What does it mean to have fluid accumulation in the rectouterine pouch?
Disease description:
Recent menstrual irregularities, this month's period has not arrived yet, and there is significant discomfort near the uterus. The doctor diagnosed it as fluid accumulation in the pouch of Douglas (rectouterine pouch). I would like to know, what is fluid accumulation in the pouch of Douglas?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Pelvic fluid collection in the rectouterine pouch, also known in medicine as fluid accumulation in the pouch of Douglas or pelvic effusion, is a pathological condition within the female pelvis. It refers to the accumulation of abnormal fluid in the space between the uterus and the rectum (i.e., the rectouterine pouch). Causes include:
During menstruation, a small amount of menstrual blood might flow backward into the pelvis, forming fluid accumulation; during the ovulation period, follicular fluid may also flow into and accumulate within the rectouterine pouch after the follicle ruptures. This fluid accumulation may result from various causes, including but not limited to inflammation, infection, tumors, endometriosis, postoperative complications, or endocrine disorders. Multiple diseases or abnormal conditions can lead to fluid accumulation in the rectouterine pouch. For example, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic abscess, or other conditions may cause exudative fluid from pelvic tissues to flow into the rectouterine pouch; organ rupture, such as corpus luteum rupture or ectopic pregnancy rupture, may also cause blood to flow into the pelvic cavity. Symptoms of fluid accumulation in the rectouterine pouch may not be obvious, but sometimes patients may experience discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities, or pain during sexual intercourse.
If these symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended.
