Fluid in the cul-de-sac

Traces of fluid are present throughout the abdominopelvic cavity and this fluid allows the bowel loops to slip over each other without sticking. The cul-de-sac, also known as the rectouterine pouch of Douglas is the lowest aspect of the peritoneal (pelvic) cavity and due to gravity, fluid collects here and thus the amount of fluid can be characterized by imaging. A small accumulation of fluid in this region is usually normal, particularly in females of childbearing age due to the menstrual cycle and the associated fluid produced by the ovaries. However, larger volumes of fluid may accumulate which may be due an underlying pathologic condition within the pelvis.