Ultrasound cannot be called a universal diagnostic method, and, nevertheless, with the help of this examination alone, a gynecologist can make a diagnosis. Ultrasound can detect ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, tumors and other diseases. In this article we will talk about how to decipher its results.
The gynecologist prescribes an ultrasound for the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Delay of menstruation
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Uterine bleeding (long periods)
- Infertility
If you suspect the following diseases:
- Endometriosis of the uterus ()
- and torsion of ovarian cyst
- Ovarian torsion
- Inflammation fallopian tubes ()
- Inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis), etc.
How to prepare for an ultrasound?
Ask your gynecologist how the ultrasound will be performed. If the ultrasound will be done through the abdomen, then several hours before the examination you will need to drink as much fluid as possible to fill bladder.
If the ultrasound is performed through the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound), then there is no need to fill the bladder before the examination. A transvaginal ultrasound may cause some discomfort as the probe will be inserted deep into the vagina. Make sure that the ultrasound technician places a sterile (new) condom on the transducer before the examination. This is a guarantee that no infection will occur during the study.
How to decipher the results of an ultrasound scan of the uterus?
After receiving the ultrasound results, you may be interested in what exactly the doctor wrote. We will learn what the basic terms mean that ultrasound specialists write in their reports.
- Position of the uterus. The body of the uterus is in a certain position in the pelvis. Normally, the body of the uterus is inclined anteriorly, and the fold between the body of the uterus and the cervix forms an angle. At the conclusion of the ultrasound, this situation can be described in two Latin words: “ anteversio" And " anteflexio" This is the usual (normal) position of the uterus. If the ultrasound report states that the body of the uterus is in the “ retroversio», « retroflexio“This means that the uterus is deviated posteriorly and there is a posterior bend of the uterus. A posterior bend of the uterus can indicate certain diseases, adhesions in the pelvis, and can sometimes cause infertility. There is a separate article on our website dedicated to this topic:
- Dimensions of the uterus. Ultrasound can determine 3 sizes of the uterus: transverse size, longitudinal size and anterior-posterior size. The longitudinal size (length of the uterus) is normally 45-50 mm (in women who have given birth up to 70 mm), the transverse size (width of the uterus) is 45-50 mm (in women who have given birth up to 60 mm), and the anteroposterior size (thickness of the uterus) is the norm is 40-45 mm. Minor deviations in the size of the uterus occur in many women and do not indicate illness. However, too big sizes uteri can indicate uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pregnancy.
- M-echo. The thickness of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) is determined by ultrasound using M-echo. Endometrial thickness depends on the day menstrual cycle: how less days left until the next menstruation, the thicker the endometrium. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the M-echo ranges from 0.3 to 1.0 cm; in the second half of the cycle, the thickness of the endometrium continues to grow, reaching 1.8-2.1 cm a few days before the onset of menstruation. If you have already reached menopause (), then the thickness of the endometrium should not exceed 0.5 cm. If the thickness of the endometrium is too large, this may indicate endometrial hyperplasia. In this case you need additional examination in order to exclude .
- Myometrial structure. The myometrium is the muscular, thickest layer of the uterus. Normally, its structure should be homogeneous. The heterogeneous structure of the myometrium may indicate adenomyosis. But do not be alarmed ahead of time, since to clarify the diagnosis you will need additional examination.
Uterine fibroids on ultrasound
Uterine fibroids are benign tumor, which almost never develops into uterine cancer. Using ultrasound, the gynecologist determines the location of the fibroid and its size.
For fibroids, the size of the uterus is indicated in weeks of pregnancy. This does not mean that you are pregnant, but that the size of your uterus is the same as the size of the uterus at a certain stage of pregnancy.
The size of uterine fibroids can vary depending on different days menstrual cycle. So, in the second half of the cycle (especially shortly before menstruation), the fibroid increases slightly. Therefore, it is better to perform an ultrasound scan for uterine fibroids immediately after menstruation (on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle).
The location of uterine fibroids can be intramural (in the wall of the uterus), submucous (under the inner lining of the uterus) and subserous (under the outer lining of the uterus).
