What should you know about an MRI scan of the female pelvis?

Depending on the referral, the scan may assess the uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, lymph nodes and pelvic bones. It can help characterise a mass, investigate bleeding or pain, and support planning when a known condition needs mapping.

The images do not by themselves establish the cause of a symptom or prove cancer. A radiologist interprets them with your history and examination. Your clinician may recommend monitoring, another test or a biopsy when tissue is needed.

Ask the imaging centre whether you should arrive with a full bladder, avoid food or drink, or use any specific preparation. Tell staff about pregnancy or possible pregnancy, implants, metal fragments, kidney disease and previous reactions to contrast. Mention menstrual bleeding, an intrauterine device or recent pelvic procedures if relevant.

Wear clothing without metal and remove jewellery. You may receive instructions about changing clothes or using a small vaginal or rectal preparation for a specialised examination. The team should explain each step and protect your privacy.

Seek urgent assessment for heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness, sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, fever with worsening pain, or new weakness. After contrast, get immediate help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, widespread rash or collapse.

Ask which pelvic organs need assessment, whether contrast or bladder preparation is required, how privacy and positioning will be handled, and when the report will be discussed. Read more about [MRI Scan](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/mri-scan/) and [Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/biopsy/).