Pelvic pain can be one of the most frustrating and complex conditions for women to experience. While the cause is often difficult to pinpoint, one common and frequently overlooked culprit is pelvic adhesions—bands of scar tissue that cause internal organs to stick together. These adhesions can lead to chronic pain, painful intercourse, painful ovulation, and even infertility.
For women in New York City struggling with unexplained pelvic discomfort, Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a world-renowned gynecologist in NYC, offers advanced diagnostic methods that go beyond standard imaging. His expertise in dynamic ultrasonography has helped countless women find answers and relief without unnecessary exploratory surgery.
What Are Pelvic Adhesions?
Pelvic adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between pelvic organs and tissues, often as a result of surgery, infection, endometriosis, or inflammation. These adhesions can tether organs—such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and intestines—causing them to stick together or become restricted in movement.
When this happens, women may experience:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful ovulation or menstruation
- Digestive discomfort
- Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
Although these symptoms can mimic other gynecologic conditions, the key challenge lies in accurately identifying adhesions. Traditional ultrasound imaging often falls short, leading to frustration and, in many cases, misdiagnosis.
Why Standard Ultrasounds Often Miss Pelvic Adhesions
Most gynecologists rely on static ultrasound images or still snapshots to assess the pelvic organs. While this approach can reveal anatomical structures and abnormalities such as cysts or fibroids, it cannot evaluate how these structures move—or fail to move—relative to one another.
As Dr. Goldstein explains, pain is a dynamic experience, and therefore, it requires a dynamic assessment. You can’t fully understand or diagnose pelvic pain through still images alone. The motion, interaction, and restriction between pelvic organs often tell a much deeper story—one that traditional imaging can easily miss.
Dynamic Ultrasonography: A Game-Changer in Diagnosing Pelvic Pain
This is where dynamic ultrasonography comes in—a specialized imaging technique that Dr. Goldstein has helped advance and write about extensively. As a leading NYC GYN and former Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Goldstein uses this innovative approach to identify adhesions and other subtle causes of pelvic discomfort.
Dynamic ultrasonography involves using a transvaginal probe to visualize the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues while applying gentle movement. The process allows the examiner to observe how the organs shift—or fail to shift—against each other in real time.
As noted by Dr. Ilan Timor-Tritsch in Transvaginal Sonography, this “sliding organ sign” is critical for diagnosing pelvic adhesions. When no adhesions are present, organs move freely and independently within the pelvis. However, if adhesions are present, the structures move together in tandem, indicating restriction. This simple, yet sophisticated observation allows for a precise, non-invasive diagnosis.
Why Dr. Goldstein’s Hands-On Approach Matters
Unlike many practitioners who rely solely on technicians to perform ultrasounds, Dr. Goldstein conducts the dynamic ultrasonography procedure himself. This hands-on approach allows him to directly observe how the patient’s organs respond to movement—and, importantly, when and where pain occurs during the exam.
This real-time feedback gives him valuable insight into the source of discomfort. By correlating physical sensations with visual findings, Dr. Goldstein can often determine whether adhesions are the cause of the pain without resorting to exploratory surgery.
For patients, this means faster answers, a clearer understanding of their condition, and access to targeted treatment plans that address the root cause of their symptoms.
Avoid Unnecessary Surgery with Dynamic Diagnosis
Women with chronic pelvic pain are often told they need “exploratory surgery” to determine the cause of their symptoms. However, with dynamic ultrasonography, that invasive step can frequently be avoided. The ability to visualize adhesions through movement-based imaging not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also reduces the risks, costs, and recovery time associated with surgical exploration.
As a top gynecologist in NYC, Dr. Goldstein has seen countless cases where dynamic imaging revealed pelvic adhesions that static sonograms or MRIs missed entirely. For many of these women, this advanced diagnostic method has been life-changing—offering clarity and a clear treatment path where uncertainty once reigned.
Expertise and Innovation in Women’s Health
Dr. Steven R. Goldstein is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in gynecologic ultrasound and women’s health. His work has shaped how modern gynecology approaches pelvic pain and imaging. With decades of clinical experience, academic leadership, and a reputation for compassionate care, Dr. Goldstein continues to be a trusted resource for women seeking answers to complex pelvic conditions.
When to See a Gynecologist for Pelvic Pain
If you’ve been struggling with unexplained pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, or have been told that surgery may be necessary to determine the cause, it’s worth seeking a second opinion. A consultation with Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, leading NYC GYN and specialist in dynamic ultrasonography, could provide the non-invasive insight you need.
Dynamic ultrasound offers a modern, precise, and patient-centered way to understand pelvic adhesions and related issues—helping women take control of their health with confidence and clarity.