Endometriosis of the uterus (adenomyosis) on ultrasound
Endometriosis of the uterus, or, is a disease in which inner layer the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow in muscle layer uterus.
With adenomyosis on Ultrasound of the uterus the doctor discovers that the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus) has heterogeneous structure with heterogeneous hypoechoic inclusions. Translated into Russian, this means that in the muscular layer of the uterus there are areas of endometrium that have formed vesicles (or cysts) in the myometrium. Very often, with adenomyosis, the uterus is enlarged in size.
Pregnancy on ultrasound
Ultrasound of the uterus during pregnancy is an extremely important diagnostic step. Here are just a few of the benefits of ultrasound during pregnancy:
- Helps determine gestational age and fetal size
- Helps clarify the location of the fetus in the uterus
- Helps identify
- Helps monitor the development of the fetus and identify any deviations in time
- Helps determine the gender of the baby
- Used during pregnancy
- Used to conduct
Ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound
If suspected, an ultrasound scan is performed through the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasound is more accurate and allows you to detect ectopic pregnancy at an early stage, when complications have not yet developed. Ultrasound during an ectopic pregnancy helps determine the gestational age, the size of the fetus, and also clarify where it is located.
The main signs of an ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound are the presence of lumps or heterogeneous structures in the fallopian tube. An accumulation of fluid (blood) may be detected in the retrouterine space.
How to interpret the results of an ovarian ultrasound?
An ultrasound determines the size of the right and left ovaries, as well as the presence of follicles and cysts in the ovary. The normal size of the ovaries is on average 30x25x15 mm. A deviation of a few millimeters is not a sign of illness, since one or both ovaries may enlarge slightly during the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cyst on ultrasound
An ovarian cyst on ultrasound looks like a round vesicle, the size of which can reach several centimeters. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can not only determine the size of the ovarian cyst, but also suggest ( follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst, dermoid cyst, and so on).
Polycystic ovary syndrome on ultrasound
Their sizes are significantly larger than normal, which is noticeable during an ultrasound. The volume of the ovary also increases: if normally the volume of the ovary does not exceed 7-8 cm3, then with polycystic ovary syndrome it increases to 10-12 cm3 or more. Another sign of polycystic ovary syndrome is a thickening of the ovarian capsule, as well as the presence of many follicles in the ovary (usually more than 12 follicles with a diameter of 2 to 9 mm).
Content
If a woman is just thinking about pregnancy or is already pregnant, if she is concerned about any symptoms, or simply a responsible patient wants to undergo annual examination his reproductive health, the doctor will most likely refer her for an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. This method is one of the most convenient, fastest and informative ways to learn about the state of the reproductive system. It perfectly complements a classic gynecological examination, annual analyzes and allows the doctor to quickly and correctly diagnose and begin treatment or make sure that the woman is absolutely healthy.
What is ultrasound
Principle ultrasound examination lies in echolocation. Body tissues have different acoustic properties. The ultrasound sensor first sends and then receives signals reflected from various tissues of the body. Based on this data, a visual series is built on the monitor, from which a specialist can thoroughly study internal organs and draw appropriate conclusions.
There are two main types of ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs(uterus, pairs of ovaries, cervix and bladder):
- Transvaginal the study consists of examining organs from as close a distance as possible - through the vagina. A thin sensor with a special sterile condom, lubricated with gel, is inserted into the vagina. This method is best for examining the cervix, the uterus itself and the bladder.
- Abdominal - carried out through the anterior abdominal wall. The gel is applied to the abdomen and the sensor is moved over the patient’s skin. This method is more often used in late pregnancy and during routine ultrasound for a detailed examination of the appendages and other organs of the woman from all sides.
Often ultrasound diagnostic doctors When examining, both of these methods are used in turn. This is especially necessary when a woman has not properly prepared for the uterine ultrasound procedure.
An ultrasound is sent for many reasons:
- if pregnancy is suspected to determine the place of its development, the duration and condition of the fetus;
- screening examinations during pregnancy (at 12, 20 and 30 weeks);
- after childbirth, to make sure there is no inflammatory process and to control uterine contractions;
- for pain in the lower third of the abdomen;
- if you suspect the development of a formation (fibroids, cysts, polyps, etc.);
- bleeding outside of menstruation;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- for inflammatory processes and much more.
