Ultrasound of the female reproductive system. Preparation for ultrasound in gynecology

With the help of ultrasound, the internal and external genital organs are examined. The procedure is performed in men and women to identify abnormalities. The examination technique depends on the proposed diagnosis.

Ultrasound is a common diagnostic method that allows you to assess the condition of the internal or external reproductive system (PS). Ultrasound bounces off different body tissues at different speeds. In the picture, each organ is represented in gray with white and black inclusions.

Ultrasound of the PS in women and men is prescribed for suspected various diseases:

• developmental anomalies;
• inflammation;
• tumors;
• cysts;
• dysfunction.

Ultrasound is performed when abnormalities are detected according to the results of the tests. The purpose of the study is to confirm the proposed diagnosis. Less often, the procedure is prescribed for the control of chronic diseases. With the help of ultrasound of a pregnant woman, you can determine the sex of the fetus.

Preparation rules

For examination of the genitals, special preparation is not required. The rules for preparing for an ultrasound of the internal genital organs depend on how the study will be conducted.

For transvaginal ultrasound, it is enough to carry out hygienic treatment of the perineum and vagina. Before a transrectal examination, it is recommended to take an enema the day before the procedure.

Preparation before transabdominal ultrasound takes three days. The patient is prescribed a diet, carminative drugs. You need to come to the procedure on an empty stomach.

When it is better to do an ultrasound of the reproductive system for a woman depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Most examinations are prescribed immediately after graduation.

How is an ultrasound of the genitals and internal organs performed?

There are three main types of ultrasound:

1. . Universal method, suitable for examining a child, woman, man. Inspection is carried out through the anterior abdominal wall.
2. . Assign girls, women who live an intimate life. Inspection is done with a sensor inserted into the vagina.
3. . Used for men. Inspection is carried out through the rectum.

A rare way is transurethral. The sensor is inserted through the urethra. Rarely used due to pain.

Such a procedure as an ultrasound of the genitals, that is, the external genital organs, is performed only in men. Inspect and, swiping the sensor directly over them.

Read more about the female genital organs in the relevant articles:.

Watch the video about the study in men:

Possible results

Ultrasound reveals the presence or absence of pathological changes. By the way the genitals look on ultrasound, the doctor determines the disease.

Norm

The health of the male reproductive system is determined by the following criteria:

• testicles of the same size, rounded shape;
• the epididymis is clearly visible, in boys it is represented by a thin strip;
• the structure of the penis is represented by cavernous bodies;
• has the shape of a chestnut, its size is determined by age.

There should be no white or black inclusions inside the testicles and prostate.

The female genital organs have the following norm criteria:

• the uterus is pear-shaped, without partitions inside;
• the thickness of the muscular wall of the uterus is uniform around the entire perimeter;
• the uterine cavity looks like the letter T;
• the ovaries are round, inside there may be 1-2 dark inclusions;
• smooth, without constrictions.

The thickness of the endometrium and the structure of the ovaries change according to the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Diseases

With the help of ultrasound, the following diseases of the genital organs are detected:

• or testicles - dark rounded spots;
• prostate adenoma - a bright spot with clear contours;
• malignant tumors - dark or light uneven spots;
• anomalies in the development of the uterus - two-horned, saddle-shaped;
• obstruction of the fallopian tubes - the appearance of dark or light formations inside them;
• ectopic pregnancy - signs of a fetal egg in the fallopian tube;
• prostatitis - an increase in the size of the prostate, in the picture it becomes darker;
• endometritis;
• tumors of the penis;
• testicular underdevelopment.

The final diagnosis is made by the attending physician, taking into account other methods of examination.

In addition, we invite you to watch a video about the study in women:

Price

The price of an ultrasound examination in paid clinics differs in different regions. It also depends on the scope of the procedure.

Ultrasound of the genital organs reveals almost any disease. The procedure is painless, has no age and medical contraindications.

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Women gynecological ultrasound is prescribed for:

• early detection of diseases of the female genital area;
• clarification of the diagnosis;
• assessment of the structural features of the uterus and its cervix;
• control of the performed therapy.

For men, ultrasound of the genitals allows you to establish some specific ailments due to the detailed visualization of the scrotum and prostate gland. The procedure is prescribed for:

• inflammation of the testicles, their appendages;
• genital injuries;
• varicocele;
• suspected oncology;
• infertility;
• non-inflammatory disorders;
• necrotic lesions of the scrotum;
• torsion of the spermatic cord, testicle;
• testicular cysts;
• erectile dysfunction.

