Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic tool used to provide pictures of the structures and organs in the lower belly or pelvis.

There are two types of pelvic ultrasound:

Abdominal (transabdominal –through or across the abdomen)
Vaginal (transvaginal- across or through the vagina, endovaginal – within the vagina) for women.

Who performs the procedure?

The procedure is performed by a Sonographer with the assistance of a Radiologist.

Why is the procedure performed?

A pelvic ultrasound can be performed for different reasons dependent upon your gender. A pelvic ultrasound exam for men and women can help identify:

Kidney stones
Tumors
Other disorders in the urinary bladder

In women, a pelvic or abdominal ultrasound is most often performed to evaluate the:

Bladder
Ovaries
Uterus
Fallopian tubes

Where is this procedure performed?

This procedure is performed in the Ultrasound department of UIC, located at 419 West Redwood St., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Is there any prep for this procedure?

A full bladder helps to visualize the uterus, ovaries, bladder wall and prostate gland. Drink a minimum of 32 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder.

What can I expect before the procedure?

Once you arrive at UIC, you will have to register at the front desk. Please have your insurance information ready at this time. After registration, you will be taken to the Ultrasound department where you will be instructed to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.

What can I expect during the procedure?

There are different things to expect dependent upon what type of pelvic exam you are having.

Transabdominal: You will be lying on your back while a gel is applied to the area of the body being studied. The Sonographer will then press the transducer firmly against the skin and move it back and forth over the area of interest.
Transvaginal: Transvaginal ultrasound is performed very much like a gynecologic exam, and involves the insertion of the transducer into the vagina after the patient empties her bladder. A protective cover is placed over the transducer, lubricated with a small amount of gel and then inserted into the vagina. Only two to three inches of the transducer end are inserted into the vagina. The images are obtained from different orientations to get the best views of the uterus and ovaries. Transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed with you lying on your back, possibly with your feet in stirrups similar to a gynecologic exam.

How long is this procedure?

This procedure takes approximately 25 minutes.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After an ultrasound exam, you may be asked to dress and wait until the ultrasound images are reviewed. You should be able to resume your normal activities.

Are there any risks to this procedure?

There are no known risks with this procedure.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

No alternatives are available for this procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please call a UIC Receptionist at 410-328-3225 to schedule an appointment.

This page was last updated on: August 25, 2010.

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