For whatever reason, a woman has to go for an ultrasound, preparing for it properly means providing the specialist with the opportunity to conduct the examination as completely and efficiently as possible and be confident in its correct result.
Before you start preparing for an ultrasound of the uterus, select the desired day for examination: examination of the uterus is recommended to be carried out on days 5-7 of the cycle. It is important that the bleeding has stopped completely.
How to prepare for a transvaginal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound examination can be performed without any preparation at all. However, it will be much more convenient for the doctor, and the results will be clearer and clearer, if the patient has an empty bowel and a not completely empty bladder. These conditions improve the quality of reflection of ultrasonic waves from organs and allow a woman’s reproductive system to be seen in more detail.
Rules for preparing for transvaginal ultrasound.
- Special diet for gas formation. For 3-5 days before the test, you should eat frequently and in small portions. It is usually recommended to exclude vegetables, fruits, dairy products, sweets and flour.
- Drugs that reduce gas formation should be used if the patient has a tendency to form gas.
Transvaginal ultrasound does not require additional bowel cleansing procedures, and it does not have to be done on an empty stomach.
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is not as informative as a transvaginal ultrasound. In addition, the accuracy of its data can be greatly reduced if the preparation for an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries “through the abdomen” was not carried out with insufficient quality.
- Diet for gas formation. Air in the intestines interferes with ultrasound beams. Therefore, 4-5 days before the test date, doctors recommend excluding legumes, cruciferous vegetables, flour and sweets, carbonated drinks and onions from the diet.
To reduce gas formation Many gynecologists recommend taking a carminative (for example, Espumisan) or a regular one a few hours before the procedure. Activated carbon(one tablet per 10 kilograms of weight).
- Enema. If the patient has problems with stool and was unable to go to the toilet on the eve of the ultrasound, it is necessary to use a microenema (Microlax) or a suppository with glycerin.
Doing an enema or putting a suppository before an ultrasound should be done strictly after eating.
- Fill your bladder - drink about 1-1.5 liters of water, weak tea, compote or juice an hour and a half before the procedure. A full bladder improves the quality of the image on the monitor and allows the diagnostician to conduct the examination more correctly.
Before you begin such careful preparation, check with your doctor exactly what procedures he recommends to use before an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries. After all, preparation for the procedure on some modern devices may not be necessary at all.
Preparing for an ultrasound during pregnancy
In the first trimester, at 10-13 weeks, all pregnant women are examined with a vaginal sensor. Only this method allows us to examine the growing fetus in detail on an ultrasound and assess the condition of the uterus and its cervix. How to prepare for this procedure:
- Try to follow a diet against flatulence for 3-5 days. It includes frequent meals in small portions with a limit on foods that cause fermentation in the intestines.
- Before the procedure, lightly fill your bladder. A bubble volume of approximately 500 milliliters allows you to speed up the procedure and make its result more accurate. To do this, you need to drink a couple of glasses of water 30-40 minutes before the ultrasound and no longer visit the toilet.
- It is advisable to conduct the examination in the morning so that the intestines are empty.
Enemas and suppositories with glycerin It is not recommended for use in the first trimester of pregnancy by women who do not suffer from constipation. Excessive tension can cause uterine tone and threaten miscarriage.
In later stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed transabdominally - along the abdomen. At this stage, the uterus and fetus are already large, so you can examine them in detail without any preparation. At this stage, a vaginal sensor is most often used to study the condition of the cervix.
Ultrasound examination is a fairly comfortable procedure. It does not cause pain and is carried out quite quickly. To avoid inconvenience during the ultrasound, you need to dress comfortably, take a sheet and a towel with you in order to wipe off any remaining gel. If the procedure is carried out in paid clinic, all necessary disposable materials will be provided in the ultrasound room.
