Many women experience pelvic problems for a variety of reasons. It is extremely important to diagnose them in time and start appropriate treatment, because neglected diseases are treated for a longer time and cause a number of complications, including infertility. Currently, one of the main methods, which is informative and safe, 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 organ, determine its structure and movement. Since it does not emit X-rays, which are capable ofto influence the genetic cellular apparatus, ultrasound is absolutely harmless and can be done an unlimited number of times. The procedure is completely painless.
When is a pelvic ultrasound indicated?
Ultrasound of the small pelvis in women - what does it show and what diseases are diagnosed with it? First of all, these are diseases 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 detect a tumor, cyst, polyp, endometritis and other diseases.
Indications for ultrasound diagnostics are the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower abdomen (including the lower back).
- Profuse discharge, especially of different shades.
- Bleeding.
- Irregularities in the cycle of menstruation.
Usually shows all pathologies of pelvic ultrasound in women. How to prepare for the procedure, we will consider below, based on one or more symptoms.
Attention! It is recommended to do a study a week from the start of the menstrual cycle - in this case it is the most informative.
Types of pelvic ultrasound
Research in several ways:
- Transabdominal.
- Transrectally.
- Transvaginally.
Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound in women what does it show and how is it performed? This is a classic method, which involves guiding the device's sensor along the lower part of theabdomen, which is pre-applied with a special gel. 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.
Transvaginal method. Ultrasound of the pelvis in women (St. Petersburg provides a huge number of clinics that provide these services) is usually prescribed in this way for pain in the lower abdomen. A probe is used that is inserted into the vagina, put on a special condom for ultrasound in order to prevent the transmission of infections from one woman to another. It is prescribed mainly to identify the condition of the uterine lining, walls, and ovaries.
Transrectal ultrasound. In this case, the patient lies on her side, bending her knees. The transducer is inserted into the rectum.
There is also another type of transvaginal ultrasound called sonohysterography. It consists in introducing a contrast agent into the uterine cavity.
How to prepare for the study?
How is an ultrasound of the pelvic organs performed in women? Preparation depends on what kind of ultrasound you have been prescribed. However, doctors advise to come to any of the procedures in loose clothing that does not hinder movement. It is recommended to take a diaper and wipes with you, with which you can wipe the gel from the skin. If the ultrasound is internal, bring a condom with you.
The classic version of ultrasound involves filling the bladder with water. One hour before the procedure, drink up to a liter of water. Whereinrefrain from going to the toilet until you have completed the procedure.
Transvaginal, by contrast, requires emptying the bladder.
Before a transrectal examination, you should consult with your doctor about what kind of measures are needed. If the patient suffers from gas formation, then you should clean the intestines with sorbents or support digestion with enzymes.
A few rules before an ultrasound:
- it is done on an empty stomach;
- it is better to keep a diet for a couple of days, trying not to eat large quantities of fried, spicy or s alty foods along with foods that cause gas formation (beans, cabbage), and also not to drink alcohol and carbonated drinks;
- do not take medication immediately before an ultrasound.
Ultrasound of the small pelvis in women (how it is done, described below) is a safe and prompt option for diagnosing diseases.
What does the survey reveal?
Ultrasound can detect:
- Inflammation of the uterus, which is expressed 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 result, the inability to conceive a child.
- The presence of foreign fluid in the uterine cavity indicates pelvioperitonitis.
Also, ultrasound of the pelvic organs allows you to evaluate the results of the treatment already completed. ATin this case, it is usually done twice - before diagnosis and after therapy, usually medication.
How is the procedure done?
Ultrasound of the small pelvis in women how is it done? The subject lies on a couch covered with a disposable diaper. Exposes the abdomen or removes clothing below the waist. A gel is applied to the abdomen to make it easier for the ultrasound probe to slide over the skin. The procedure lasts 5-15 minutes.
Transvaginally. A thin probe 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 the patients specially bring with them for ultrasound of the pelvic organs. We discussed how this type of ultrasound is done, now let's move on to its main advantages.
What are the benefits of ultrasound?
- Safety
- Painless.
- High information content.
- No contraindications.
- The ability to diagnose many diseases
Where to research?
Diagnosis is carried out both in private and public clinics. Below is a list of clinics that provide pelvic ultrasound for women (St. Petersburg):
- "Altermer". Address - Engels Ave., 139/21.
- "Energo". Etc. Engels, 33.
- "Medicenter". Alley Polikarpova, 6.
- "Medlab". Etc. Obukhov Defense, 71.
- "Pro Medica". Etc. Bogatyrsky, 64.
Depending on the pricing policy of the clinic, the cost of pelvic ultrasound in women varies. St. Petersburg is replete with medical facilities where you can perform the procedure. 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 examined cavity violates the information content of the procedure. Secondly, ultrasound diagnosis is difficult in overweight patients.
We reviewed pelvic ultrasound in women. The price of the procedure depends on which clinic you visited. Ultrasound machines are available in almost all hospitals, but in private centers the cost of the procedure is higher. It varies from 1500 rubles to 6000 rubles. However, you can find more affordable clinics.
Today we reviewed pelvic ultrasound in women. How to prepare for the procedure, what are the indications for its use and where to conduct research in St. Petersburg - all questions were considered. Do not delay with the study, if there is a need for it. And stay he althy!
