Ovarian ultrasound in women - indications and on what day of the cycle to do, preparation and decoding of the results. When is it better to do an ultrasound of the ovaries in women and what will it show? Ovarian ultrasound in women as it is called

The female ovaries are a paired organ that produces hormones necessary for the reproductive system to function. The activity of the ovaries affects the general well-being of a woman and her menstrual cycle. Ultrasound of the ovaries in women is prescribed in a comprehensive examination or as an independent procedure. The study allows you to assess the functional activity of the organ and the presence of pathological processes in it. Such a scan is completely safe, therefore it is used for preventive purposes and is prescribed for pregnant women.

Ultrasound scanning is considered one of the most informative diagnostic techniques. Ultrasound of the ovaries allows you to identify organ pathologies, assess its condition and functional activity. The study is carried out when a disease is suspected and as a routine procedure.

A transducer that emits ultrasonic waves is used for scanning. An image appears on the monitor screen by which the size of the ovaries, their structure, the presence of neoplasms and the state of the follicles are assessed. The procedure is painless and takes about a quarter of an hour.

Depending on the scanning technique, the following types of ultrasound are distinguished:

1. Transabdominal examination is done through the skin, placing the sensor in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ovarian projection. The procedure is suitable for primary examination and prophylactic medical examination of the female population. A decade ago, this technique was the basis for diagnostics, but today devices have appeared that give more reliable results.
2. Transvaginal scanning is performed with a long-handled probe that is inserted into the vagina. During the study, you can clearly see the follicular apparatus, the uterus and its cervical canal. With this view, the visualization of organs is more accurate.
3. The transrectal procedure is performed with a smaller transducer that is inserted into the anus. This alternative diagnostic method is used to examine patients with intact hymen.

Indications

Sometimes an ultrasound of the ovaries is performed several times after menstruation during one cycle. So you can identify violations in the reproductive system, which manifest themselves at a certain phase of the cycle. Scanning is indicated for infertility and hormonal abnormalities.

Indications for the procedure:

• in the absence of pathologies, scanning is carried out if infertility is suspected, if the couple cannot conceive for a year;
• various formations in the ovaries and uterus (benign and malignant cysts, tumors) are also the reason for ultrasound;
• with mastopathy (pathology of the mammary glands), ultrasound is performed, because the reasons for the deviation may be associated with the activity of the ovaries;
• scanty or significant discharge during menstruation, which is a sign of a cycle disorder;
• discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen associated with inflammation or other pathologies;
• the method is used for a comprehensive preventive examination of women by a gynecologist.

Preparation and course of the examination

The preparation for the procedure depends on the scanning method. Three days before any examination, you need to stop eating foods that cause fermentation in the intestines. This will relieve the patient of bloating. It is not recommended to eat:

• legumes;
• milk products;
• pearl barley porridge;
• black breads;
• greens and cabbage;
• yeast-containing products;
• drink carbonated drinks.

It is recommended to follow a light diet for three days, and to do an enema on the day of the study. Before performing a transabdominal ultrasound of the reproductive organs, drink enough water to keep the bladder full.

If research using an external probe is not enough, a transrectal or transvaginal method is used. But note that they are not suitable for examining pregnant women. In girls and nulliparous women with preserved hymen, the transrectal method is used. It is important to know how to prepare for such research. Before the procedure, be sure to do an enema to cleanse the rectum.

Now let's talk about how the ovarian ultrasound goes. For transabdominal examination, the patient is placed on a couch, a gel is applied to the lower abdomen and a sensor is applied. For transvaginal ultrasound, a condom is put on the transducer and inserted into the vagina. In this case, the patient lies on the couch, legs apart. If a woman has pain, then the first scan method is used.

With transrectal ultrasound, the patient is placed on her side on a couch with legs bent at the knees, which must be wrapped around her hands. A condom is put on the transducer and inserted into the anus. This method is used if the uterus and ovaries are difficult to see through the abdominal wall, and there are contraindications to transvaginal scanning.

When to do it?

When is it better to do an ultrasound of the ovaries, depends on the purpose of the procedure. The most important studies in terms of diagnostics are carried out 7-9 days after menstruation. It is very important to knowwhat day of the cycle to do Ultrasound in the treatment and detection of pathologies of reproductive function. Usually the procedure is carried out three times:

• on days 8, 9 and 10;
• from 12 to 14 days;
• and on days 22, 23 or 24.

At this time, the ovum matures in the appendages, ovulation and the production of the corpus luteum occur. If necessary, follicular maturation is monitored throughout the cycle. If the patient is suspected of endometriosis, then the transvaginal scan is transferred to the end of the cycle, when the overgrown endometrial tissue is clearly visible.

