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Anyone have a pelvic ultrasound and get told they couldn't see your ovaries due to bowel gas? They are now recommending a MRI.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
December 17, 2025
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MyBCTeam

Have you experienced difficulty visualizing your ovaries during a pelvic ultrasound due to bowel gas, and are now being recommended for an MRI?

It's not uncommon for bowel gas to interfere with ultrasound imaging, as ultrasound uses sound waves that can be blocked by gas in the intestines. This can make it difficult to get Show Full Answer

Have you experienced difficulty visualizing your ovaries during a pelvic ultrasound due to bowel gas, and are now being recommended for an MRI?

It's not uncommon for bowel gas to interfere with ultrasound imaging, as ultrasound uses sound waves that can be blocked by gas in the intestines. This can make it difficult to get clear images of the ovaries and other pelvic organs.

An MRI is often recommended as a follow-up because it provides detailed three-dimensional images of your pelvic organs and isn't affected by bowel gas the same way ultrasound is. MRIs can give your doctor a much clearer view of what's happening in that area.

While this might feel concerning, it's a standard next step when ultrasound images aren't clear enough. The MRI will help your healthcare team get the complete picture they need to properly assess your situation.

A MyBCTeam member shared their experience with transvaginal ultrasounds for monitoring, noting that "it is easy for them to tell if there are any abnormalities" when the imaging is clear. The MRI should provide that clarity for your care team.

Make sure to ask your doctor any questions you have about the MRI procedure and what they're specifically looking for, so you feel informed and prepared.

December 17, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

I had stage 4 BC in 2006 with around 2 dozen lymph nodes involved in my neck and left arm area. With 4 children at home, I needed to do whatever I could to survive for them, so followed up with a double mastectomy in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, on the advice of a new oncologist who took over my case, I opted to have my tubes and ovaries removed while I'm still working and have good insurance. Because we now know that our family carries the BRCA2 gene I will most likely also have my uterus out before I retire. If you have the chance to receive genetic counseling, please take advantage of it.

December 17, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you Sue. I just started the AI this month. I will ask my gynecologist about it when I see her again in February for my yearly check up. ❤️

December 18, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

It is quite possible that older women on AI’s who already may have had some ovary shrinkage loose them entirely on AI’s.

You can ask about this and the above article the next time you see your gynecologist or send them a message on my Chart.

If there was a big concern by your Dr., she would have sent you for possible unnecessary tests….

December 18, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks! Yeah they just want to look at my ovaries since I'm at higher risk and haven't got a good image yet. I just wasn't sure if that's normal to have gas obstructing.

December 17, 2025

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