Ultrasound examination of the genital organs is harmless and painless for the human body. Therefore, the restrictions on its implementation are relative. They are usually associated with conditions that can reduce the quality of diagnosis. These include:

• severe inflammation on the skin at the point of contact of the body with the sensor;
• burns on the examined area;
• urinary incontinence;
• operations on the bladder;
• transferred surgical interventions on the rectum;
• the presence of a hymen;
• transferred operations on the pelvic organs;
• excess weight;
• allergy to latex;
• inflamed intestines;
• sexual infections.

Ultrasound examination of the genitals does not require special preparation. It depends on how the survey will be carried out.

For transvaginal diagnosis, it is necessary to perform hygienic treatment of the vagina, perineum. An ultrasound of the reproductive system of a woman should be done, focusing on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Usually the procedure is prescribed after the end of menstruation. More detailed information can be obtained from the attending physician.

Preparatory measures before transabdominal ultrasound take 3 days. The patient needs to adjust his diet by removing products that increase the formation of gases from it. Carminatives are allowed. They come to the diagnosis on an empty stomach. The bladder must be full, so an hour before the procedure, you need to drink about 1-1.5 liters of non-carbonated water. As soon as there is a desire to visit the toilet, you can start the diagnosis.

There are 3 main methods for conducting an ultrasound examination of the reproductive system:

• transabdominal. A universal method suitable for studying the state of the organs of children, men, women. Inspection is carried out through the anterior abdominal wall;
• transvaginal. Assign girls and women living an intimate life. A special sensor is inserted into the vagina;
• transrectal. It is used in men and girls who do not live sexually. Inspection is carried out through the rectum;
• transurethral. The rarest way. Assign it infrequently because of the pain. The sensor is inserted through the urethra.

The female body is a unique creation that undergoes many transformations throughout life. Any, even minor, violation of his activity can lead to irreversible consequences, such as, for example, infertility, depriving him of the incomparable joy of motherhood.

To avoid such a sad turn of events, it is recommended to undergo a preventive examination, which includes mandatory ultrasound of the female organs of the reproductive and genitourinary systems. This will allow early recognition of many pathologies and take appropriate measures.

When should a woman undergo a pelvic ultrasound?

Ultrasound examination is one of the simplest and most informative diagnostics, moreover, it is absolutely painless and harmless, therefore it is prescribed first of all when many pathological manifestations occur.

So, the doctor prescribes a referral for ultrasound of the internal female organs if there is:

• pain in the inguinal region of a pulling, aching character;
• false frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by discomfort;
• pain when emptying the bladder and burning in the urethra (urethra);
• bleeding from the genitals, different from normal menarche;
• irregular menstrual cycle with heavy or scanty periods;
• hematuria (blood in the urine) and other signs of pelvic disease.

In addition to pathological signs, ultrasound of the internal female organs is done during planned preparation for pregnancy, the establishment or removal of the IUD (intrauterine device), postoperative control in the rehabilitation period. To obtain the most detailed picture of the organs, it is of great importance on which day of the menstrual cycle a woman will be examined. The most informative procedure will be on the 7th-10th day of the cycle, as this is the most suitable time to study the uterus and ovaries for the presence of pathologies such as erosion, polycystic and others.

Techniques

It depends on the indications, contraindications and age characteristics of females, in what way the study will be conducted. The main types of ultrasound of the genitourinary system that are used for women are transabdominal, transvaginal and transrectal. Despite the common points, these techniques have some differences that patients should take into account when preparing for the procedure.

Transabdominal ultrasound

The simplest method used in most cases. Its essence lies in the study of the genitourinary system in women with the usual movement of the ultrasonic emitter in the lower abdomen. To improve contact with the skin and minimize friction, the diagnostician applies a special gel to the emitter and then examines the projections of the internal organs of the small pelvis.

In order for the results to be as accurate as possible, all of the above methods require special preparation, consisting of food restrictions and proper filling of the bladder before the procedure. Dietary restrictions look like eliminating foods that increase gas formation in the intestines, since gas bubbles can be mistaken for cysts or tumors.