Decoding the result

After performing an ultrasound of the ovaries, the gynecologist compares the results with the indicators of the norm. The latter depend on the age of the patient. In girls and postmenopausal women, the follicles do not mature, therefore the ovaries have different parameters and rounded outlines.

As for young patients of childbearing age, the sizes of healthy appendages are as follows:

• width within 25 mm;
• thickness - no more than one and a half centimeters;
• length - 3 cm.

Since these paired organs continue to grow until the age of 40, when decoding the results of an ultrasound scan, taking into account the size norms, doctors take into account the woman's age. By the age of forty, the ovaries reach their maximum size, and then gradually decrease. Such changes are associated with a decrease in the production of hormones and the approach of menopause.

When a small cavity with liquid contents is found, they speak of an epididymis cyst. Cysts are usually harmless and resolve themselves without treatment. An operation or drug therapy is prescribed if the cyst is preserved by the time of the second examination.

If the organs are not visible on the monitor, this indicates adhesions that appear due to the growth of a neoplasm, or congenital pathology. But more often this happens with flatulence.

Conclusion

After decoding the results of an ultrasound of the ovaries, the following conclusions are issued:

1. There are no deviations, since ovulation proceeds according to the phases of the menstrual cycle. Healthy ovaries have a bumpy shape, which indicates the simultaneous maturation of several follicles.
2. There is no ovulation if the follicle has not matured or has begun to decrease.
3. If follicles are not found during the diagnosis, infertility is diagnosed.
4. Also, after ultrasound, a follicular cyst may be found.

Proper preparation for the survey is very important, which will help to obtain accurate reliable data. In some cases, to clarify the diagnosis, additional studies are prescribed - urine, blood and other diagnostic procedures.

Ultrasound examination is an affordable, comfortable and safe method that allows you to identify the disease even before the first symptoms appear. The study is also carried out in the presence of complaints indicating a malfunction in the work of one or another body. You need to understand how an ultrasound of the ovaries in women goes and what it shows in order to fully understand the full value of this diagnostic procedure.

Ultrasound examination of the ovary of women is carried out in the following situations:

• Violation of the menstrual cycle: delayed menstruation, shortening or lengthening of the interval between monthly bleeding, change in the volume of discharge, the appearance of acyclic intermenstrual discharge.
• Pain in the lower abdomen of a different nature.
• The appearance of pathological vaginal discharge (including bloody).
• Preparation for conceiving a child: control of ovulation.
• Infertility is the inability to conceive a child during a year of regular sexual activity without using any contraceptives.
• Miscarriage: spontaneous miscarriages at any time.

It is important to know: an ultrasound of the ovaries, cervix and uterus is all ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. The doctor does not look at one organ separately - he assesses their condition in the aggregate and finds out the complete picture of the disease.

On what day of the cycle can an ovarian ultrasound be done?

In the reproductive age, when the ovaries are functioning and menstruation is going on, a planned ultrasound of the pelvic organs is best done on the 5-7th day of the cycle. During this period, the endometrium is thinned, and nothing prevents the doctor from assessing the condition of the uterus and appendages. For special indications, the study can be carried out on another convenient day. For example, to assess the growth of follicles, an ultrasound scan is performed on the 8-12th day of the cycle and is repeated every 2 days until the desired result is obtained.

An emergency ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs is performed when such complaints appear:

• Severe pain in the lower abdomen.
• Bloody discharge from the genital tract.
• The appearance of purulent discharge.
• Increased body temperature.

In these situations, ultrasound can be done on any convenient day. Before the onset of menarche (the first menstruation in a girl's life) and after menopause (the last menstruation), the time of the study also does not matter.

How is an ovarian ultrasound done? Ultrasound diagnostic methods

In gynecology, three options are possible:

• Transvaginal ultrasound. The sensor is inserted into the vagina. This is the most accurate method for diagnosing ovarian pathology, since the distance to the pelvic organs is reduced. Performed early in pregnancy. Not performed on virgins.
• Transabdominal ultrasound. The sensor is located on the anterior abdominal wall. This method does not allow to identify small structures: uterine or ectopic pregnancy of very early periods ,. Performed in women of any age.
• Transrectal ultrasound. The probe is inserted into the rectum. In terms of information content, it is comparable to the transvaginal technique. Used by virgins.

The choice of method is determined by the indications for the examination, the woman's reproductive status and the technical capabilities of the clinic.

Preparation for ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus

Before performing a transvaginal ultrasound, you must:

• Exclude from the diet food that increases gas formation in the intestine.
• Do not eat 2 hours before the procedure.
• Take a hygienic shower before visiting a doctor.
• Empty the bladder just before starting the procedure.

Preparation for transabdominal ultrasound includes drinking a large volume of liquid - 1 liter of still water an hour before the study. You cannot urinate until the procedure is complete. This preparation allows the bladder to fill. The full organ displaces the intestinal loops, and the pelvic organs are clearly visible. With an empty bladder, the ovaries may not be visible.