During the study, the doctor examines the location, shape, size and structure of the uterine cervix. Thanks to the information received, he identifies wide range pathological disorders and diseases:
- Cysts are a pathology that occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance or inflammation;
- Polyposis is a benign tumor that forms in cervical canal. May develop into a malignant neoplasm;
- Erosion is a violation of integrity, a malformation of epithelial tissue. As such, cervical erosion is not visible on ultrasound. Its presence is indicated only indirect signs. Most effective method diagnosing erosion - colposcopy;
- Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent benign disease that is characterized by the proliferation of the mucous membranes of the uterus into other parts of the body;
- Myoma is a benign tumor that is formed from connective fibers and the outer layer of smooth muscle tissue;
- Adenocarcinoma, carcinoma - malignant tumors that develop from glandular epithelial tissue;
- Cervical pregnancy is a pathology in which a fertilized egg attaches and develops in the uterine cervix;
- Cancer is an oncopathology that is quite difficult to diagnose using echography in the early stages. In this case, the specialist visualizes pathological disorders organ, however, the diagnosis can be confirmed only after additional research.
Ultrasound of the cervix is a non-invasive research technique that allows you to study the structure and condition of the mucous membranes of the uterine cervix, evaluate the characteristics of blood flow and diagnose various diseases in the early stages.
In addition, ultrasound examination of the cervix is good at identifying scar changes formed after surgical interventions, abortions and difficult births. Cervical dysplasia is not detected by ultrasound. This disease can be diagnosed by cytological examination.
Research options
Depending on the intended diagnosis and the purpose of the study, ultrasound scanning of the uterine cervix is performed in several ways:
- Through the abdominal wall (transabdominal). This technique is used when it is impossible to insert a sensor intravaginally - in virgins, during pregnancy, in some pathologies of vaginal development;
- Through the vagina (transvaginally). In this case, the sensor is inserted into the vaginal cavity. By using this method performed gynecological ultrasound in all patients living sex life. The procedure can also be prescribed for early stages gestation and at 38-40 weeks of gestation to assess the maturity of the uterine cervix;
- Through the anus (transrectally). Examination of the cervix in this way is used for the purpose of more detailed visualization of the structure of the organ in virgins;
- Through the skin of the perineum. This technique is used in virgins, patients with vaginal atresia and children with suspected pathology of the uterine cervix.
Each technique has its own characteristics and contraindications. The most optimal method for performing echography is determined by the attending physician after a preliminary consultation.
Indications and contraindications for ultrasound of the cervix
Since the examination of the uterine cervix is performed together with the uterus and appendages, indications for diagnosis relate to a general ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs:
- Pain in the lower abdomen of any intensity;
- The appearance of pathological vaginal leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor;
- Disorders of the menstrual cycle;
- Pathologies of the endocrine system;
- Emergence uterine bleeding after intimacy or outside of menstruation;
- Suspicions of tumor neoplasms and inflammatory processes;
- Urinary disorders;
- Preventive annual examination;
- Suspicions of infertility;
- Preoperative preparation;
- Monitoring the condition of the organ after surgical interventions.
During pregnancy, an ultrasound is performed to assess the closure and length of the uterine cervix.
Contraindications to echography of the cervix are individual and depend on the technique of performing the manipulation. Transvaginal ultrasound is not prescribed for virgin women, girls and patients with structural defects of the vagina. It is also not recommended to conduct an examination several days after surgical procedures on the vagina.
Transabdominal ultrasound has no restrictions. However, if for certain reasons the patient cannot hold urine in the bladder or fill it, the study will be difficult. The transrectal ultrasound procedure is not used for inflammation or after recent rectal surgery.
Specifics of preparation for ultrasound examination
Preparatory activities for examination of the uterine cervix with ultrasound depend on the diagnostic technique. Examination of the cervix through the skin of the perineum and the transvaginal examination procedure do not require prior preparation.
If an ultrasound is performed through the abdominal wall, you should adhere to a slag-free diet for 1-2 days before the examination. You need to exclude sweet fruits, carbonated drinks, dairy products, legumes, cabbage, and brown bread from your diet. Also, 1-1.5 hours before the procedure, you need to drink a liter of liquid to fill the bladder.
Examination through the rectum is performed after bowel cleansing. To do this, 6-8 hours before the upcoming procedure, you can give a cleansing enema or use a laxative.
