Many women experience pelvic problems that arise for a variety of reasons. It is extremely important to diagnose them in time and start appropriate treatment, because advanced diseases are treated longer and cause a number of complications, among them infertility. Currently, one of the main methods, which is distinguished by information content and safety, is ultrasound. Ultrasound of the small pelvis in women (St. Petersburg is replete with a large number of clinics where you can do it) we will consider today.
What is the study?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic measure aimed at visualizing organs in real time. It allows you to evaluate the blood flow in the body, to determine its structure and movement. Since it does not emit x-rays, which can affect the genetic cellular apparatus, ultrasound is absolutely harmless and you can do it an unlimited number of times. The procedure is completely painless.
In what cases is pelvic ultrasound prescribed?
Pelvic ultrasound in women - what shows and what diseases are diagnosed with it? First of all, it is a disease of the uterus, its tubes and ovaries. Indications for use - diseases of the genitourinary system (cystitis, oncology, kidney stones, etc.) and a tumor of the rectum. Ultrasound makes it possible to identify a tumor, cyst, polyp, endometritis and other diseases.
Indications for ultrasound diagnosis are the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower abdomen (including lower back).
- Abundant discharge, especially in different shades.
- Bleeding.
- Irregularities in the cycle of menstruation.
Usually shows all pathologies of ultrasound of the pelvis in women. How to prepare for the procedure, we will consider below, based on one or more symptoms.
Attention! It is recommended to do the study one week from the beginning of the menstrual cycle - in this case it is most informative.
Types of pelvic ultrasound
The study is conducted in several ways:
- Transabdominally.
- Transrectally.
- Transvaginally.
What does transabdominal pelvic ultrasound in women show and how is it performed? This is a classic way, involving the sensor conducting the apparatus along the lower abdomen, on which a special gel is previously applied. If the goal is to check the kidneys, the patient lies on her side. True, at present this method has somewhat lost its relevance, although it is the most "pleasant" of the types of ultrasound.
The transvaginal method. Pelvic ultrasound in women (St. Petersburg provides a huge number of clinics that provide these services) in this way is usually prescribed for pain in the lower abdomen. A sensor is used that is inserted into the vagina, a special condom for ultrasound is put on it in order to prevent transmission of infections from one woman to another. Assign it mainly to identify the condition of the uterine membrane, walls, and also the ovaries.
Transrectal ultrasound. In this case, the patient lies on her side, bending her knees. A sensor is inserted into the rectum.
There is also another type of transvaginal ultrasound called sonohysterography. It consists in the administration of a contrast agent into the uterine cavity.
How to prepare for the study?
How is pelvic ultrasound performed in women? The preparation depends on which ultrasound you have been prescribed. However, doctors are advised to come to any of the procedures in loose clothing that does not constrain movements. It is recommended to bring a diaper and napkins with which you can wipe the gel from the skin. If the ultrasound is internal, take a condom with you.
The classic version of ultrasound involves filling the bladder with water. It should be an hour before the procedure to drink up to a liter of water. At the same time, refrain from going to the toilet until you complete the procedure.
Transvaginal, on the other hand, requires emptying the bladder.
Before a transrectal examination, you need to consult a doctor about what kind of measures are needed. If the patient suffers from gas formation, then the intestines should be cleaned with sorbents or digestion should be supported by enzymes.
A few rules before an ultrasound scan:
- it is done on an empty stomach;
- for a couple of days it is better to maintain a diet, trying not to consume fried, spicy or salty foods in large quantities along with products that cause gas formation (beans, cabbage), and also do not drink alcohol and carbonated drinks;
- immediately before the ultrasound, do not take medication.
Pelvic ultrasound in women (as done, described below) is a safe and quick option for diagnosing diseases.
What does the examination reveal?
Thanks to ultrasound, you can identify:
- Inflammation of the uterus, which is manifested in a heterogeneous thickening of the endometrium.
- Polyps (formed by overgrown endometrium).
- Myomatous nodes in the muscle membrane.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Adhesions in the fallopian tubes, which indicates their obstruction and, as a consequence, the inability to conceive a child.
- The presence of foreign fluid in the uterine cavity indicates pelvioperitonitis.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs allows you to evaluate the results of treatment already completed. In this case, it is usually done twice - before the diagnosis and after therapy, usually medication.
How do the procedure?
Pelvic ultrasound in women how is it done? The subject lies on a couch covered with a disposable diaper. Bares the stomach or removes clothing below the waist. A gel is applied to the abdomen, which facilitates the sliding of the ultrasound sensor on the skin. The procedure lasts 5-15 minutes.
Transvaginally. A thin sensor is inserted into the vagina, the diameter of which is only 3 cm. The procedure also does not cause discomfort if there is no acute inflammation. A gel is also applied to its surface and a condom is put on, which patients specially bring for ultrasound of the pelvic organs. How this type of ultrasound is done, we discussed, now we will move on to its main advantages.
What are the benefits of ultrasound?
- Security
- Painlessness.
- High information content.
- Lack of contraindications.
- The ability to diagnose many diseases
Where to do the research?
Diagnostics is carried out both in private and in public clinics. The following is a list of clinics that provide pelvic ultrasound for women (St. Petersburg):
- "Altermer." Address - 139/21 Engels Ave.
- "Energy". Etc. Engels, 33.
- "Meditsentr". Alley Polikarpova, 6.
- Medlab. Etc. Obukhov Defense, 71.
- "Profi Medica". Etc. Bogatyrsky, 64.
Depending on the pricing policy of the clinic, the cost of pelvic ultrasound for women varies. St. Petersburg is replete with medical institutions where the procedure can be performed. On average, it costs from 1000 to 2000 rubles.
What are the risks associated with ultrasound?
In general, the procedure is absolutely safe, but there are certain nuances that must be considered before carrying out it. Firstly, the presence of gases or air in the test cavity violates the informational content of the procedure. Secondly, ultrasound diagnosis is difficult in overweight patients.
We examined pelvic ultrasound in women. The price of the procedure depends on which particular clinic you visited. There are ultrasound machines in almost all hospitals, but in private centers the cost of the procedure is higher. It varies from 1,500 rubles to 6,000 rubles. However, one can also find more affordable clinics for the price.
Today we examined pelvic ultrasound in women. How to prepare for the procedure, what are the indications for its use, and where to conduct the research in St. Petersburg - all issues were considered. Do not delay the study, if necessary. And be healthy!