How is an ultrasound of the ovaries in women?

Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries is performed in a specially equipped room. The woman sits on the couch with a clean sheet or diaper on. In a transabdominal examination, it is sufficient to expose the lower abdomen. The doctor will lubricate the woman's skin with a special gel to improve the conduction of signals, after which he will guide the sensor along the abdomen in the desired direction. The procedure is completely painless, but the appearance of unpleasant stretching over the bosom during the transducer is noted. Such sensations are associated with a full bladder, and they just need to wait out.

When conducting a transvaginal ultrasound, a woman completely undresses to the waist and lies on the couch on her back, bending and spreading her legs at the knees. The doctor puts a condom on the transducer, lubricates it with gel and inserts it into the vagina. The procedure is unpleasant, but painless. Nulliparous women note the appearance of a certain discomfort when the sensor is inserted. Women who have given birth usually do not present any complaints.

Transrectal ultrasound is performed in a lateral position with bent knees. Before diagnostics, you must undress to the waist. The doctor inserts a condom-coated and gel-coated transducer into the rectum. The procedure is very unpleasant, but you will have to endure it. Sometimes only a transrectal sensor can be used to see some pathological processes in the pelvic organs.

What is seen with a gynecological ultrasound?

Ultrasound of the ovaries reveals various pathologies:

• Anovulation as a probable cause of infertility.
• Volumetric gonadal formations: cysts and tumors.
• Inflammatory diseases.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Anomalies in the development of appendages.

The performed ultrasound scan helps to find the cause of the pathological process and choose the optimal treatment.

Gynecological ultrasound can also detect diseases of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The technique is actively used in the diagnosis of various conditions during pregnancy.

Tell me, on what day of the menstrual cycle do an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries? The doctor advised to undergo examination, but the date was not indicated in the direction. Svetlana, 20 years old.

By default, ultrasound of the uterus and ovary is done on the 5-7th day of the cycle, unless the doctor has given otherwise.

The size of the ovaries is normal in women by ultrasound

An ultrasound scan is performed by a gynecologist, taking into account the woman's age.

Normal sizes of the ovaries and uterus at reproductive age

Interpretation of the examination results begins with an assessment of the size of the uterus. Normally, in women of reproductive age, the following parameters are determined:

• Length - 5-8 cm.
• Width - 4-6 cm.
• Anterior-posterior size - 3-4 cm.

A slight deviation of the normal size of the uterus in any direction up to 1-1.5 cm is allowed.

Normally, the uterus is in the midline of the pelvis, it can be deflected into anteflexio (forward) or retroflesio (back). Both of these options are acceptable, only the angle of inclination matters. With a strong bend, complications associated with conceiving and bearing a fetus may develop.

The ovaries on ultrasound look like ovoid formations located on the sides of the uterus. In the first phase of the cycle, 5-12 follicles are visible in the stroma of the organ. Closer to the time of ovulation, the doctor can make out the maturing follicles and distinguish among them the dominant one - the carrier of the egg.

The size of the ovaries is normal:

• Length - 2.5-3.5 cm.
• Width - 2-3 cm.
• Anteroposterior size - 1.7-2.2 cm.

Closer to the middle of the cycle and ovulation, the ovaries slightly increase in size due to the growth of the dominant follicle. This follicle reaches a size of 1.5-3 cm. After the completion of ovulation, the ovaries decrease, and the corpus luteum is revealed in the stroma - a temporary gland that secretes progesterone. At the end of the cycle, the corpus luteum regresses. If the iron remains, you should think about pregnancy.

Normal size of the uterus and ovaries by ultrasound in a nulliparous woman

The uterus of nulliparous women remains within the generally accepted range. The organ is about 5-8 cm long, up to 6 cm wide, and about 3.5 cm thick. A decrease in these indicators may indicate congenital uterine hypoplasia. Excess of the specified norm before childbirth occurs with hyperplastic processes and inflammatory changes.

The thickness of the endometrium (the mucous layer of the uterus) during menstruation is 10-15 mm, but then in the first phase of the cycle does not exceed 5 mm. In the second phase, there is a gradual increase in the endometrium up to 10 mm.

Normal size of the uterus and ovaries by ultrasound in a woman giving birth

The uterus of women giving birth is somewhat enlarged:

• Length - 6-9 cm.
• Width - 5-7 cm.
• Anterior-posterior size - 4-5.5 cm.

The size of the endometrium and ovaries does not differ from those of nulliparous women.

Normal size of the uterus and ovaries by ultrasound in women in menopause

In the climacteric period, there is a slight decrease in the size of the uterus:

• Length - 4-7 cm.
• Width - 3-5 cm.
• Anterior-posterior size - 2-3 cm.

During menopause, the thickness of the endometrium should not exceed 5 mm.

