Pelvis MRI Scan - Info and Get a Scan
The pelvis is located between your hips and below your abdomen. The pelvic region comprises of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues that contain the reproductive organs, muscles and soft tissues. A pelvic MRI scan has many uses, and these differ depending on the sex of the patient, the symptoms they're experiencing, and whether any previous imaging has been inconclusive.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a medical imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the pelvis and adjacent pelvic structures. It is generally safe and non-invasive, and does not use any ionising radiation. Many medical conditions could affect the pelvic area, such as cancer, fractures, endometriosis, and infertility. If your doctor suspects any of these, they may recommend imaging to confirm or deny a diagnosis.
What is a Pelvic MRI Scan?
A pelvic MRI scan is a type of medical imaging examination. An MRI scan of your pelvic region gives detailed pictures of the area. An MRI exam of the pelvis is quick and painless, and helps doctors see the bones, organs, soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels of your pelvic cavity, without having to perform surgical or invasive procedures.
What are the Different Types of Pelvic MRI Scans?
We offer three pelvic MRI scan options:
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Musculoskeletal Pelvis MRI - focuses on the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the pelvis to look for fractures, swelling, degeneration, or muscular problems.
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Female Pelvis MRI Scan (Gynaecological) - focuses on the female reproductive organs.
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Pelvic MRI Scan - is a general view of other pelvic organs like the bladder or sigmoid colon, along with an overview of the bones and MSK, or the male pelvis.
This is because the scanning protocols, which are the set of instructions given to the MRI machine and overseen by radiology staff, differ slightly for each of these scan types. Some require contrast dye more often than others or are used to focus on different areas of the pelvis.
We offer separate scans for specific imaging of body areas such as the hip, rectum, gallbladder, urinary tract, small bowel or other areas of the abdomen.
Why is an MRI of the pelvis done?
An MRI of the pelvis can help doctors accurately assess what might be causing symptoms such as:
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Vaginal bleeding
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Lumps or masses (which could be fibroids, tumours or cysts)
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Pelvic pain or swelling
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Problems urinating or defecating, or unusual changes to your toilet habits
A pelvic MRI may also be recommended if you have had an injury to the pelvic area.
Is MRI better than ultrasound or CT for pelvic imaging?
In some cases you might need an MRI after a pelvic ultrasound, which does not mean that MRI is better than ultrasound for the pelvis. Ultrasound is usually the first recommended scan as it is less expensive and more widely accessible.
For example, if a pelvic mass is suspected, an ultrasound (usually a transvaginal scan for the female pelvis) may be able to identify a cyst or rule it out. However, if the lump is not a cyst, an MRI might be recommended to find out whether or not it could be malignant (cancer).
MRI also enables imaging across different planes, with different weightings, to give a more detailed investigation, especially if the potential issue is too small to be clearly visible on an ultrasound. MRI is particularly valuable for early imaging and accurate diagnosis of focal lesions and tumours, problems with blood vessels, or cases where bones have blocked the images from prior scans.
A CT scan is significantly faster than MRI, so may be recommended in urgent trauma settings, or if an emergency surgery may be needed, e.g. for acute appendicitis. If a patient has implanted metal or medical devices, they may be unable to undergo an MRI, so a CT may be recommended instead. In cases like this, the small amount of radiation exposure caused by a CT scan is outweighed by the scan's benefits.
What does a pelvis MRI show?
If you're wondering what a pelvis MRI scan consists of, it can depend on the reason for your scan and what your referring physician is aiming to find out from the results. The scan can show:
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Reproductive organs
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Female reproductive organs (vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries)
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Male reproductive organs (e.g. undescended testicle or lumps/swelling in the area)
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Blood vessels and lymph nodes in the pelvic area
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Soft tissues, including key pelvic floor muscles
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Other pelvic organs, including the bladder, sigmoid colon, appendix
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Pelvic bones
What can a pelvic MRI diagnose?
A pelvis MRI scan can diagnose medical conditions such as:
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Ovarian issues, such as ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or finding out whether or not an ovarian mass is cancer or not.
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Other cancers, such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, germ cell tumours, bladder cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and any lymph node involvement.
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Bone issues such as fractures, vascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone, resulting in death of bone tissue), or degeneration.
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In men, pelvic MRI can look for an undescended testicle, cysts, tumours and assess bladder health.
Magnetic resonance imaging provides highly detailed images which can usually confirm or deny suspected issues that may have been found by physical examination or previous imaging.
