonic waves. It does not require any preparation and lasts about twenty minutes.

For pelvic ultrasound, however, it is necessary to arrive with the bladder full, that is to say by having drunk (without urinating) one to two hours before the examination the equivalent of a small bottle of water (500 ml to 1L).

Your doctor may ask you to empty your bladder completely or partially halfway through the exam.

Ultrasound can be done in different ways:

• Par suprapubic route : the probe is placed above the pubis, after the application of a gel to facilitate the propagation of ultrasound.
• Par endovaginal approach in women: an oblong catheter (covered with a condom and gel) is inserted into the vagina to obtain better images of the uterine lining and the ovaries.
• Par endorectal approach in men: the probe is inserted into the rectum in order to obtain better images of the prostate.

   

Pelvic ultrasound can detect and follow the evolution of many conditions. It is also widely used in gynecological and obstetrical monitoring as part of an infertility assessment or a medically assisted procreation procedure.

Your doctor will inform you of the results of the ultrasound orDoppler echo. In the event of an abnormality, other examinations (MRI, scanner) may be prescribed for a more in-depth assessment.

Depending on the situation, drug or surgical treatment may be prescribed, and appropriate monitoring will be put in place.