The size of the ovaries decreases with menopause:

• Length - 2-3 cm.
• Width - 1.5-2.5 cm.
• The antero-posterior size is 1.5-2 cm.

Follicles and corpus luteum during menopause are not defined.

How to calculate the volume of an ovary by ultrasound?

The volume of the ovaries is normally 3-9 cubic meters. see You can calculate the volume of an organ using the formula:

Ovarian volume \u003d length × width × thickness × 0.532

Determination of the volume of the gonads is important in the diagnosis of PCOS, oophoritis, endometriosis, cysts, tumors and other pathologies. The growth of the indicator indicates that the size of the organ is increased, and it is necessary to look for the cause of this condition.

Decoding ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries

Ultrasound can detect the following deviations:

• Ovarian cysts: follicular, luteal, dermoid, paraovarial, serous. On ultrasound, an ovarian cyst is visible as a rounded hypoechoic or anechoic formation, unicameral or multi-chambered, without inclusions (with the exception of mature teratoma). With a cyst, the size of the appendage is usually increased.
• Benign tumors. They are defined as rounded with different structure.
• Ovarian cancer. On ultrasound, the carcinoma is visible as a multi-chambered rounded formation with an uneven outline and thick walls. Inside, multiple inclusions are revealed.
• ... PCOS is supported by the determination of a large number of small cysts-follicles with a diameter of up to 10 mm and a number of at least 10 in the stroma of the organ.
• Oophoritis. Against the background of the inflammatory process, the ovaries increase in size, acquire fuzzy contours. The echo structure of the organ can be heterogeneous. Against the background of a chronic process, calcifications are detected.

It so happens that the ovary is not visible on ultrasound. This is possible in the following situations:

• Congenital absence of one ovary. Even if one appendage is not detected, problems during conception and bearing of a child usually do not arise. The paired ovary fully provides the necessary production of hormones.
• Condition after removal of the ovary. In place of the organ, a connective tissue cord is formed.
• Ovarian hypoplasia. The organ is not located due to a pronounced decrease in size. This happens during menopause or against the background of premature ovarian depletion.
• Displacement of the gonads in the presence of tumors of the uterus or other organs of the pelvis.

The ovary may not be visible if, before the study, the woman did not follow a diet, did not perform a cleansing enema, or did not fill the bladder for a transabdominal ultrasound. In this case, the organ is not visualized behind the bowel loops.

For the last six months I cannot understand what is happening to me. Menstruation always went normally, on time, lasted 5 days. Recently, menstruation comes with a delay of several days, the discharge is scanty, lasting hardly 3 days. I did an ultrasound. The doctor said that there was no pathology of the uterus, but the ovaries were not visualized on ultrasound. What does it mean? Elena, 37 years old.

If the ovaries are not visible on ultrasound, and the operation to remove them was not performed, you should think about organ hypoplasia. In this case, the ovaries decrease in size and are not detected by ultrasound scanning. Such a symptom may indicate early menopause or pathology of the endocrine organs. You need to be examined by a gynecologist to find the cause of this condition.

Ask a free question to a doctor

The ovaries are an important organ in the female body, because they are responsible for hormonal imbalances, support reproductive function, and form an egg. It is the work of the ovaries that determines the menstrual cycle. Therefore, if suddenly there are any disruptions in the body (the cycle is broken, it is not possible to get pregnant), then the doctors prescribe the woman to undergo an ovarian examination.

Ultrasound of the ovaries is a very convenient diagnosis that allows you to assess the state of the organ, to identify their structure, norm, volume. But how does the examination procedure go and how to properly prepare for it in order to get the most accurate results?

What are the symptoms of ovarian ultrasound?

After a visual examination of a woman, a gynecologist may advise to undergo an examination on an ultrasound machine in order to assess the state of health, the size of the ovaries in women and find out if they are the cause of poor health and the impossibility of conception. An ultrasound of the ovaries is recommended for the following conditions:

• irregular menstruation, delayed menstruation;
• severe pain during the menstrual cycle;
• strong or, on the contrary, scanty bleeding during menstruation;
• spotting between cycles;
• pathology of the mammary glands;
• symptoms indicating ovarian inflammation have appeared;
• discomfort in the abdomen, especially the lower part;
• suspicion of a tumor;
• examination before the IVF procedure;
• dynamic monitoring of ovarian function;
• if the planned conception does not occur;
• screening observation of the health of the female body.

It is possible to prevent many pathologies of a woman's reproductive system if she is regularly examined by a doctor. Gynecologists advise every woman to undergo an ultrasound examination once a year. With its help, it is possible not only to determine the size of the ovaries in women, but also to identify a tumor and other neoplasms in the early stages.

Types of ultrasound and how does each examination take place?

