How do gynecological ultrasound?

Ultrasound is the least traumatic and sufficiently informative method for diagnosing pelvic organs. In order to dispel all myths and fears, it is necessary to understand how gynecological ultrasound is done and what to expect during the study.

When is it necessary to do gynecological ultrasound?

It is important to know when it is better to do gynecological ultrasound, because the correctly selected period of the menstrual cycle will allow obtaining reliable data and minimize the probability of false results. It is best to undergo ultrasound from the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle, but not later than 10 days. It is during this period that the endometrium is the thinnest, which allows one to visualize various pathological formations of the uterine cavity, to determine the state of the endometrium, the presence of hyperplasia, polyps, myomatous nodes.

And after ovulation, the thickness of the endometrium increases and it can hide polyps and small tumors. At any time of the cycle, including during menstruation, gynecological ultrasound can be performed to monitor the dynamics of follicle growth and the maturation of the ovum in the ovary.

Preparation for research

Proper preparation for gynecological ultrasound will make the diagnosis more reliable. Therefore, for successful research, the following rules must be observed:

1. A couple of days before the proposed study, it is desirable to exclude from the diet legumes, cabbage, carbonated drinks, reduce the consumption of fermented milk products. Since all of the above increases gas formation in the intestinal cavity. And the swollen loops of the colon can "overlap" the review of the pelvic organs.
2. With a predilection for flatulence an hour before the study can take Espumizan. This will help relieve the intestines of excess gases.
3. On the eve it is desirable to empty the intestine. In the absence of a chair, you can make a cleansing enema.
4. Immediately before the test, it is necessary to fill the bladder (it is advisable to drink about 1.5 liters of water). If an ultrasound is performed using a vaginal sensor, no special filling of the bladder is required. But in pregnancy, a moderate enough filling of the bladder (fluid intake for an hour before the study should be about half a liter).

Methods of gynecological ultrasound

Now let's analyze how the gynecological ultrasound and what are the main stages of the study. To begin with it is necessary to specify that gynecological ultrasound can be conducted in two ways:

• transvaginally, that is, through the vagina;
• transabdominal - the sensor is located on the front wall of the abdomen.

And if with the second method (transabdominal) everything is clear, then transvaginal ultrasound usually causes a lot of questions.

The vaginal sensor is an elongated cylinder. Before the test, a special tight condom is worn on it. The ultrasound is performed in the supine position, with the legs bent in the knee joints or on the gynecological chair. The sensor is applied with a gel that provides easy penetration and a gentle insertion into the vagina. Usually, when gynecological ultrasound is done, there are no painful sensations. However, with acute inflammatory process in the organs of the small pelvis during the study can be marked sharp soreness. Any doctor should know about any discomfort.

The advantage of transvaginal gynecological ultrasound is that only a thin wall of the vagina is located between the sensor and the organs being examined. Therefore, there is no "interference" in the form of neighboring organs or in the form of an excessively developed subcutaneous fat layer of the anterior abdominal wall.