Can a Pelvic Scan Detect an Infection?

A pelvic ultrasound is a common diagnostic tool in the medical field. It helps doctors examine the reproductive organs and the surrounding area. It can be performed both internally and externally. But can it be used to detect infections, and if so, to what extent can it detect infections? Here we will discuss about it. 

Pelvic Scan and Infections

It can detect signs of infection indirectly. It cannot directly identify infections like blood tests and cultures can. 

Following are the things in which this scan can help us

  • Infection in the tissue leads to inflammation, and when a pelvic ultrasonography is performed, it reveals the swelling and thickening of the tissue, which is a sign of infection.
  • A severe infection causes abscess formation, and this scan can detect these fluid-filled pockets, which are signs of infection.
  • Infections result in fluid accumulation, and when the scan is performed, these fluids show up, which is a sign of infection.
Can a Pelvic Scan Detect an Infection?

Common Infections Detected by Pelvic Scan

It can detect several types of infections indirectly.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: It is an infection of the female reproductive tract. A pelvic scan can show inflammation and abscesses associated with this infection.

Urinary Tract Infections: Severe UTIs can spread to the kidneys and cause inflammation. A pelvic ultrasound detects it.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: Pelvic ultrasonography can detect complications from these infections.

Limitations of Pelvic Ultrasound

  • This scan has limitations in detecting infections.

    • It can not detect the specific bacteria or virus causing the issue.
    • It does not detect the infection in the early stages.
    • Doctors use this scan alongside other tests. Blood tests, urine tests, and cultures can confirm the presence of an infection.

When to Get a Pelvic Ultrasound

  • In the following conditions, doctors recommend this scan.

    • In persistent pelvic pain.
    • In Unusual bleeding patterns
    • In fertility assessments
    • Post-treatment scans

Sum Up

  • This scan is an important tool for the diagnosis of various conditions. Although they cannot detect infection directly, they provide signs and symptoms that indicate the presence of disease.  Always consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms. They will guide you on the best diagnostic approach.