To date, an examination on an ultrasound machine can be carried out in three different ways:

1. Transabdominal - this method of examination is performed through the peritoneal wall using an external sensor. This method of examination has recently been almost forgotten and is used very rarely, this is due to the fact that the patient needs to be prepared thoroughly for it. If the woman is not properly prepared, the results will be inaccurate, the size, volume, and structure of the ovaries will not be revealed.
2. Transvaginal - the accuracy of the data for this type of ultrasound is much higher than that of the transabdominal one and it is not necessary to prepare the patient for examination, this method has recently enjoyed great success. The small probe is inserted through the vagina and allows a thorough examination of the reproductive system.
3. There is also a transrectal examination, but it is used only in those cases when you need to examine a girl who is not yet sexually active - a virgin.

How to properly prepare for an ultrasound scan?

Preparation for diagnosis is of particular importance. There are no special dietary restrictions, this also applies to drugs, the only thing a woman must follow a few basic rules:

An ultrasound scan on the ovaries is performed only on certain days of the cycle. It is best to conduct an examination 5-7 days after the end of menstruation.

To determine functional activity, the examination is best carried out on the days when the doctor prescribes, only in this case it will be possible to accurately determine the size, volume and find out what structure of the ovaries. To accurately find the cause of infertility or hormonal disruption, you need to conduct 4 studies in different phases in a month, and only based on the collected results, you can make an accurate diagnosis.

If a woman is undergoing a transabdominal examination, her bladder should be full. An hour before the scheduled procedure, the patient should drink up to 1.5 liters of still water or tea. A full bladder allows you to better see the condition of the ovaries. If it is not too complete, it will be difficult to obtain accurate data.

If the patient is prescribed transvaginal ultrasound, then this diagnosis does not require preparation. The main thing that a woman should take care of before the examination is about personal hygiene products. To protect the woman and not to infect her, a condom is put on the sensor.

If a transrectal examination is carried out, then it is necessary to clear the feces from the rectum. To do this, before going to the diagnosis, the girl puts herself a mini enema and does not eat foods that can provoke the formation of gases.

How is ultrasound done?

The transabdominal examination of the ovaries is carried out in the supine position: the patient is comfortably located on the couch, exposing the abdomen and groin area. The doctor lubricates the skin of the abdomen with a gel and, touching the abdominal sensor, on the monitor screen he looks how the ovaries look and in what condition they are. The sensor moves over the skin with a slight pressure, but the woman does not feel discomfort.

With the transvaginal method, the woman is also lying on the couch with her knees slightly bent, this position helps best to insert the sensor into the uterus. The device is very thin, so it does not bring any discomfort to the patient. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, this time is quite enough to understand a heterogeneous ovary or to detect a pathology or neoplasm.

What are the normal test results?

During the diagnosis, the doctor determines the location of the ovaries, their size, structure and volume.

The ovaries should be located on both sides of the uterus and slightly behind - this is the norm. It is due to the fact that they are adjacent to the uterus that they are often called appendages. During pregnancy they will mix up a little, which is normal.

As for the size of the ovaries, they can be different depending on which day of the menstrual cycle is diagnosed, on the age of the patient, the number of births, abortions and the characteristics of the body. The norm for women ready to carry a baby:

• in volume, the ovaries should be from 4 to 10 cubic meters. cm;
• length about 35 mm, but not less than 20;
• the width ranges from 30, but not less than 18;
• thickness is about 20 mm.

As practice has shown, most women normally have different sizes of both ovaries, but this difference is insignificant. There are huge differences in the presence of a disease. If the size is increased, then this may indicate polycystic or oophoritis.

The structure of the ovaries depends on what day the procedure is performed: the doctor measures the size, counts how many follicles, whether there is a dominant follicle, corpus luteum and looks for a cyst or tumor.

If the structure does not correspond to the norm, then this may indicate undeveloped follicles, late ovulation, dysfunction and diseases.

Normal sizes will depend on what day of the cycle the study is done:

• if the examination takes place from 5 to 7 days, then the follicle should be about 10, and they are in the cortical layer, and the sizes are from 5 to no more than 10 mm;
• from 8 to 10, 1 dominant follicle will appear and about 9 more, sizes 12-15 mm;
• from 11 to 14, the dominant increases in size to 20 mm, ovulation, when it reaches 18 mm;
• from 15 to 18 days, a yellow body appears at the site of the follicle, ready for ovulation;
• from 19 to 23 the corpus luteum increases in size and reaches 25–27 mm;
• from 24 to 27, the corpus luteum decreases to 10 mm;
• menstruation: the corpus luteum leaves.

After the diagnosis, the doctor will give an opinion and accurately diagnose if there is a pathology or abnormal dimensions or structure are found. He will also refer the woman to a doctor, who will further select the correct treatment.

