What is the purpose of having a full bladder prior to a pelvic ultrasound?!
Question: I have to drink 32oz. of water 1hr prior to the exam and not go to the bathroom and I am dreading it, lol. But, why does the bladder have to be full?
Answers: I have to drink 32oz. of water 1hr prior to the exam and not go to the bathroom and I am dreading it, lol. But, why does the bladder have to be full?
Ultrasound cannot see through air or gas. We use a full bladder to push the intestines (which contain gas) up and away from the uterus and ovaries.
Ultrasound travels well through fluid, so the sound waves travel through the urine filled bladder and provide a good "window" which we can use to view the uterus and ovaries.
The full bladder pushes the uterus out of the bony pelvis. Ultrasound cannot see through bones.
Make sure you empty your bladder prior to drinking your water. You want to start with an empty bladder, so you don't overfill and become extremely uncomfortable. If you feel like you have to go to the bathroom, and you are somewhat uncomfortable, but not about to pee your pants, you have enough in your bladder to image the uterus and ovaries well! You will do fine, and it will be over quickly.
If they need to do a transvaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to completely empty your bladder! A fluid filled bladder will interfere with transvaginal pelvic imaging!
It gives a clearer picture.
So they can see through the bladder. And it is VERY uncomfortable.
Ultrasounds waves are produced through liquid
Which is why that have to rub ultrasound jelly on you, if they don't, they have no picture
If the bladder is full, it provides a much clearer picture, and they can see what they are looking for
lol don't worry bout it, pelvic ultrasounds don't take long at all