Interpreting Your Pelvic Ultrasound Results
Without access to your specific pelvic ultrasound results, I cannot provide an interpretation of your individual findings. Pelvic ultrasound interpretation requires review of the actual images and report by a qualified healthcare provider who ordered the test and understands your clinical context 1.
Purpose of Pelvic Ultrasound
- Pelvic ultrasound is used to visualize the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and surrounding structures 1
- It can be performed transabdominally (through the abdomen) or transvaginally (with a probe inserted into the vagina) for better visualization 1
- The transvaginal approach provides superior detail of pelvic organs but requires an empty bladder, while transabdominal requires a full bladder 1
Common Indications for Pelvic Ultrasound
- Persistent vaginal discharge 1
- Dysuria or urinary tract symptoms in sexually active females 1
- Dysmenorrhea unresponsive to NSAIDs 1
- Amenorrhea or abnormal vaginal bleeding 1
- Lower abdominal pain 1
- Pregnancy evaluation 1
- Suspected pelvic inflammatory disease 2
- Evaluation for retained products of conception post-abortion or postpartum 3
- Assessment of pelvic organs after hysterectomy 4
Important Limitations of Pelvic Ultrasound
- Pelvic ultrasound is not indicated for evaluation of inguinal hernias, which require different imaging approaches 5
- Accuracy of pelvic examination compared to transvaginal ultrasound shows significant discrepancies (22% of assessments differ), with ultrasound being more accurate when confirmed by surgical findings 6
- Occasionally, nongynecologic findings related to the gastrointestinal tract may be detected incidentally 7
Next Steps After Your Pelvic Ultrasound
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the results 1
- If your ultrasound was indeterminate (unclear findings), your provider may recommend additional testing or specialist consultation 1
- For specific conditions like pelvic congestion syndrome, additional imaging such as MRI or CT with contrast might be needed if suggested by initial ultrasound findings 8
Important Considerations
- The interpretation of pelvic ultrasound should be done in conjunction with your clinical symptoms and medical history 1
- Ultrasound findings alone may not provide a definitive diagnosis for many conditions 1
- Some conditions may require additional specialized testing beyond the initial ultrasound 1, 8
To properly interpret your pelvic ultrasound results, please consult with the healthcare provider who ordered the test, as they can explain the findings in the context of your specific medical situation.