Usually, an ultrasound of the ovaries in women is carried out in combination with other studies, but in some cases it can be prescribed by a doctor as an independent procedure.

What does every woman need to know when preparing for such a survey?

The ovaries are a paired organ that provides the hormonal background necessary to maintain reproductive function and the formation of an active egg that is capable of fertilization. It is the activity of the ovaries that determines the female menstrual cycle and affects the general condition of the body.

Often, a gynecological ultrasound of the ovaries is prescribed to monitor their functional activity. The fact is that the structure of these organs undergoes cyclical changes every month: follicles appear, from which the dominant one develops, forming the egg, hormones are synthesized, ovulation and development of the corpus luteum occur.

All these processes are perfectly visualized during the examination and allow the doctor to find out how fully the patient's ovaries "work".

The gynecologist gives a referral for an ultrasound of the ovaries at the slightest suspicion that any pathological processes or hormonal disorders are taking place in the woman's body.

• irregular menstrual cycle, delayed menstruation;
• painful periods;
• excessively heavy or scanty bleeding, bleeding outside of menstruation;
• diseases of the mammary glands (mastopathy, neoplasms);
• suspicions of inflammatory processes in the appendages;
• complaints of pain in the lower abdomen;
• suspicion of the presence of neoplasms;
• monitoring in preparation for IVF;
• dynamic observation of ovarian functions;
• no planned pregnancy;
• screening observation of women's health (prevention of the development of diseases).

The risk of developing diseases of the reproductive system can be significantly reduced if you are regularly examined by a gynecologist. Doctors recommend every healthy woman to undergo an ultrasound examination annually in order to notice violations in time and prevent the occurrence of pathologies.

How ovarian ultrasound is done: methods of conducting

To check the ovaries in women, there are three ultrasound methods: transabdominal, transvaginal and transrectal. Let's consider each method in detail.

Transabdominal - ultrasound is performed through the abdominal wall, using an external sensor. This method is now used less and less, because associated with significant preparation of the patient for the procedure. In case of poor-quality preparation, the reliability of the results is distorted.

Transvaginal - since the accuracy of the data of this type of ultrasound is much higher, and there is no need for preparation on the part of the patient, this method is a priority in modern clinics. A narrow probe is inserted through the vagina up to the cervix, providing the greatest possible access to the pelvic organs.

There is also a transrectal method, but it is used extremely rarely, in exceptional cases (for example, in virgins).

How to prepare for an ovarian ultrasound

Preparation for an ultrasound of the ovaries in women is of great importance. Although there are no special restrictions on nutrition, medication and health conditions, a woman should consider the following rules.

Ovarian ultrasound should be performed on certain days of the monthly cycle.

• In order to assess their morphological state and check for pathologies, it is necessary to do an ultrasound scan immediately after the end of menstruation, on the 5-7 day of the cycle.
• In order to determine their functional activity, the study should be carried out on the days recommended by the attending physician. The fact is that within a month, reproductive processes occur in a woman's body, having 4 phases of development. To determine the causes of infertility or hormonal imbalance, it is often necessary to observe the state of the organ in each of these phases.

For a transabdominal approach, the bladder should be as full as possible.

An hour and a half before the study, you should drink 1-1.5 liters of still water or tea. A bladder filled with water conducts ultrasound well to the ovaries, which are located behind it.

If the bladder is not full enough, the doctor may not "examine" the organs of interest properly. It is not recommended to empty before the end of the procedure - this may affect the reliability of the results.

With transvaginal ultrasound, special preparation is not required.

The most important thing a woman should take care of is personal hygiene products. For personal protection against infections, a special condom is put on the sensor.

Usually, diagnostic rooms are fully equipped with such disposable means, but sometimes, if they are not available, the patient is asked to purchase the product on her own. The product is called "Condom for Ultrasound" and is sold in all pharmacies.

Note: if a woman has a severe allergy to latex, the doctor should be warned in advance.

Before transrectal ultrasound, it is necessary to clear the rectum of feces.

To do this, on the eve of the reception, the girl should make a small enema (300-350 ml of water). You should also ensure that there is no gas in the intestines - do not eat foods that stimulate their formation the day before (fruits, vegetables, sweets, black bread, legumes, carbonated drinks).

How is the ovarian ultrasound procedure

• Checking the ovaries for ultrasound using a transabdominal access - the patient sits on the couch with her back down, freeing the groin and abdomen from clothes. The doctor generously lubricates the surface of the skin with the gel in order to ensure better contact of the external sensor with the body. The device is moved over the skin with a slight pressure.
• With the transvaginal approach, it is necessary to take the position necessary for optimal sensor insertion - lie on your back with your knees bent. The device is narrow enough and does not cause any discomfort - the procedure is completely painless.

In order to fully examine both ovaries, an ultrasound diagnostician will need 10-15 minutes.

