Transvaginal Ultrasound

What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that’s done to examine the internal organs in the female pelvic area. An ultrasound is a safe procedure that doesn’t use radiation. Instead, it uses sound waves to produce live images.

A transvaginal ultrasound is done by inserting a probe called a transducer covered with gel and a latex or plastic sheath into your vagina. The transducer produces sound waves that reflect off the soft tissue. The reflections are captured and converted into electrical images that can be viewed and recorded on a computer screen.

This internal exam provides much more detailed images of organs in the pelvic region than other tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound, which is conducted on your abdomen. Your gynecologist may recommend this test if high-quality images are needed to diagnose discomfort or other irregularities you may be undergoing in the pelvic area.

Why Do I Need a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound can detect abnormalities in your uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium and bladder. Your doctor may set up this diagnostic test if you’re experiencing symptoms that include:

• Abnormal results from a pelvic exam
• Pelvic pain
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Infertility

This test is sometimes done on pregnant women to monitor those who are at high risk of miscarriage or suspected of having an ectopic pregnancy. It can also help your doctor assess the condition of your placenta and check the heartbeat of a fetus. The test is completely safe to an unborn child because it doesn’t rely on x-rays or injected dyes. It’s painless and quick.

What Can I Expect When I Have a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound is a simple outpatient test done in your doctor’s office. It doesn’t require any special preparation, and it can even be done during your menstrual period. On the day of the test:

1. You’re allowed to empty your bladder.
2. You undress from the waist down and put on a gown.
3. You lie on the examination table with your feet in the stirrups.
4. The transducer is inserted into your vagina.
5. The sonographer moves the transducer to different positions to bring different organs into focus.

The exam may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it isn’t painful. Let the sonographer know if anything is causing you any real pain. The procedure’s usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes.

What Do the Results Show?

After the exam, the results are sent to a radiologist, who interprets the test and sends a written report to your doctor. Then your doctor contacts you to let you know if there are any abnormalities that the test revealed. If so, you may need to undergo additional tests or begin a treatment with a specialist. Abnormalities that may be revealed include:

• Endometriosis
• Benign growths on your ovaries or uterus, such as fibroids or cysts
• An ectopic pregnancy
• A twisting of your ovaries
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or another infection
• Cancers of the pelvic structures

Your doctor provides a thorough explanation of the findings of your diagnostic test. If necessary, you may need follow-up tests or different imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or another type of sonogram. Your doctor may also suggest waiting several months before doing more testing to see if the abnormalities disappear on their own after some time passes. You may then return for a follow-up transvaginal ultrasound.