During pregnancy, there is no need to prepare for an ultrasound scan of the cervix.
Ultrasound technique
The specifics of the procedure depend on the research technique used. To perform transvaginal diagnostics, the patient must remove her underwear, lie on her back and bend her legs. Before insertion, a condom is placed on the sensor and lubricated with sound-conducting gel. The procedure does not cause pain. During an additional examination of the fallopian tubes, a sterile liquid is injected into them, which makes it possible to assess the dynamics of movement.
For transabdominal diagnosis, the woman undresses to the waist and lies on her back. A gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen, which ensures better passage of ultrasound waves.
During a transrectal examination, the woman lies on her right side and bends her legs. Before insertion, a condom is placed on the sensor. During the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort.
Ultrasound of the cervix is a highly informative and safe study that allows you to diagnose any pathological changes organ at preclinical stages. To ensure that the specialist does not have doubts regarding the information received, it is recommended to devote Special attention preparation for the study (if necessary).
Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages is not invasive technique examination to study the specific structure of the genital organs. The gynecologist prescribes the procedure if the following symptoms occur:
- Delayed or irregular periods
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Detection of uterine bleeding
- Diagnosis of infertility.
Ultrasound of the uterus is also done when diagnosing certain diseases: cancer; polyps; ectopic pregnancy; ovarian cyst.
Preparation for the procedure depends on how the procedure is performed. If you plan to perform the study transabdominally, that is, through the abdominal anterior wall, you should drink a lot of fluid to maximize the filling of the bladder. If the study is carried out transabdominally, then preparation, in addition to drinking plenty of water, consists of following a certain diet.
Avoid eating foods containing toxins, that is, rough food, during the day. This preparation will help avoid severe gas formation in the intestinal area. Special preparation is required for women suffering from bloating. You can avoid this by taking Espumisan 2-3 hours before. Proper preparation is the key to a successful and painless study. It is often possible to observe research being carried out in disregard of these recommendations. Preparation is important factor, which determines the effectiveness of the procedure.
When it is intended to perform an ultrasound of the uterus through the vagina, this is not necessary.
Important! It is necessary to ensure that the specialist places a sterile condom on the sensor to avoid infection.
Conducting a survey
Preparation for ultrasound of the uterus and appendages is carried out carefully, since it is intended to introduce sensors into the internal environment.
The procedure is carried out in accordance with a strict algorithm of actions. The patient exposes the perineum and abdomen, onto which a special gel is applied, after which a transabdominal examination is carried out using a special sensor. Initially, the woman lies on her back, and the specialist performs manipulations in the abdominal area. If the need arises, the procedure continues transvaginally.
Before using the cavity sensor, the doctor requires you to empty your bladder. The procedure can be performed using the transperineal method, that is, through the perineum; this is important for patients who are not sexually active or who suffer from atresia. The study is also carried out transrectally, which involves inserting a sensor into the rectum and is used in the case of virgins.
When the uterus has been examined, you can begin to analyze the data obtained. How correctly the decoding is carried out, the diagnosis will be correct, it all depends on the qualifications of the specialist.
Normal organ parameters
An ultrasound is performed to determine four main parameters:
- Uterus length
- Width
- Front and rear size
- Neck length.
Uterus
The sizes of organs depend on several aspects; when decoding is performed, they must be taken into account. We are talking about the number of pregnancies a woman has and the phase of menstruation, respectively, for women who have given birth these parameters are maximum, and for young girls they are minimum. If a woman is of productive age, the dimensions of the uterus will be as follows: width 60mm; length 70mm; rear and front size 42mm.
Interpretation of ultrasound involves determining the position of the organ. It is considered normal if his body is tilted forward, and an angle is formed between his neck and body. When the body of the organ is tilted back and a bend forms in the same direction, then we can talk about the presence of adhesions, which is a prerequisite for infertility.
Appendages
By performing an ultrasound of the appendages, the sizes are also determined. Normal data corresponds to the following parameters: length – 30mm; thickness - 15mm; width - 15mm. The volume of the appendages should not be more than 8 cm 3, however, this indicator is variable, which depends on what phase the menstrual cycle is in.
