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Pelvic ultrasound - abdominal

Definition

A pelvic (transabdominal) ultrasound is an imaging test. It is used to examine organs in the pelvis.

How the Test is Performed

Before the test, you may be asked to put on medical gown.

During the procedure, you will lie on your back on the table. Your health care provider will apply a clear gel on your abdomen.

Your provider will place a probe (transducer), over the gel, rubbing back and forth across your belly:

• The probe sends out sound waves, which go through the gel and reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture.

• Your provider can see the picture on a TV monitor.

Depending on the reason for the test, women also may have a transvaginal ultrasound during the same visit.

How to Prepare for the Test

A pelvic ultrasound may be done with a full bladder. Having a full bladder can help with looking at organs, such as the womb (uterus), within your pelvis. You may be asked to drink a few glasses of water to fill your bladder. You should wait until after the test to urinate.

How the Test will Feel

The test is painless and easy to tolerate. The conducting gel may feel a little cold and wet.

You can go home right after the procedure and can resume your daily activities.

Why the Test is Performed

A pelvic ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check the baby.

A pelvic ultrasound also may be done for:

• Cysts, fibroid tumors, or other growths or masses in the pelvis found when your provider examines you

• Bladder growths or other problems

• Kidney stones

• Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of a woman's uterus, ovaries, or tubes

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Menstrual problems

• Problems becoming pregnant (infertility)

• Normal pregnancy

• Ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus

• Pelvic and abdominal pain

Pelvic ultrasound is also used during a biopsy to help guide the needle.

Normal Results

The pelvic structures or fetus are normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result may be due to many conditions. Some problems that may be seen include:

• Abscess in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis

• Birth defects of the womb or vagina

• Cancers of the bladder, cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures

• Growths in or around the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)

• Twisting of the ovaries

• Enlarged lymph nodes

Risks

There are no known harmful effects of pelvic ultrasound. Unlike x-rays, there is no radiation exposure with this test.

References

Dolan MS, Hill CC, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.

Nickels LC, Duran-Gehring P. Emergency ultrasound. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap e3.

Porter MMB, Goldstein SR. Pelvic imaging in reproductive endocrinology. In: Strauss JF, Barbieri R, Dokras A, Williams CJ, Williams Z, eds. Yen & Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 33.

Review Date: 3/31/2024

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.