Pelvis (Non-OB) Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to image organs and other structures inside the body. A hand held device, called a transducer, is placed onto the skin surface near the area of interest, and sends out sound waves and “listens” as the sound waves bounce off objects and return to the transducer. Sound waves are then converted into an image that is seen on the ultrasound machine. This image can be frozen and stored for diagnostic use. At Sparrow Hospital, all transducers are high-resolution to ensure the most detailed and diagnostic image. One of the greatest benefits of ultrasound imaging is that there are no known health risks.

During a pelvic ultrasound, the technologist will collect images of the bladder, ovaries uterus cervix, and fallopian tubes. This is performed on women who are not pregnant. It is used to assess the internal reproductive system. There are many reasons to perform to perform an ultrasound of the pelvis, including:

• To locate any uterine abnormalities.
• To determine the cause of pelvic pain.
• To detect any scar tissue.
• To identify masses such as cysts and uterine fibroids.
• To detect ovarian or uterine cancer.
• To assess blood flow in the pelvis and around the pelvic organs by use of Doppler Ultrasound.

To prepare for the Pelvis (Non-OB) Ultrasound, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures can be worn during the exam. For this exam, a full bladder is necessary. The full bladder aids in the imaging of the pelvic structures and pushing bowel out of the way to visualize the ovaries and uterus. Please drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour before your scheduled appointment. Do not empty your bladder until instructed to do so. Coffee, tea and carbonated beverages can irritate the bladder so water and juice are generally preferred.

During the ultrasound exam, a gel is placed on the skin near the area of interest. The transducer is then placed directly onto the gel and moved around to obtain the necessary images. The gel acts as a conductor allowing the sound waves to penetrate into the body. The gel is water-soluble and non-irritating to the skin. This procedure can provide valuable information to both you and your care provider about the status of the organs in your pelvis. The sonographer will instruct the patient to empty her bladder and routinely prepare to perform a transvaginal ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound will provide more detail information regarding the blood flow to the ovaries and the status of the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium. It is important to check for fibroids, polyps, cysts and masses.

Once the exam is completed, you will be free to leave. You can return to your regular schedule with no interruptions. A report will be generated in 48 hours and sent to your physician. If you need to take copies of the ultrasound exam to your doctor, films can be obtained at our centralized Film Library. If you have any questions, please contact our Ultrasound Department in the Sparrow Professional Building at 517.364.5645.

Sparrow Radiology’s Department of Ultrasound is pleased to provide a commitment to women’s health by taking an active role in a variety of Women’s Services. Many of the ultrasound services for women revolve around perinatal ultrasound, but a number of other ultrasound tests are available as needed.

The Sparrow Radiology Ultrasound Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology and all sonographers are registered as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. For more information about the field of Ultrasound, visit American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.