What does an MRI of the pelvis show and what is included?

The couch is smoothly moved into the tunnel of the tomograph. Rhythmic sounds and clicks are heard during the operation of the device – this is absolutely normal. The patient may be offered headphones or earplugs to reduce noise. Important: it is necessary to remain still throughout the procedure, as movement can worsen the quality of the images and distort the results.

In some cases — if there is a suspicion of neoplasms, metastases or inflammatory processes — the doctor may recommend MRI of the female pelvis organs with contrast. Particular attention is paid to how to prepare for MRI of the pelvis in the presence of contrast enhancement. The contrast agent (gadolinium-based) is administered intravenously and helps to more clearly visualize the vessels and pathological foci. The drug is well tolerated and is excreted naturally through the kidneys.

After the scan is completed, the couch returns to its original position, and the patient can stand up calmly. If there is no contrast, no recovery or observation is required – you can immediately return to your normal life. If contrast is used, it is recommended to drink more fluids during the day to speed up the elimination of the drug.

On average, 30–40 minutes.

With contrast — up to 60 minutes.

MRI of the pelvis is painless, calm, and fairly quick for the patient, the main thing is to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Proper preparation for MRI of the pelvis will help to obtain more accurate and high-quality images.

1. Discomfort
   MRI of the pelvic organs in women is performed in the presence of pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, especially when other examination methods do not give a clear result. This highly accurate method allows for a detailed study of the internal organs and surrounding tissues, identifying inflammatory processes, neoplasms, cysts, adhesions and other hidden pathologies.
2. Menstrual irregularities
   Late, excessively heavy or painful menstruation, as well as bloody discharge between cycles – all this may indicate abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, endometrium or ovaries. MRI of the pelvis allows you to determine the causes of hormonal imbalance or identify anatomical abnormalities.
3. Suspected gynecological diseases
   MRI of the pelvic organs (PMO) in women is considered one of the key methods for identifying gynecological diseases due to its high information content and accuracy of visualization. It allows you to detect even the initial forms of pathologies that may not be noticeable with other types of examination.
4. Postoperative period
   After surgical interventions on the pelvic organs (such as removal of fibroids, cysts, uterus, etc.), MRI of the pelvis is used to monitor recovery processes, identify possible consequences (for example, adhesions, hemorrhages, inflammatory seals) and monitor the condition of the operated area.
5. Suspected cancer
   If there is a suspicion of a malignant tumor in the uterus, cervix, ovaries or vulva, MRI of the pelvis plays an important role in establishing a diagnosis. It helps to accurately determine the size and boundaries of the tumor, identify possible spread to adjacent organs and tissues, and assess the condition of the lymph nodes. Due to the high accuracy of the image, MRI of the pelvis also allows the doctor to plan the scope of surgical intervention or prescribe an adequate radiation therapy regimen.
6. Infertility and preparation for IVF
   Before assisted reproductive technology programs (including IVF), MRI of the pelvis allows to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes, the structure of the uterus and endometrium, to exclude hidden inflammatory processes and anomalies in the development of organs.
7. Clarification of data from other studies
   If the results of ultrasound or CT are contradictory and require clarification, MRI of the pelvis provides a more informative picture of soft tissue structures, vascular network, neoplasms and inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis is indispensable for preoperative assessment of the parametric spread of cervical cancer.

• suspected abnormalities in the development of internal genital organs;
• chronic inflammatory diseases (endometritis, adnexitis);
• pelvic pain associated with neurological disorders or varicose veins of the pelvis.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic organs is used in preparation for plastic surgery in the pelvic floor area to assess the condition of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. MRI of the pelvic organs allows you to determine the degree of prolapse of the pelvic organs and identify defects in fascial support. The study also helps to plan the scope of reconstructive intervention, taking into account the anatomical features of the patient.

MRI of the female pelvic organs is a generally accepted examination method for complex or insufficiently understood clinical pictures. It can be used as the main method for identifying pathology, as well as for detailing the diagnosis and preparing for subsequent treatment. A referral for MRI of the pelvis is most often issued by a gynecologist – a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the female genital organs.

• a therapist — for general complaints or suspected systemic diseases;
• an endocrinologist — if the disorders are related to hormonal imbalance;
• an oncologist — if it is necessary to identify tumor processes.

In addition, you can undergo an MRI of the pelvis on your own initiative, without a doctor’s referral — on a paid basis at a consultative and diagnostic center. However, it is important to remember: if any symptoms appear, such as pain, bleeding or menstrual irregularities, it is better to first consult a doctor to rule out serious pathologies and get the right referral for examination.