About a pelvis MRI scan
The pelvis is the area between the hip bones in the lower part of the abdomen. It contains the bladder, the lower bowel and rectum, and the reproductive organs – the womb (uterus), ovaries and cervix in women, and the prostate and seminal vesicles in men – along with the pelvic bones, muscles, lymph nodes and blood vessels. A pelvis MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show these in detail.
In women, pelvic MRI is commonly used to look more closely at problems first seen on ultrasound, such as fibroids (common non-cancerous growths in the womb), ovarian cysts and lumps, endometriosis and adenomyosis, and to help plan treatment. In both men and women it is used to investigate unexplained pelvic pain, the bladder and rectum, the pelvic bones and sacroiliac joints, and the spread of cancer. For a full prostate assessment, a dedicated multiparametric prostate MRI is usually needed; to scan the whole tummy, see abdomen and pelvis MRI. You can read more in our guide Everything You Need To Know About Pelvic MRI.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over your lower abdomen. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. Movement of the bowel can blur the pictures, so some centres give an injection of a muscle relaxant called Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) just before or during the scan. An injection of contrast dye (gadolinium) into a vein in your arm may also be used; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A pelvis MRI can help to look at:
- fibroids, adenomyosis and other conditions of the womb
- ovarian cysts and lumps
- endometriosis
- the bladder, rectum and lower bowel
- unexplained pelvic pain
- the pelvic bones, sacroiliac joints and muscles
- cancers of the pelvic organs, including staging and follow-up
Fibroids and ovarian cysts are usually found first with an ultrasound scan, and endometriosis can sometimes only be confirmed by a keyhole operation (laparoscopy). Your doctor will advise whether an MRI is the right next step.
Preparing for your scan
The centre may ask you not to eat for a few hours before the scan and to arrive with a comfortably full bladder; they will confirm the exact instructions when you book. If you use a tampon or have an intrauterine device (coil), tell the radiographer – a tampon may need to be removed, and most coils are safe for MRI.
If Buscopan may be used, tell the centre if you have glaucoma, heart problems, myasthenia gravis, or difficulty passing urine due to an enlarged prostate. Buscopan can cause blurred vision for a short time, so do not drive until your eyesight is back to normal. Upload any previous ultrasound or scan reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pelvis MRI better than an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is usually the first test for problems such as fibroids and ovarian cysts. MRI gives a more detailed, wider view and is often used when the ultrasound is unclear or to help plan treatment.
Can I have the scan during my period?
Yes, in most cases. You may be asked to use a pad rather than a tampon. Let the centre know if your scan is to look for endometriosis, as they may suggest the best time in your cycle.
What is Buscopan and do I have to have it?
Buscopan is a medicine that briefly slows the movement of the bowel so the pictures are clearer. It is not always needed. It can blur your eyesight for a short time, so you should not drive until this has cleared.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- West Suffolk NHS – Information about your MRI scan (Pelvis)
- NHS – Fibroids
- NHS – Endometriosis
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRI of the Body
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.