How an MRI of the Pelvis Works
An MRI scanner uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to create images of the inside of the body. During an MRI scan, the hydrogen atoms in the body are temporarily disrupted and this causes energy that is then translated into the resulting MRI images. Different tissue types (for example, bones vs organs vs muscle) create different types of energy, and a radiologist is trained to view these differences, and to detect any abnormalities.Â
Equipment Used
An MRI scanner is a large, round, doughnut shaped machine, with a table that slides in and out of it. Computers are attached to the scanning machine that help to create the MRI images.Â
Risks
MRI scans are relatively safe and generally suited to most people. However, if you have a metallic implant, artificial joint or any other metal in your body, you may not be suitable due to the strong magnets used. Some, more modern, implants and prostheses are made with safe, non-metallic metal, so speak to your doctor so that they can ascertain what’s safe for you.Â
If you have claustrophobia or you struggle to remain still, you may find it difficult to enter an MRI machine. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a mild sedative, so let them know your concerns beforehand.Â
Some people, particularly those with poor kidney function, develop an allergic reaction to the contrast dyes sometimes used. If you know you have an allergy to gadolinium or you begin to feel unwell during your MRI scan, let your radiographer know.Â
Since MRI scans don’t use radiation like CT scans and X-rays do, there’s no risk of radiation exposure.Â
The Procedure Explained: What to Expect
An MRI of the pelvis will usually take place in the following steps.Â
- Medical Screening - Your radiographer will take your medical history (or check it against their notes) and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions concerning your MRI scan. They will talk you through the process and how it will work. Depending on your symptoms, you may have a blood test to check for inflammation and infections that might be causing your symptoms.Â
- Change Into a Gown - It helps to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, but you may still be asked to wear a hospital gown for the duration of your scan, especially if any of your clothing contains metal.Â
- Remove Metal Items - You’ll be required to remove all clothing that contains metal, as well as any jewelry, watches, hair clips and removable medical devices such as hearing aids. Tell your radiographer if you have any metallic implants, artificial joints or shards of metal in your body. If you do, they may make alternative arrangements such as an x-ray, CT scan or ultrasound.Â
- Lie on the MRI Table - You will then be helped onto the MRI table where you’ll be asked to lay flat on your back.Â
- Pelvis Positioned and Secured - Your radiographer will ensure that you’re in the correct position, with your pelvis straight and secured.Â
- IV Contrast Injection (If Required) - If your doctor has recommended a contrast MRI, you will have a dye administered via an intravenous drip, usually in your arm.Â
- Headphones or Earplugs Given - MRI scanners make a loud, knocking sound as the magnets are switched on and off, that some people find distressing. For this reason, you’ll be given headphones or earplugs to wear throughout to help muffle the sound.Â
- Enter the MRI Machine - The bed will then slowly enter the MRI scanner. Your radiographer will be controlling the bed and the machine remotely from a different room nearby, but you’ll be able to communicate with them through an intercom.Â
- Remain Still During Scan - You’ll be required to remain still throughout the entirety of your MRI scan, and there may be points where you’ll be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.Â
- Scan Takes Place - A pelvis MRI scan usually takes around half an hour, but your whole appointment may take up to an hour, especially if you have a contrast MRI.Â
How long does an MRI of the pelvis take?
An MRI of the pelvis can take up to 60 minutes, depending on the type of scan and whether a contrast agent is required.
What Happens After a Pelvis MRI Scan?
Once your scan has finished, you’ll be able to get up from the table and get dressed. If you’ve had a contrast dye, you’ll be asked to remain in the clinic for half an hour to check that you don’t develop an allergic reaction. Most patients are able to return home the same day.
Do you need contrast dye for pelvic MRI, and why might a doctor order contrast?
Gadolinium contrast material is sometimes used with MR imaging and is generally administered intravenously. Your referring clinician will be able to advise whether a contrast dye is needed for your scan.
In some cases, a contrast dye can create high contrast, resolution and detail in your imaging, to highlight certain features, organs or areas more clearly.
Some people have allergic reactions to gadolinium, so it is important to tell your doctor if you have experienced any adverse side effects before. Severe reactions are rare and can be managed on-site during your scan should they arise. Mild side effects such as a flushed sensation, metallic taste, nausea or headache can be caused by gadolinium.
How much does a pelvis MRI cost?
Pelvic MRI scans with Scan.com start from £295, and we offer a range of scanning locations that you can compare prices for when you search for a scan.
Getting the Results
Your radiographer will send your results to a radiologist who will interpret the MRI images and make a diagnosis or rule certain conditions out. They will then discuss them with your referring doctor who will call you to arrange an appointment to discuss them with you.Â
Normal Vs Abnormal Results
Abnormal results from an MRI scan are worrying, but your medical team will give you all the support you need and will discuss further tests or a treatment plan with you that suits your needs and symptoms.Â
The bottom line
If you're concerned about pelvic pain or symptoms of pelvic conditions, book a pelvic MRI scan with Scan.com and you'll receive a pre-scan consultation with an experienced clinician. They will be able to make sure you've selected the correct scan for your symptoms, and will be able to explain the results to help you access any necessary onward care.
Get a Pelvic MRI Scan
Having pelvic pain is distressing, but having an MRI of the pelvis will get you on course for the right treatment plan so that you can get on with living your life. Book a private pelvic MRI scan with us today.
FAQs
Do I need a full bladder for a pelvic MRI?
If your doctor tells you a full bladder is required for your scan, you may be asked not to go to the toilet in the two hours leading up to your scan.
Do I have to undress for a pelvic MRI?
You'll need to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery or clothing with zips. As the name suggests, magnetic resonance imaging uses strong magnets that can attract, heat, or damage metal objects.
You won't need to undress for a pelvic MRI, but you may be asked to wear a hospital gown if your clothing is not compatible with the MRI machine. Any removable devices such as hearing aids should also not be worn.
Does your whole body have to go in for a pelvic MRI?
As your pelvis is located in the middle of your body, it is likely that your whole body will have to go into the MRI machine. For some patients with claustrophobia or anxiety, this can be daunting. We offer a range of scanning centres with different machines, including open MRI scanners that enable you to see the room around you without entering a tunnel scanner. You can filter by open scanner when booking your scan.
References
- https://medicover.hu/en/diagnostics/mri/bony-pelvis-mri-examination/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/avascular-necrosis
- https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/mri-abdomen-pelvis
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-you-need-to-know-about-pelvic-mri
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvis-mri-scan
- https://appliedradiology.com/articles/imaging-the-female-pelvis-when-should-mri-be-considered
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22729-pelvic-floor-muscles