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Why Do Women Need a CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis? Understanding the Common Reasons

Published on May 22, 2025

Why Do Women Need a CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis? Understanding the Common Reasons

When something doesn’t feel right in your belly or pelvic area, it’s natural to feel worried or at least curious, especially when symptoms are vague or hard to explain. From nagging pain to bloating that doesn’t go away, your body often sends signals that it’s time to get things checked out. That’s where a female CT scan abdomen and pelvis can play a key role. This medical imaging test gives doctors a clear, detailed look inside your body, helping them figure out what’s going on and how best to help.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a female CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is, why you might need one, and what kinds of conditions it can detect. We’ll also explain what happens during the scan and give you a clear idea of what to expect when it comes to female CT abdomen and pelvis scan costs before booking one.

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What is a Female CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis?

A female CT scan abdomen and pelvis is a medical imaging test that uses a specialised X-ray machine (called a CT or CAT scanner) to take detailed, cross-sectional images of your internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues in the abdomen and pelvic region.

This scan gives doctors a clear and layered view of what’s happening inside your body and helps them guide a diagnosis or next steps in treatment (something a regular X-ray can’t provide). While it’s used for all genders, in women, the scan often focuses on the reproductive organs (like the uterus and ovaries), the bladder, kidneys, bowels, and surrounding structures.

Why Might You Need a Female Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan?

There are several reasons a GP or specialist might refer you for a female CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. It usually comes down to investigating symptoms or confirming a diagnosis. Some of the most common reasons include:

Unexplained Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

Chronic or severe abdominal or pelvic pain is one of the top reasons for having a female CT scan abdomen and pelvis. This scan helps pinpoint the source of the pain—whether it’s coming from the digestive system, reproductive organs, urinary tract, or even referred pain from elsewhere in the body.

Irregular or Heavy Periods

If you’re experiencing bleeding that isn’t part of your normal cycle, like heavy periods, or irregular menstruation, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can help rule out or detect issues like fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, or endometriosis.

While ultrasounds are usually the first go-to for such situations, a CT scan may be requested for a more detailed look, especially if the issue persists or there’s a need to rule out other causes.

Lumps, Masses or Swelling

If your doctor has felt a mass or lump during a physical exam or you’ve noticed swelling or bloating that doesn’t go away, a CT scan can provide more detail and help determine what’s causing it. It can check whether it’s a benign cyst, fibroid, a tumour, or an abscess.

Digestive Issues or Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or changes in how your bowels are working can sometimes be linked to conditions like diverticulitis, appendicitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In such a case, a female CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis offers valuable insights into the health of your gut.

Weight Loss Without Explanation

Losing weight without trying? It could be a sign of an underlying issue in your digestive tract, kidneys, or elsewhere. In such situations, a CT scan can help you or your doctor catch what might be going on behind the scenes.

Reproductive Health Concerns

Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian torsion, or complications related to pregnancy (like an ectopic pregnancy) can sometimes require a CT scan—although pregnancy-related issues are more commonly investigated with ultrasound first due to the use of radiation in CT.

Urinary Symptoms

If you feel pain when urinating, see blood in your urine or stool, or get frequent infections, your doctor might refer you to get a female CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to check for kidney stones, urinary tract abnormalities, bowel inflammation, or signs of infection.

Follow-Up on Abnormal Test Results

If your previous ultrasound, blood test, physical exam, or other imaging showed something unusual, your doctor might recommend a CT scan to examine you more closely and guide your next steps.

Surgery or Treatment Planning and Monitoring

Before surgery (especially in the pelvic area), surgeons may need a CT scan to plan the procedure.

Female CT scans abdomen and pelvis are also often used to check whether a known condition has spread. They’re also important for monitoring how well a treatment (like chemotherapy or surgery) is working.

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What Can a Female CT Abdomen and Pelvis Scan Detect?

This type of scan can detect a wide range of conditions, such as:

  • Ovarian cysts or tumours
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Ectopic pregnancy (in emergency cases)
  • Kidney stones
  • Appendicitis
  • Bladder issues
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Inflammatory conditions (like Crohn’s disease)
  • Internal bleeding or infection
  • Injuries from accidents or trauma
  • Lymph node swelling or cancers

Is It Safe?

Yes, CT scans are generally safe, and they’re used every day across Australia in both hospitals and diagnostic imaging clinics. That said, they do involve low doses of radiation, so they’re only recommended when necessary.

At CareWell Diagnostix, we use low-dose CT technology to keep radiation exposure to a minimum, without compromising image quality. Your safety is always our top priority.
If you’re pregnant, let your doctor or our team know beforehand. Other imaging options like ultrasound or MRI might be more suitable in that case.

What Happens During the Scan?

A female CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is quick, non-invasive, and simple, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes.

Here’s what to expect:

  • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove jewellery or anything metal.
  • Depending on your case, you might be given a contrast dye to drink or receive it via injection. This helps certain organs and blood vessels stand out clearly in the images.
  • You’ll lie on a table that moves through a large, donut-shaped machine. It doesn’t touch you, and it’s not a tight or enclosed space.
  • The machine will rotate around your body, taking detailed images while you lie still. You might be asked to hold your breath briefly during some parts.
  • Afterwards, you can usually go about your day as normal.

How Much Does a Female CT Abdomen and Pelvis Scan Cost?

The female CT abdomen and pelvis cost can vary depending on several factors:

  • Whether contrast dye is used
  • If you have a valid Medicare referral
  • The urgency of the scan

At CareWell Diagnostix, we aim to make high-quality healthcare affordable and accessible. We offer competitive pricing and bulk bill eligible Medicare cardholders whenever possible. You can always contact our team to ask about your bulk billing eligibility.

Need to know more about the female CT abdomen and pelvis cost or what the scan involves before booking your appointment? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is happy to explain the process, help you prepare, and answer any concerns you may have.