Prohibited foods include fatty types of cheeses, meat, fish and broths from them, raw fruits and vegetables, spicy, salty, fried foods, smoked meats, spices, dairy and bakery products, sweets.

Alcohol, carbonated drinks and water should be excluded, and a few hours before the procedure, you can not smoke, chew gum and suck on lollipops. Your menu 3-4 days before the study should be composed of low-fat types of meat, poultry, fish and first courses based on them, boiled vegetables, cereals - buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. You can also eat 1 boiled egg a day and drink 1 glass of kefir or milk.

It is allowed to drink weak tea or coffee during the preparation for the ultrasound. For transabdominal ultrasound, care must be taken to ensure that the bladder is full - due to this, the intestinal loops will rise and the internal organs will be available for study. For sufficient filling of the bladder, you can simply refrain from urinating for at least 3 hours, or drink at least 1 liter of non-carbonated water 1–1.5 hours before the ultrasound.

Transvaginal ultrasound

Or as it is sometimes called intravaginal ultrasound, despite a slightly more complicated access, it is also used quite often, like the previous technique. When it is carried out, a special gynecological sensor is used, having a diameter of about 3 cm, which does not bring any pain during examination.

Due to its size, the gynecological sensor allows for a painless procedure

The vaginal examination, like the other two procedures, lasts no more than 10-20 minutes, and only in controversial cases can be delayed a little. Preparation for a gynecological ultrasound through the vagina is simpler than with the previous one - it is necessary to urinate before the study so that a full bladder does not interfere with the movement of the transducer (sensor). The doctor puts a condom on him for hygienic purposes, the patient lies back on the couch, spreads her knees according to the principle of position on the gynecological chair. Intravaginal ultrasound remotely resembles an obstetric examination.

Important! If the patient has an allergy to latex, then when prescribing intravaginal ultrasound diagnostics, it is imperative to tell the doctor about it.

Transrectal ultrasound

In gynecology, a transrectal technique is also used, but much less often - mainly in virgins or for some specific indications. To prepare for an ultrasound in this way, it is imperative to clean the rectum from feces, as the procedure is done by inserting a special sensor into it.

The rectal ultrasonic emitter is even smaller in diameter than the vaginal one, so there is no pain or just discomfort. When conducting gynecological diagnostics with this technique, a condom is also used, and its lubrication allows the doctor to enter the anus easily and painlessly. The bladder does not need to be filled.

Features of carrying out during pregnancy

Now, not a single pregnancy passes without ultrasound diagnostics of the state of the reproductive organs of the mother and the development of the fetus. So, in addition to determining the presence of conception, ultrasound is scheduled at least three times during the gestation period - at 11–13 weeks, 22–23 and 31–32. This allows you to control the intrauterine development and growth of the embryo, as well as the possible formation of pathologies in the mother's body.

• At 11–13 weeks, gross developmental disorders of the fetus are determined, the thickness of the collar zone is an important indicator of the presence or absence of Down syndrome, and anatomical features are evaluated.
• At 22-23 weeks, it becomes possible to study the structure of the main organs and systems of the fetus - the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive tract and urinary tract. At this time, you can determine the sex of the unborn baby.
• At 31-32 weeks, ultrasound shows late anomalies in the development of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, urinary and respiratory systems, as well as other important organs. In addition, the growth rate and its compliance with normal indicators are being studied.

The high accuracy of ultrasound devices makes it possible to determine pregnancy in the early stages

Important! Timely screenings during pregnancy in the first and second trimesters, plus correctly performed preparation for them, provide the most informative picture. This will allow, with gross pathologies found, to terminate the pregnancy, relieving both the mother and the child from suffering.

Decoding of research materials

After the end of the procedure, the diagnostician performs the interpretation of the received data. The study protocol indicates the norm and, if any, deviations from it. Ideally, such a conclusion should be made by an obstetrician-gynecologist or a urologist, that is, a doctor specializing in diseases of the female pelvic organs. During decoding, the position, size and structure of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder are evaluated.

The presence or absence of calculi in the bladder and kidneys, and formations in the large intestine is indicated. The presence of follicles in the ovaries and pathological formations in them is established. Various deviations from normal indicators indicate the development of diseases. For example, thickening of the walls of the uterus or fallopian tubes can be a development of oncological processes. Round-shaped formations diagnosed on ultrasound can be cysts or fibromas.

