Plain radiography/hysterosalpingography/fluoroscopy

This is still the best technique for evaluating the gross bony anatomy of the female pelvis as well as the trabecular bone pattern.

Hysterosalpingography is often used in the investigation of infertility as it allows evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Fluoroscopy can also be used to evaluate the other pelvic organs – bladder, urethra and vagina.

However, it is important when imaging women to consider the radiation dose to the pelvic organs. Also the ‘10 day rule’ recommends that non-urgent X-ray examinations that entail pelvic irradiation in the female of child-bearing age should be restricted in order to avoid irradiating the fetus. At a low dose, i.e. 1 mGy, the dose to an embryo/fetus should present no risk of fetal death, malformation, growth retardation or impairment of mental development.