Ovarian test rates

During the examination, the doctor determines the position, size and structure of the ovaries.

The normal position of the ovaries is on the sides of the uterus and somewhat posteriorly. It is because of the adherence to the uterus that they received the unofficial name of the appendages. During pregnancy, these organs move upward.

The size of the ovaries can vary depending on the day of the menstrual cycle, the age of the woman, the number of miscarriages and aborted pregnancies, the use of oral contraceptives, and the individual characteristics of the body. The following parameters are considered normal for a woman of reproductive age:

• volume - from 4 to 10 cm3;
• length - from 20 to 37 mm;
• width - from 18 to 30 mm;
• thickness - from 16 to 22 mm.

In most women, the right and left ovaries differ in size. However, a significant difference in volume may indicate the presence of a pathology or congenital anomaly. An increase in size may indicate polycystic syndrome, oophoritis.

The structure of the ovaries depends on the day of the menstrual cycle - the doctor determines the size and number of follicles, the presence of a dominant follicle, corpus luteum, examines for cysts and tumors.

Inconsistency of the structure with the norm may indicate polycystic disease (many undeveloped follicles), late ovulation, functional disorders and pathologies.

The normal size of the ovaries by ultrasound depends on the day of the study:

• 5–7 days: 5–10 follicles in the cortical layer with sizes from 2 to 6 mm;
• 8-10 days: 5-9 follicles no more than 10 mm and 1 dominant, 12-15 mm;
• 11-14 days: dominant follicle 16-20 mm, ovulation - when it reaches 18 mm;
• 15-18 days: (15-20 mm) at the site of the ovulating follicle;
• 19-23 days: the corpus luteum gradually reaches 25-27 mm;
• 24-27 days: the corpus luteum regresses to 10-15 mm;
• menstruation: the corpus luteum disappears.

The contours of healthy appendages should be uneven, but clear. Unclear boundaries may indicate inflammation.

In acute cases, ultrasound is also done during menstruation - the procedure is absolutely safe and cannot entail any complications.

Content

To diagnose the presence of any disease, the attending physician may prescribe a woman to undergo an ultrasound examination of the ovaries. It is rare that this type of ultrasound is performed separately from the examination of the pelvic organs or uterus. In some cases, it is necessary to examine only the ovaries to diagnose their vigorous activity, which will reduce the risk of developing diseases of these genital organs. Visualizing these organs helps the doctor trace ovarian activity.

What is ovarian ultrasound

This type of examination is necessary, since the ovaries perform the function of producing hormones that determine the health of a woman's reproductive system, her menstrual cycle. In this paired organ, the ovum matures. A procedure is prescribed if there is a fear of a disease, it is performed within 10 minutes, and does not cause discomfort during the procedure. It turns out that ultrasound of the ovaries is an accurate and harmless way of detecting deviations and the functional state of organs.

Ways of conducting

Examination of the ovaries on an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is divided into three ways:

• Transabdominal. Such a diagnosis is carried out using an external ultrasound sensor through the lower abdomen, abdominal wall. Applicable for general examination. This method is suitable for girls who are not sexually active.
• Transvaginal. This type of survey is considered the best, more informative and accurate. An internal probe is used and inserted into the vagina to help see the ovaries as close as possible. In this case, the examination process takes place without pain. The method is contraindicated in the presence of uterine bleeding and for patients who are not sexually active.
• Transrectal. Like the previous method, this examination is carried out using an internal sensor, but it is not inserted into the vagina, but through the anus into the rectum. It is rarely used, mainly for a more detailed study of virgin patients, which cannot be achieved with a transabdominal method.

Indications

In order for the attending doctor to prescribe an ultrasound diagnosis of the ovaries, it is necessary to have signs indicating the need for an examination:

• an irregular menstrual cycle, a characteristic feature of which is a delay in menstruation;
• the possibility of inflammation processes in the appendages;
• complaints of pain in the lower abdomen;
• painful periods;
• no menstrual bleeding;
• diagnosis of the appearance of neoplasms;
• abundant or, conversely, insufficient bleeding during menstruation;
• prolonged absence of a planned pregnancy.

Preparation for ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries

For a successful and effective ultrasound examination, you need to do it on certain days of the menstrual cycle. So, to check the ovaries for the presence of neoplasms, the occurrence of pathologies, ultrasound is performed 5-7 days after the end of menstruation. If there is a need to check certain functions of the genitals, then the day corresponding to a particular phase of the cycle will be determined by the doctor. Often, diagnosis is assigned to each of the four available phases, including to identify the causes of infertility and hormonal imbalance, imbalance.

