Female Pelvic Ultrasound Overview
An ultrasound is not only a useful medical tool for pregnant women, it is also useful in gynecology for examining the pelvic organs. A female pelvic ultrasound is used by Dr. Dennis Eisenberg to view the uterus, ovaries and cervix, as well as the bladder, in order to diagnose a potential health complication. If a woman in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area requires a gynecologic ultrasound and thorough examination, they are encouraged to contact Dr. Eisenberg’s OBGYN team.
What is a Gynecologic Ultrasound?
A female pelvic ultrasound uses soundwaves to create a picture of the organs and supporting structures in the lower body that are displayed in real-time images. The organs commonly include:
- The reproductive organs- Uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- The urinary tract- Bladder
An ultrasound is usually recommended by Dr. Eisenberg to evaluate:
- Pelvic pain
- Irregular bleeding between periods or following menopause
- Heavy or painful periods
- Difficulty conceiving
- Abnormal masses and cysts
- Cancer risk
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
- The ovaries and endometrium (uterine lining)
Organs and other internal structures that are uniform and solid, such as the ovaries and uterus, show up very clearly on a female pelvic ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. Fluid-filled structures, such as the bladder, also display well. These types of ultrasounds are not recommended to view organs filled with air, like the intestines, in most cases.
Types of Female Pelvic Ultrasounds
- Transvaginal ultrasound- A transducer designed to fit into a woman’s vagina is used to look for issues related to infertility, as well as pregnancy complications. It is similar to a gynecologic exam and is also performed to view the endometrium and/or ovaries. This form of ultrasound is painless with a typical duration of 30 minutes.
- Transabdominal ultrasound- A small hand-held transducer is moved across a woman’s lower belly to detect uterine fibroids and other abnormal masses or cysts. Much like the transvaginal technique, this procedure is also painless and completed under 30 minutes.
In both types of female pelvic ultrasounds, the transducer transmits the reflected soundwaves to a computer that displays them as a picture on a video screen.
Dr. Eisenberg and his team will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare and what to expect prior to any gynecologic ultrasound.
If you live in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas communities and would like more resources on a female pelvic ultrasound, or would like to schedule a gynecologic ultrasound with an OBGYN, please contact the office of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg.