Free Fluid In Pelvis
Free fluid in the pelvis can be detected through ultrasound or CT scans. It refers to the presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the pelvic cavity. This condition can be a sign of other underlying medical problems such as ovarian cysts, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and more. It is important ot always remember to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What Does It Mean To Have Free Fluid In The Pelvis?
Having free fluid in the pelvis is often referred to as intraperitoneal fluid. In other words, it refers to the presence of fluid accumulated in the peritoneal cavity (pelvis), a space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, stomach and liver.
This medical condition can be detected using imaging techniques, like ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. This condition can be a sign of a variety of medical problems, it can indicate an abdominal inflammatory process or an abdominal trauma [1]. However, it does not always have to be indicative of a pathological condition.
For instance, in a study of asymptomatic children, in 6% of the studied subjects, free intraperitoneal fluid was reported [1]. Another study in healthy men showed that small volumes of pelvic free fluid can be normal and do not necessarily indicate any pathological conditions[2]. Similarly in women, free fluid in the pelvis can be influenced by the menstrual cycle. In fact, during all phases of the menstrual cycle, free fluid-positive sonograms were reported within 5 days preceding the onset of menstruation [3].
Therefore, it is important to interpret the findings of free fluid in your pelvis in the context of your individual health status and symptoms and discuss everything with a medical professional.
What Causes Having Free Fluid In Pelvis?
One of the most common causes to observe free fluid in the pelvis is in fact pregnancy. This is because during pregnancy, changes occur in the pelvic structure and blood vessels, which can in turn lead to the presence of free fluid in the pelvis [4]. In some cases, the free fluid in the pelvis is a normal occurrence during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. This is due to hormonal changes that increase fluid production and capillary permeability [3].
In men and children, free fluid in the pelvis can also be detected and considered normal [5, 6]. However, there are also certain medical conditions which can lead to the presence of free fluid in the pelvis. For instance, pelvic floor dysfunction. This dysfunction can be a consequence of being overweight, surgery, radiation treatment, or pregnancy. It leads to a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area [7].
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Trace Free Fluid In Pelvis
Whether or not you have a free fluid in your pelvis can be determined by imaging techniques. Typically, the most common technique is to use ultrasound, specifically abdominal and pelvic sonography. This technique uses high-resolution transducers to evaluate the incidence, location and volume of the fluid [1]. Another method can be to use transvaginal ultrasound, which is a highly specific and sensitive method of measuring free pelvic fluid [9].
Further, endorectal sonography can be used, in particular when transabdominal sonography results are negative, again, this method has a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the fluid [10].
Another technique that can be used is computed tomography. It is particularly useful in male patients who have experienced blunt trauma [5].