If there is a simultaneous decrease in the uterus and an increase in the size of the ovary, most likely, we are talking about polycystic disease. A change in echogenicity indicates a fibroid (benign tumor of the uterus) or endometriosis. But the correct diagnosis can only be made by an experienced specialist who is able to take into account all the subtleties in the pictures or records. As a result, the decoding of the research materials contains the smallest details for each organ, on their basis a conclusion is formed, which is issued to the patient. She can then go to her primary care physician for further advice.

Gynecological ultrasound is performed on different days of the menstrual cycle, depending on the clinical situation. However, most often this ultrasound is recommended in the first phase of the cycle, which means it is carried out on the fifth - seventh day of the cycle. When is an ultrasound of the female genital organs prescribed? In this case, it is undesirable to carry out the study on the seventh - tenth day of the cycle. Women's diseases that can be detected by ultrasound: lack of ovulation, benign and malignant pathologies of the pelvic organs.

If the doctor needs to assess how well the ovaries work and he is interested in the development of follicles and the formation of the corpus luteum, an ultrasound examination should be performed on the eighth - tenth, fourteenth - sixteenth and twenty-second - twenty-fourth days of the cycle. Therefore, when an ultrasound of the female genital organs is prescribed, a certain pathology is analyzed.

If pregnancy is diagnosed, then here the first date when it can be carried out will fall on the third or fourth week. Transvaginal examination allows you to do this even earlier. As a preventive study, women are recommended to undergo ultrasound diagnostics once a year or every two years. If a woman takes oral contraceptives, it is better to carry out diagnostics every six months. If the woman is older than forty years, such an examination should be carried out every year.

Ultrasound of the internal female organs: how to prepare?

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the female genital organs? When it comes to intravaginal ultrasound examination, it is desirable that such a diagnosis be carried out on an empty stomach, and the intestines and bladder should be empty. Food should not be taken eight to twelve hours before the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the female organs? What else do you need to know? As far as possible, you need to free the intestines from gases and feces as much as possible. This must be done so that the ultrasound can fully pass and the desired image is displayed on the screen. This means that you need to start preparing three to four days before the ultrasound diagnostics.

Ultrasound of the internal female genital organs: how to prepare to exclude gas formation? It is necessary to remove from the menu those foods that are difficult to digest on these days. The same applies to fatty foods, as well as those foods that contribute to increased gas formation. These are fresh vegetables and fruits that have a large amount of fiber, legumes, whole milk, carbonated drinks, black bread, coffee and high-calorie confectionery (for example, cakes and pastries).

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Ultrasound of the internal female genital organs- an accessible and informative method used for diagnostics in gynecology, urology and reproduction.

The procedure for ultrasound of the genitals can be carried out in several ways. Transabdominal examination is carried out through the anterior wall of the abdomen. In a transrectal examination, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum. In a transvaginal ultrasound, a transducer is placed in the patient's vagina.

The examination has no contraindications and can be performed on patients of any age. If necessary, an ultrasound of the internal female genital organs can be done to a child at any age. Before the onset of sexual activity, ultrasound is prescribed for young girls transabdominally or transrectally.

Indications

Indications for the appointment of this examination may be suspicions of the presence of inflammatory processes, neoplasms of a different nature, menstrual irregularities, pain and spasms in this area. Ultrasound is also used to establish the fact of pregnancy in the early stages, to identify the causes of infertility, as well as in a number of other situations. Ultrasound examination helps to identify the following diseases: endometriosis, salpingitis, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, cysts and ovarian tumors.

Training

Before the examination, the doctor will recommend on which day of the menstrual cycle it is better to conduct it. Each type of examination requires its own preparation, the doctor will warn about this in advance. General recommendations for all types of ultrasound of the internal female genital organs: refuse gas-forming products 2-3 days before the examination to reduce the activity of the intestines, refrain from eating 6-8 hours before the procedure. As a rule, it is recommended to drink a liter of water before an ultrasound, since a full bladder contributes to a better visualization of the internal genital organs.

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Price

The cost of ultrasound of the internal female genital organs in Moscow ranges from 600 to 6600 rubles. The average price is 1920 rubles.

Where to do an ultrasound of the internal female genital organs?

Our portal contains all the clinics where you can do an ultrasound of the internal female genital organs in Moscow. Choose a clinic that suits your price and location and make an appointment on our website or by phone.