Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you have a scan done through the vagina, called a `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)` . When you hear this, you may feel a little scared and nervous. You may have a lot of questions like, 'What is this? Will it hurt? Why is this being done?' coming to your mind, right? It's very normal. So today, we're going to talk about this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)`, a scan done through the vagina, in detail, in a way that you can understand, and in a very simple way.
What is a transvaginal ultrasound?
Simply put, this is a type of imaging procedure . It's like taking a photo, but it takes pictures of organs inside the body that are not visible to the naked eye. This method is especially used to look at the pelvic cavity of women, that is, the organs in the lower abdomen.
This test will tell your doctor your:
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes ( tubes through which the eggs travel)
- Ovaries
You can clearly see important organs like.
Just think, sometimes if there is a suspicion of some abnormal condition or growth related to this organ, this scan helps to find out exactly what it is. Also, if you are pregnant, this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)` is used to confirm the pregnancy or to monitor the development of the baby.
What is the difference between a regular ultrasound and this transvaginal ultrasound?
You've probably heard of an abdominal ultrasound. This is when a doctor or technician moves a small device (called a transducer) over your abdomen to take pictures.
However, in this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)`, it is also called `(Endovaginal Ultrasound)` , the device called `(Transducer)` that I mentioned is inserted inside the vagina and the images are taken. "Endo" means inside, and "vaginal" means related to the vagina. So the name itself has a meaning.
Because it is done through the vagina, it can produce very clear, detailed images of the organs and soft tissue in the lower abdomen. It shows much better detail than a scan done through the abdomen.
However, there are some cases where a transvaginal scan is not possible. For example, if you are pregnant and the placenta (the organ that nourishes the baby) is close to the cervix (a condition called placenta previa), then a transvaginal ultrasound may cause unnecessary bleeding. In such cases, a transvaginal scan is performed.
What time is this scan done?
There are not many restrictions or obstacles to doing this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound). For example, it does not matter whether you are menstruating or not, or whether you are pregnant or not. It can be done at any time.
However, if your doctor recommends a special type of Transvaginal Ultrasound, called a Saline Infusion Sonohysterography ( Sonohysterogram) , there are some limitations. A Sonohysterogram involves injecting a small amount of saline into the cavity of the uterus to examine the lining of the uterus. So, you should not have a Sonohysterogram if you are pregnant or have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
When is a transvaginal ultrasound needed?
There may be several main reasons why your doctor may order this scan.
- If you have pelvic pain .
- If you have unusual bleeding (bleeding).
- If a doctor sees something unusual during your pelvic exam, find out more about it.
- If you are pregnant, monitor your pregnancy .
This scan can help your doctor detect things like:
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Fibroids (a type of tumor that develops in the uterus)
- Polyps (small growths called polyps)
- Symptoms of a pelvic infection
- Symptoms of Cancer (Cancer can be detected at an early stage)
- Signs of an ectopic pregnancy (meaning a pregnancy outside the uterus) or miscarriage
- Causes of Fertility Issues
- Check to see if an intrauterine device (IUD) is in place.
How is this scan used during pregnancy?
This scan is often performed, especially during the first trimester (weeks 1 to 12) of pregnancy. The reasons for this are:
- Confirm whether you are pregnant .
- Find out exactly how far along your pregnancy is now .
- Monitor the baby's heartbeat .
- Look for warning signs of miscarriage or premature birth .
- Identify conditions that may affect your pregnancy plan, such as placenta previa.
Additionally, if you are planning to have any surgery, the information obtained from this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)` is also useful.
Who does this transvaginal ultrasound?
This test can be done by your doctor. Or, it can be done by someone who has been specially trained for this purpose, such as a ``Sonographer`` or an `` Ultrasound technician`` . In some cases, a trained radiologist (``Radiologist``) will perform this test and report the results to your doctor.
How does this work? Sounds a bit scientific, doesn't it?
It's very simple. This `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)` uses sound waves . These sound waves help to create images of your pelvic cavity and organs and display them on a `screen`.