In addition to the fact that the diagnosis is carried out on a certain day of the cycle, preparation for an ultrasound of the ovaries involves adherence to a diet. Its main principle is the rejection of products that contribute to gas formation. So, 4 days before the ultrasound examination, the patient needs to give up legumes, sweets, carbonated drinks and black bread. To achieve a greater effect, it is recommended to drink a course of "Espumisan" or "Motilium" the day before the ultrasound scan. You can give yourself an enema to cleanse your bowels the night before or in the morning of your procedure.

For transabdominal examination

Transabdominal ultrasound of the ovaries in women is performed when the bladder is full. Therefore, 1 hour before the procedure, you need to drink a liter of water without gas. It can be replaced with tea. This is necessary for the ultrasound to reach the ovaries. Urination before the end of the study is prohibited, otherwise it will distort the reliability of the results.

For transvaginal

This type of research does not provide for special training. Enough advice on nutrition and taking carminative medications, personal hygiene before the procedure. In addition, it is worth asking the doctor in advance if the clinic has condoms for the sensor, which protect the patient from getting infection into the vagina. If the doctor does not have them, then the woman should buy them at the pharmacy.

For transrectal

The procedure for transrectal ultrasound diagnostics is performed on the empty rectum. An enema should be done the day before the procedure. To avoid the formation of gas in the intestines, it is important not to consume foods that form them. The guidelines for preparing for a transrectal ultrasound are general advice that is appropriate for all three types of ovarian diagnosis.

Ovarian examination in women

Depending on the type of ultrasound used, the procedure is different, the only time is the same - no more than 10-15 minutes:

• For the transabdominal way. In this case, the woman lies on her back on the couch. In this case, you should raise the clothes so that the stomach and groin area are left without it. The doctor drives the sensor over the abdomen, having previously squeezed a little special gel onto the latter. It is designed for better skin contact. The movement of the sensor along the abdomen is accompanied by slight pressure.
• For the transvaginal method. A narrow probe is inserted into the vagina. The woman takes a position on the couch: on her back, while bending her knees and slightly apart. At this time, the doctor, putting a condom on the device and lubricating it with gel, inserts the sensor into the vagina. Relax at this point to avoid discomfort.
• For the transrectal way. The probe is inserted through the anus into the rectum. The patient lies on the couch on one side, legs bent and pulled up to the stomach. The sensor with the condom on and lubricated with gel is carefully inserted into the anus. The device is small and narrow, so its introduction does not cause pain.

Decoding ultrasound of the ovaries

Diagnostics of the considered paired genital organs shows the contours, sizes and shape of the ovaries. In addition, the attending physician can see the structure of the follicles through the screen of the device. Since the state of the ovaries during the menstrual cycle is unchanged, and the characteristics of the follicles (their number and size) depend on the phases of menstruation, therefore, the doctor often prescribes a study at each of the stages. So the doctor checks for the presence of pathologies (cysts, tumors, inflammation) and the general condition of the organs.

Indicators of the norm

The doctor on the screen of the ultrasound machine should see paired small oval organs located slightly behind and on the sides of the uterus. This arrangement is the norm. The contours of the ovaries are bumpy, due to the presence of follicles, uneven and clear. A slight difference in the size of the ovaries is acceptable (often the right organ is larger than the left).If the difference exceeds 5 millimeters, then there is a high probability of pathology.

The following parameters of the ovaries, which are indicated in the decoding, are normal:

• length - from 20 to 37 mm;
• width - from 18 to 30 mm;
• volume - from 4 to 10 cubic meters cm.

The follicles that make up the ovaries change throughout the menstrual cycle. So, the size and quantity of these structural components are considered the norm, such as:

• 5-10 pieces, 2-6 mm in size each for 5-7 days of menstruation;
• 5-9 follicles not exceeding 10 mm, and the allocation of a dominant size of about 15 mm on the 8-10th day of the cycle;
• an increase in the dominant follicle up to 20 mm and ovulation on days 11-14;
• the appearance of a corpus luteum with a size of 15-20 mm instead of the previous follicle on the 15-18th day of the menstrual cycle;
• the growth of the formed body is no more than 27 mm on days 19-23;
• reduction of the corpus luteum to 10-15 mm on days 24-27 of menstruation.

After the onset of menopause, women experience a decrease in the size of the ovaries, which is the norm. This is due to the fact that the functional activity of the organs in question decreases. So the optimal characteristics for women in the post-climatic period will be:

• length - about 20-25 mm;
• width - from 12 to 15 mm;
• volume - 1.5-4 cubic meters cm.

Pathology

An examination using an ultrasound machine allows the attending physician to detect pathologies in the state of the ovaries and to prescribe effective treatment based on the results. The following types of deviations can be detected by a specialist:

• physiological cyst (follicular, luteal, which occurs on the corpus luteum);
• polycystic (an increase in the size of the paired genitals and the presence of a large number of cysts on them);
• pathological cyst;
• inflammation of the ovaries;
• tumors, both benign and malignant;
• ovarian cancer.

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