Pelvic MRI

What is pelvic pain?

It's pain felt in the pelvic region, i.e. the lower abdomen. Pelvic pain generally affects the uterus, bladder and rectum. The pain may be dull, intermittent or acute.

When does pelvic pain become chronic?

When it is spontaneous or provoked, cyclical or not, and has been occurring for more than six months. If the pain is severe, we recommend that you consult a doctor. In most cases, medical imaging such as thePelvic MRI is requested to identify the causes of pelvic pain.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrium outside the uterus. The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus. There are three types of endometriosis:

• Ovaries with endometrioma nodules on the ovaries
• Peritoneal, where a multitude of endometriosis lesions can be found all over the peritoneum
• Deep sub-peritoneal, which can be found mainly in the genital partitions

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Most of the time, endometriosis causes painful symptoms that need to be treated:

• Pain during menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Fertility disorders
• Digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation, discomfort, bloating)

The specialists in the women, mothers and children department are there to reassure you and provide you with the most appropriate follow-up to diagnose the reason for the pelvic pathology. Finally, this is possible thanks to the qualifications of our medical staff and the resources put in place with highly advanced machines such as the MRI or scanner.

How is a pelvic MRI performed at our center?

This examination takes place in a tunnel, with the patient lying on her back. The special feature of our center is that the tunnel is semi-open, making it easy for claustrophobic patients to pass through. Our specialist will guide you throughout the examination.

What are the examination stages?

• The radio technician will call you into the waiting room, to seat you in the preparation booth.
• You are asked to remove all metallic objects (including piercings). Your bra must be removed, and you must remain in your underwear and T-shirt during the examination.
• You will then be taken to the MRI machine room to lie down on the examination table.
• Once you are lying down, you will be fitted with an antenna, i.e. a plate to collect the signal.
• After getting dressed, you will return to the waiting room. The radiologist will call you within 20 minutes to give you a 1st interpretation.
• You will leave with the cliches (paper and CD). The report is either given to you or can be downloaded from our website.

It's important for you to know that the technician performs the examination, but the radiologist is permanently behind him or her to conduct the examination.

What should I do to ensure that my pelvic MRI is optimal?

As far as possible, you should fast for 4 to 6 hours before the examination, not empty your bladder just before the examination, and not drink any particular liquid. The examination requires

also a rectal preparation. If you are unable to do so, you can discuss this with one of our doctors prior to the examination.

Examination time

The examination lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the pathology to be explored. Sometimes, an intravenous injection of contrast (Gadolinium) may be performed. This is decided by the radiologist once the examination has begun.

Is pelvic MRI risky?

Pelvic MRI is safe. There is no radiation, and magnetic fields or radio waves pose no long-term risk. After an MRI examination, you can return to your usual diet and activities. Follow-up care is a key element of your treatment. If you have any doubts, our doctors are here to help.

Absolute contraindications

• Presence of a pacemaker
• Recently fitted implants (especially hearing aids)

There are relative contraindications. If possible, MRI should be avoided during the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Last update: November 11, 2024
Dr Anne Elodie Millischer