I mentioned earlier that there is a small, long device called a `(Transducer)`. That is what is inserted into the vagina. Once inserted, it emits sound waves. These sound waves hit various structures inside your pelvis and reflect back. The sound waves that return are captured by the `(Transducer)` itself and converted into ``electrical signals``. Those signals are displayed as a ``real-time visual image`` on a computer screen. The person doing the examination can watch these images.
This ultrasound also takes still images of the images seen on the screen. Your doctor can then look at them carefully and draw conclusions. This image taken from an ultrasound is called a sonogram .
How long does it take to do this scan?
A transvaginal ultrasound can usually take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour , depending on the reason for the scan and how much detail you want to see.
How should I prepare for this?
Actually, there's no need to prepare much for this `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)`. It's a quick, relatively painless test with very few side effects. So, you don't need to worry about needing someone to take you with you or not being able to go to work after it's done.
But, keep these few things in mind:
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove . You will have to remove your pants and underwear. You may be given a `gown` to wear at that time.
- If you are on your period, remove a tampon before the test .
- Your doctor will give you instructions on when to drink water and when to urinate . Follow those instructions exactly. This is because the images of the organs seen on the ultrasound will change depending on whether your bladder is full, empty, or half full. So you may be asked to come with an empty bladder, a full bladder, or a half full bladder.
Do you need to shave before going to this?
No, not at all. Having pubic hair in your private area is not a problem for this ultrasound. Be comfortable, take care of your hygiene, and be normal. Don't worry about it.
What to expect during the scan?
This ultrasound is done in an ultrasound room at a hospital, private radiology practice, or clinic for obstetric and gynecological imaging. In some cases, your doctor may also order an abdominal ultrasound before the transvaginal ultrasound. Depending on your symptoms, this may be done because both tests can provide a more complete picture of your pelvic organs.
You will be made to lie on an examination table, similar to a pelvic exam, with your knees bent and your feet possibly placed in stirrups.
Then, the doctor or technician will put a condom on the transducer, apply a warm lubricating gel , and very gently insert it into your vagina.
Once it's inside your body, the transducer uses sound waves to create images of your pelvic organs. These images are displayed on a screen. The ultrasound technician may ask you to lie still, or they may ask you to move your body slightly so that the transducer can take images of your pelvic cavity from different angles.
If you are having the ``Saline-infusion sonography'' or ``Sonohysterogram'' that I mentioned earlier, the technician will follow a few additional steps.
After enough images are taken for a thorough analysis, the technician removes the transducer.
Does this hurt? A problem that many people have!
No, this is not a painful test. The transducer is designed to fit the shape of your vagina, making it as painless as possible. Also, the transducer is lubricated so that it can be inserted very gently.
However, you may feel some discomfort or pressure when the technician inserts the transducer into your vagina. This is similar to a Pap smear. During a Pap smear, the doctor uses a speculum to open your vagina and look at your cervix. You may feel some discomfort, but it is not unbearable pain.
Are there any risks with this?
A transvaginal ultrasound is a very safe test . The sound technology used to take pictures of your pelvis poses no risk to you or your baby if you are pregnant.
You may feel some discomfort or pressure from the transducer. Also, you may experience a small amount of vaginal discharge due to the lubricant used during the test. This will disappear within 24 hours. Other than that, there are no major risks.
What are the results after the scan?
If your doctor did the test, he or she will probably talk to you about the results the same day . Or, he or she may send the images to a certified physician sonologist for analysis. The sonologist will review your ultrasound images and send a report to your doctor with his or her findings.
Your test results may provide enough information to make a definitive diagnosis . Or, if there is any uncertainty, your doctor may order additional testing. Ask your doctor how your results will affect your care plan.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
A transvaginal ultrasound is a very common test that can help your doctor find the cause of the uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing. It doesn't require much effort on your part, but the information it provides can be invaluable to your doctor in deciding on different treatment options.
So, if you have been asked to have a `(Transvaginal Ultrasound)`, don't be afraid of it. I hope this article has given you a better understanding of it. If you have any other questions, talk to your doctor openly about it. Then you will be able to clarify more.
` Vaginal scan, transvaginal ultrasound, uterus, ovaries, cervix, pregnancy, pelvic cavity
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