The ovaries can be difficult to find because of the overlying bowel gas. Having a full bladder can help visualize the ovaries in a transabdominal view since the bladder can be used as an acoustic window. For the most part, transvaginal ultrasound should be used to evaluate the ovaries.
- With the probe still in the transverse position, rock the tail of the probe to the patient’s left to visualize the right ovary.
- You can visualize the left ovary using a similar technique (rock the tail of the probe to the patient’s right).
An ovary can be identified on ultrasound by the following characteristics:
- Lateral and/or posterior to the uterus
- Typically measures 2-3 cm in diameter
- Less echogenic than surrounding tissue
- Static (compared to surrounding bowel)
- Anechoic follicular structures