Definition of endometrium
By performing an ultrasound, you can determine the endometrium, that is, how thick the inner uterine layer is. This parameter depends on what stage the menstruation cycle is at; the closer to its end, the thicker the layer. If the first half of the cycle occurs, then the indicator is in the range of 0.3 - 1.0 cm, respectively, in the second half it can increase to 1.8 - 2.1 cm.
Attention! If a woman is in a state of menopause, then this parameter is normally no more than 0.5 cm. Changes of more than 5 mm can be considered pathological.
Detection of pathologies
The main reason why an ultrasound examination is performed is the suspicion that the patient may have pathologies.
Cancer of the uterus
They primarily look for cancer that manifests itself in different forms if he is found on early stage, then successful surgery is possible.
It is reliably difficult to determine a malignant or benign tumor in a woman using ultrasound. You can increase the accuracy of diagnosis by using the method duplex scanning vessels, in particular those that feed the tumor. It is necessary to regularly monitor the dynamics of its growth.
Determination of endometrial carcinoma based on ultrasound results also indicates that the patient has cancer. Excessive thickening in combination with a heterogeneous structure of the endometrium, excessively braided blood vessels is clear evidence of such a diagnosis. Cancer can also be diagnosed in relation to the neck of the organ. This is determined during an examination by the overgrown hymen at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and the presence of vaginal atresia.
Hyperplasia and polyps
Cancer is not the only pathology; if the doctor determines endometrial hyperplasia, then we are also talking about deviations, but this is a benign growth that affects the mucous cavity. This manifests itself as a significant increase in the thickness of the endometrium, exceeding 16 mm, while its structure is heterogeneous and homogeneous.
Separately, it is necessary to highlight endometrial polyps, which are masses of bright white. The formation is significantly different from the surrounding structure, but it is not cancer; it is characterized by the presence of a vascular pedicle, which is distinguished by Doppler ultrasound.
Anomalies
It is a mistake to mistake abnormalities that are also detected during the study for cancer. There are several similar abnormalities that are often mistaken by patients for cancer; in these cases, the uterus has the following structure:
- One-horned
- Two-horned
- Forked
- Presence of a partition
- T-shaped cavity
- Arkatuna.
It is almost impossible to diagnose the presence of a unicornuate structure, as well as to distinguish between cancer and fibroids with a standard ultrasound examination, in in this case 3d ultrasound is used. The bicornuate structure is immediately revealed; here the bottom deepens downward by more than one centimeter is clearly visible. The presence of a septum on ultrasound can be determined by the bottom bent inward, but the external contour is within normal limits; this anomaly is also not cancer.
Adnexal cancer is also common, often found in women. Here, an ultrasound scan of organs related to the pelvis is performed, as a result of which it is possible to determine the presence of a tumor in the ovaries, otherwise called adnexal cancer.
An ultrasound of the appendages is performed to determine the shape and size, identify follicles, and formations yellow color. Cancer can be diagnosed if pathology is detected, but it is additionally required to evaluate the functionality of the appendages, for which ultrasound is performed three times. You can definitely diagnose cancer by performing an ultrasound of the appendages as follows:
- Initially, the procedure is performed during the selection of the dominant follicle on the 10th day of the menstrual cycle
- It is also necessary to do a procedure to assess the size of this follicle on the 16th day of the cycle
- Cancer can only be determined on the 24th day; the procedure is done to find corpus luteum and evaluating it if it is not found, therefore, ovulation was not successful.
Deciphering the results of a uterine examination often reveals cancer, but in some cases additional examination is required. It is best to diagnose cancer at an early stage, and for this purpose carrying out a preventive examination.
Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages is mandatory preventive method to identify pathologies and inflammatory processes. It is recommended to carry out at least once every six months. This study considered informative, effective, painless, safe and non-invasive. Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages has no contraindications or age restrictions. The research is based on sound waves that penetrate deep into tissue. After the results of the examination, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. It's not worth studying self-treatment and diagnosis, because health and condition depend on this reproductive system women.
Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages is prescribed at the first alarming symptoms which the patient discovered. A gynecological examination is first carried out, after which the doctor prescribes a study, flora and cytology tests are taken. Thanks to ultrasound examination, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis, since ultrasound is a universal diagnostic technique. It is prescribed in the following cases:
- Irregular menstruation.
- Delayed menstruation.
- Constants or variables painful sensations, which arise for no reason.
- Long menstruation.
- The woman was previously diagnosed with infertility.
The study is also prescribed to confirm or suspect the following diseases:
- Uterine fibroids.
- Adenomyosis.
- Uterine polyps.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Polycystic ovarian cyst or torsion.
- Inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages.
- An inflammatory process observed in the endometrium.
Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound of the uterus and appendages
A woman can undergo either transvaginal or transabdominal examination. It is imperative to clarify the type of study in order to know exactly how to prepare before the procedure. Each of the proposed types is informative and effective. They help identify pathology and inflammatory processes in the initial stages. Absolutely safe and painless.
- Transabdominal method. This examination of the uterus and appendages is carried out through the abdominal wall. During the examination, a sensor is used that emits sound waves. Once they reach the organ tissue, they are reflected from the surface and transmitted back through the sensor. A real-time image appears on the device monitor. All information read is recorded in the study protocol. Decryption is carried out exclusively by a specialist, which takes no more than 15 minutes. Transabdominal examination requires careful preparation from the patient. Has no contraindications.
- Transvaginal method. This study is also being compared with gynecological examination. It is carried out through the vagina, where a vaginal sensor is inserted. A condom is first put on it and lubricated with gel. Helps determine the condition of the endometrium and ectopic pregnancy. Has some contraindications. Transvaginal examination helps to examine the appendages from different angles, as well as the structure and functionality of the ovaries. As for preparation, it is not required and can be carried out at any time except during menstruation. Provides a clearer picture.
The choice of examination lies with the gynecologist. It is recommended, in most cases, to conduct a transvaginal examination, which is more informative. If necessary, the following is prescribed:
- Dopplerography. Helps in the study of blood vessels and blood flow of the pelvic organs. Conducted in conjunction with ultrasound examination. Helps identify neoplasms during pregnancy at a later stage. Recommended for suspected tumors.
- Hysterography. Helps in organ examination genitourinary system. During the procedure, a contrast agent is used and injected into the vagina. Prescribed for suspected oncology, fibroids, tumors. Advance preparation is required. This type research is absolutely safe.
Ultrasound examination of the uterus and appendages
The research process will depend on the type of ultrasound prescribed.
- Patient top part torso and pubis.
- Takes a lying position on a special couch.
- On skin be applied special gel, which improves the sliding of the sensor and prevents air from entering under the sensor. If air has penetrated under the sensor, this may negatively affect the results obtained.
- The sensor is moved over the abdomen for a thorough examination of the area being studied.
- The patient exposes her lower torso.
- Takes a lying position on a special couch, legs should be bent at the knees.
- A condom is placed on the vaginal sensor and a special gel is applied.
- The sensor is inserted into the vagina and an examination is performed.
After the procedure, the patient is given a research protocol, which indicates all the data obtained and deviations from the norm. Must be placed preliminary diagnosis. Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages should be performed by a qualified specialist. The procedure lasts no more than half an hour.
Dates
To obtain reliable information, experts recommend performing an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages 3-5 days after the next menstruation. Other days of the menstrual cycle may also be allowed, everything will depend on the patient’s condition, symptoms and other factors. But it is best to perform an ultrasound no later than the 10th day of the cycle.
Ultrasound can be performed three times throughout the menstrual cycle in different periods time. It can also be prescribed if there is a suspicion of cystic formations for certain symptoms.
All indicated periods are reasonable, since during this period of the cycle the endometrium has the thinnest layer, which makes it possible to identify many pathologies. If examinations are carried out in the second half of the cycle, the results of the study will be distorted. Also, during the period of ovulation, due to the presence of a follicle, it is difficult to assess what kind of cyst it is. An ultrasound can also be performed in the second half of the cycle to determine why pregnancy does not occur. During pregnancy, three planned examinations are carried out.
Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages must be performed in mandatory so as not to miss the moment initial stage diseases.
