A Pelvic Floor MRI can look scary, as you are placed in a large cylinder, with scanners moving around you, taking pictures inside your body, but by the end of our article today, you will not have any fear!
The quick procedure is great for spotting any pelvic floor weakness and diagnosing pelvic floor disorders. They work like as other MRI scans, but figuring out what will happen to you can put many people off booking their MRI. Well, no more! Our guide walks you through the procedure, helping you mentally prepare and removing any fear around your upcoming MRI scan.
How Do Pelvic Floor MRIs Work?
A Pelvic Floor MRI works like other MRIs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive scan that helps us diagnose medical conditions. It uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to create a detailed picture of your internal body. Unlike other imaging technology, an MRI does not use X-rays, making it a safer option.
MRI machines can look like large tubes, where you will lie down, and the scanner will move around you, taking high-quality images of your body. This can be a little noisy, and some patients can feel claustrophobic, but you will be in contact with the doctor while you are in the tube, and we will do everything we can to keep you comfortable.
A Pelvic Floor MRI creates detailed images of your pelvic floor, the network of muscles between the pubic bone and spine, and the organs it supports. The scan will look at the following areas or compartments:
- The posterior, including the rectum
- The middle compartment, including the uterus, cervix, and vagina
- The anterior compartment, including the bladder and urethra
For a successful Pelvic Floor MRI, you will be asked to squeeze or contract your pelvic muscles before relaxing them. This allows your doctor to see how your pelvic floor is functioning, helping to identify any issues.
Do you need a Pelvic Floor MRI? You can learn more about our MRI scan services on the Gold Coast and see what we can do to help you get the diagnosis you need.
Why Might You Need A Pelvic Floor MRI?
A pelvic floor MRI can be recommended for several reasons. We typically see patients referred for the following reasons:
- To find out about the structure of the pelvic floor
- To see how well the pelvic muscles are working
- To determine which parts of the pelvis are damaged
- To identify specific muscle defects in your pelvis
- To provide information for treatment planning and surgery
- To diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction, including one or more pelvic organs falling out of position )a prolapse), the stretching or tearing of the pelvic floor (which can cause incontinence, pelvic pain, and constipation)
A pelvic floor MRI is an excellent way to see what is happening internally, providing answers and a plan to help with your symptoms. We recommend speaking directly with your doctor if you are unsure why you have been referred for a pelvic floor MRI.
How To Prepare For A Pelvic Floor MRI?
Before a Pelvic Floor MRI, you can carry to eat and drink as normal unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You can also continue to take your medication as normal unless told otherwise, so you don’t need to worry about making any changes to your life.
We use a contrast material for some MRIs, which can increase visibility. When a contrast is used, you might be asked to avoid eating for a few hours before the scan. You will also be asked about allergies to ensure the right contrast is given.
Before your MRI, you will also need to tell the radiologist or technician performing the scan if you have any health problems or recent surgeries. You will need to let them know if you are pregnant, too, as MRIS is not recommended to women during their first trimester of pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
As the MRI scanner is quite small, we recommend that anyone with claustrophobia or anxiety speak to their doctor beforehand. Doctors will often prescribe a mild sedative that can be taken before your scan.
Before your scan, you will need to remove any jewellery or accessories that can interfere with the MRI unit. This includes:
- Mobile phones, tracking devices, and electronic watches
- Body piercings
- Pens, glasses, and pocketknives
- Removable dental work
- Hairpins, meta, zippers, and metallic items
- Jewellery, watches, hearing aids, and credit cards
You must let the technologist know if you have any electronic or medical devices in your body, as these can interfere with the exam or be a risk. It is better to let us know beforehand so that we can look at other options if needed or prepare you for any issues that might arise. We recommend bringing any pamphlet that came with it so we know exactly what is inside your body before beginning the scan.
What To Expect From A Pelvic Floor MRI
During The Scan
For your MRI scan, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and empty your bladder before the scan begins. In some cases, where the Pelvic Floor MRI is to identify issues with your bladder, you might be asked to keep your bladder full, but this will be discussed with you before the scan takes place.
You will be asked to lie on your back on the movable examination table. Straps and bolsters are sometimes used to help you remain in the right position and keep you still. A device is attached to your pelvis, which contains coils that send and receive radio waves.
When you are ready, the table is moved into the MRI unit, and the scan will begin. The MRI machine is operated from another room, but the scanner has a microphone and speaker, so you can speak to the technician while the scan takes place. Music can also be played to relax you if needed, and there is a camera to pull you out if there are any signs of distress.
While the scan runs, you will be asked to contract or squeeze your pelvic muscles before relaxing them. Some patients are asked to bear down or exhale whole, keeping their mouth and nose closed. An MRI will take around 15 minutes and is typically performed without contrast. If a contrast is needed, we will explain the procedure while administering the contrast.
After The Scan
You could leave immediately after your Pelvic Floor MRI, especially if the contrast was not used. You might feel a little warm during and after the scan, but this is not unusual. Some patients find a ringing in their ears afterwards, as the MRI machine can be very loud, especially when the images are being taken. You can return to your usual activities after the scan, though.
Your results will be provided after the scan, which can take up to two weeks. We will analyse the images to help diagnose the issues, and the results will then be shared with you. You will either be told over the phone or invited to return for an appointment, where we will discuss the results in detail and suggest a treatment plan.
What Are The Benefits Of A Pelvic Floor MRI?
A Pelvic Floor MRI has many benefits, making it an excellent option if you have any health concerns about your pelvic floor. The benefits include its noninvasive design and ability to diagnose a range of conditions, which we have listed below:
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An MRI can detect abnormalities that might not be seen in other imaging g methods
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An MRI can allow doctors to assess your pelvic floor and organs at the same time, helping them to diagnose disorders that involve more than one area
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An MRI can help evaluate the structure of an organ and how well it is working
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An MRI can provide clear and detailed images of soft tissue structures, helping to diagnose cancer earlier and notice any changes in your organs
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An MRI does not expose you to radiation and is noninvasive
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An MRI is considered safe after the first trimester of pregnancy, ensuring that pregnant women have a diagnosis and safe access to treatment
What Are The Risks Of A Pelvic Floor MRI?
There are very little risks associated with a Pelvic Floor MRI, making it a safe procedure for you to undergo. The strong magnetic field of an MRI scanner can seem scary, but no risks are involved. In some cases, implanted medical devices can cause issues or malfunction, especially if they contain metal. This does not happen frequently, and your doctor will make you aware of any risks if this applies to you before you have your MRI.
If you have an implanted medical device that could malfunction during the MRI, your doctor will likely explore other testing options first to avoid causing you any distress. In cases where an MRI is essential, precautions will be taken to ensure your safety and to put your worries at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink Water Before A Pelvic Floor MRI?
Yes, you can drink water before a Pelvic Floor MRI. Some patients are asked to have a full bladder beforehand, and drinking water is an excellent way to fill it! If your bladder must be emptied before the scan, be sure you allow enough time after drinking to empty your bladder before the scan.
How Long Does A Pelvic Floor MRI Take?
On average, it takes fifteen minutes for a Pelvic Floor MRI. This includes asking you to squeeze and release your pelvic floor and asking you to make any slight adjustments. The scan can take longer if you do not remain still, as this will impact how clear the images are.
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