What is a pelvic ultrasound?
The pelvis is the lowest part of the abdominal cavity, enclosed by the pelvic bones. It holds the urinary bladder, the last part of the large bowel and the reproductive organs: the uterus and ovaries in women, the prostate and seminal vesicles in men.
A pelvic ultrasound shows these organs with sound waves, without radiation. The doctor moves the probe over the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. This is called a transabdominal scan, and nothing is inserted into the body.
A full bladder is what makes the scan work. Filled with fluid, it pushes gassy bowel loops aside and acts as a window through which sound waves reach the uterus, ovaries or prostate. That is why preparation differs from a scan of the upper abdomen.
When is a pelvic ultrasound done
The scan is usually requested by a GP, a urologist or a gynaecologist, but you can also book it yourself if you have symptoms in the lower abdomen.
Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, especially with fever, fainting or bleeding, is not a reason to book an appointment. Call emergency services on 194 or go to the nearest emergency department.
In women
A scan through the abdomen gives an overall view of the uterus and ovaries and is often the first step before a more detailed gynaecological work-up.
The scan is done for pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis and for irregular, heavy or painful periods. It is also used to follow up a known ovarian cyst or fibroid. Bleeding between periods or after menopause calls for the scan together with a gynaecological exam. Frequent urinary tract infections and burning when passing urine are another reason.
In men
In men the scan focuses on the bladder and the prostate. The usual reason is difficult or frequent urination, especially at night, or a feeling that the bladder stays full. It is also done for blood in the urine and for pain in the groin or above the pubic bone.
If your main problem is urination, see also our page on prostate ultrasound.
Preparing for a pelvic ultrasound: a full bladder
Your bladder needs to be full for this scan, but not painfully so. The usual advice is to drink 1 to 1.5 litres of water about an hour before your appointment and not to pass urine until the scan. We will confirm the exact amount and timing when you book.
If the bladder is not full enough, the doctor will ask you to drink more water and wait. That makes the visit longer, so it is better to arrive prepared.
- drink plain water or tea and avoid fizzy drinks, which cause gas
- do not pass urine from the moment you start drinking until the end of the scan
- if you cannot hold on, empty your bladder partly and drink a little more water
- you do not need to fast for a pelvic scan alone, and you take your regular medicines as usual
- bring earlier ultrasound reports and test results, if you have them
How a pelvic ultrasound is done
You lie on your back with the lower abdomen uncovered down to the pubic bone. The doctor applies gel and moves the probe over the skin in several directions, lengthwise and across.
With a full bladder the pressure of the probe can feel uncomfortable, but the scan does not hurt. The doctor measures the organs and looks for changes on the screen as the scan goes on.
For some patients the doctor asks you to empty your bladder at the end and then checks how much urine is left. This is called post-void residual urine, and it matters when you have urinary symptoms.
The scan itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards you wipe off the gel, go to the toilet and return to your day.
What a pelvic ultrasound shows
In the report the doctor describes each organ examined: its size, shape, structure and any changes. What can be seen depends on the organ.
A scan through the abdomen gives a good overall picture, but small changes in the uterus and ovaries are sometimes not clear enough. In that case the doctor may suggest a different approach or a gynaecological exam. The doctor decides this based on your symptoms and the findings.
You hear the main conclusions at the end of the scan, and you receive the written report shortly afterwards. Images and reports are stored digitally, so a follow-up scan can be compared with the earlier one.
- bladder: wall thickness, stones, polyps or sediment in the urine
- uterus: size and position, fibroids, thickness of the lining (endometrium)
- ovaries: size, follicles and cysts
- prostate in men: size, volume and whether it presses into the bladder
- free fluid in the pelvis, when present
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound in one appointment
A combined abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is a common request. In one appointment the doctor examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys, and then the pelvic organs.
The combination makes sense for unexplained abdominal pain, as part of a general check-up and when symptoms may come from both the kidneys and the bladder.
Preparation then has two parts. You fast for 6 to 8 hours because of the upper abdomen, and an hour before the appointment you drink water to fill the bladder. Plain water is usually allowed while fasting, and we will confirm this when you book.
Pelvic ultrasound cost
A pelvic ultrasound costs from 6,000 RSD. If you also want an abdominal scan in the same visit, mention it when you book. Book your appointment by phone at 062-399-888. See the other diagnostics prices in the price list.
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound
For an appointment call 062-399-888.
Pelvic ultrasound questions
It is done through the abdomen, with a full bladder. You lie on your back, the doctor applies gel to the lower abdomen and examines the bladder and pelvic organs with the probe.
You need a full bladder. Drink 1 to 1.5 litres of water about an hour before the scan and do not pass urine until it is over. You do not need to fast for a pelvic scan alone.
No. The pressure of the probe on a full bladder can be uncomfortable and make you want to pass urine, but it does not last long.
The scan itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. If your bladder is not full enough, allow extra time for it to fill.
It shows the uterus, ovaries and bladder: the size of the organs, fibroids, ovarian cysts and the thickness of the uterine lining. For smaller changes the doctor may suggest an additional gynaecological exam.
Yes. In men the bladder and prostate are examined, and the doctor often also measures how much urine stays in the bladder after urination.
An abdominal ultrasound covers the organs of the upper abdomen, while a pelvic ultrasound covers the bladder and reproductive organs. You fast for the abdomen and come with a full bladder for the pelvis, and both can be done together.
A pelvic ultrasound costs from 6,000 RSD. Book your appointment by phone at 062-399-888. If you also want an abdominal scan, mention it when you book. Prices of our other diagnostics are in the price list.
Related pages
Related exams and doctors