Is it necessary to hold urine for a color Doppler ultrasound of the uterus?
Jul 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
For an abdominal color Doppler ultrasound of the uterus, it is necessary to hold urine to ensure bladder distension. Because there are organs such as the intestines in the abdominal cavity, a distended bladder can push the intestines aside, creating a clear acoustic window that allows for clearer visualization of the uterine and adnexal structures. Patients should drink water 1–2 hours before the examination and wait until they feel a distinct sensation of bladder fullness before undergoing the scan, in order to ensure image quality.
Whether a urinary bladder needs to be full during a color ultrasound of the uterus depends on the examination method. Generally, a transabdominal ultrasound requires a full bladder, while a transvaginal ultrasound does not. Detailed explanations are as follows:
During a transabdominal color ultrasound of the uterus, the bladder needs to be filled. This is because there are intestines and other organs in the abdominal cavity; filling the bladder pushes the intestines aside, creating a clear acoustic window through which the structure of the uterus and its adnexa can be observed more clearly. You should drink water one to two hours before the examination and wait until you feel a noticeable urge to urinate to ensure image quality and avoid interference from intestinal gas or contents that could affect the accuracy of the examination results.
During a transvaginal color ultrasound of the uterus, the probe is placed directly into the vagina, close to the uterus and ovaries, so there is no need for a full bladder. This examination method is not affected by abdominal factors and provides clearer images. Before the examination, the bladder should be emptied. For married women, obese individuals, or those with thick abdominal fat, transvaginal ultrasound offers a more direct view of the uterus and is especially suitable for detailed examination of endometrial thickness, follicular development, and similar conditions.
Before undergoing a uterine color ultrasound examination, you should first clarify which examination method will be used: fill the bladder as required for transabdominal ultrasound, and empty the bladder for transvaginal ultrasound. During the examination, relax your body and cooperate with the operator to obtain accurate results.
