TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND
TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND
What is a transvaginal ultrasound?
Ultrasound is the term used forhigh-frequency soundwaves. Ultrasound examinations use these sound waves toproduce a picture or image onto a screen showing the inside of your body. Anultrasound is carried out by a trained health professional (sonographer,radiologist or sonologist).
Transvaginal ultrasound is anexamination of the female pelvis. It helps to see if there is any abnormalityin the uterus (womb), cervix (the neck of the womb), endometrium (lining of thewomb), fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder or the pelvic cavity. It looks at thepelvic organs from inside the vagina using a special smooth, thin, handhelddevice called a transducer. This differs from an abdominal ultrasound, whichuses a warm water-based clear gel applied to the skin of the abdomen and thetransducer is moved gently across the pelvic area.
All ultrasound transducers transmit high-frequency sound waves, andthese are reflected from different soft tissue, structures or parts in the bodyin different ways. These sound waves are converted to electrical impulses thatproduce a moving image on a screen.
An ultrasound has many advantages. It ispainless and does not involve radiation, which means it is very safe. Thehigh-frequency sound waves ensure images show very high detail, capable oflooking at the very tiniest parts of the body. A health professional will bethere with you, and you have the opportunity to communicate any concerns youhave.
Why would my doctor refer me to havethis procedure?
The test is requested by your doctor ifyou have symptoms of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, or to check for fibroids/ tumours of the uterus, polyps (areas of thickening of the lining of theuterus), ovarian cysts or tumours, infertility, or assessment ofearly pregnancy.
How do I prepare for a transvaginalultrasound?
No preparation is required. You will beasked to go to the toilet and empty your bladder before the test being carriedout. If you are having a period, the examination can still be carried out andit is often an advantage when assessing some gynaecological problems. If youare wearing a tampon, it will need to be removed. Before having the test, youmight be asked to sign a consent form. At all times, a patient’s dignity andprivacy is protected during the examination.
What happens during a transvaginal ultrasound?
The transducer is slightly larger than atampon and especially shaped to fit comfortably into the vagina. A protectivecover is placed over the transducer and lubricating gel is applied to it forease of insertion. It is gently moved around the inside of the pelvis andimages are taken. You might have your lower abdomen pushed with the examinershand to try and get some of the pelvic organs closer to the transducer forbetter pictures.
The examination is carried out in “realtime”, which means that the images you see on the screen show the inside ofyour pelvic (lower abdomen) area.
At the end of the test, the probe isfully sterilized and cleaned. The examination takes between 15–30 minutes.
Are there any after effects of a transvaginalultrasound?
There are no after effects of atransvaginal ultrasound. You will be able to resume normal activities. You maynotice some slight vaginal discharge from the lubrication gel after the test,just for a few hours.
What are the risks of a transvaginalultrasound?
There are no known risks of havingtransvaginal ultrasound. It uses sound waves to obtain images and there is notmuch radiation involved
