What is Transvaginal ultrasound?
It is an internal scan. A probe is passed through the vagina looking at the womb/pelvic organs. It is the safest diagnostic tool producing a clear better image of the womb/pelvic organs. It helps to see if there is any abnormality in the uterus (womb), cervix (the neck of the womb), endometrium (lining of the womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries etc. The procedure is slightly uncomfortable but painless. It has the advantage of producing clearer and better images than scanning over the abdomen.
What are female pelvic organs?
The organs and structures of the female pelvis evaluated are:
1. Endometrium.
The lining of the uterus.
2. Uterus (also known as the womb).
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman’s lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. It sheds its lining each month during menstruation, unless a fertilized egg (ovum) becomes implanted and pregnancy follows.
3. Ovaries.
Two female reproductive organs located in the pelvis in which egg cells (ova) develop and are stored and where the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced.
4. Cervix.
The lower, narrow part of the uterus located between the bladder and the rectum, forming a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
5. Vagina (also known as the birth canal).
The passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The vagina connects the cervix and the vulva (the external genitalia).
How is it done?
Prior to the procedure, you would be asked to empty your bladder. If you are wearing a tampon, it will need to be removed.
With your privacy and dignity in mind we you would be asked to undress from the waist down and place a towel/sheet over your pelvic area to maintain dignity. There will always be an additional female person in the scan room. The procedure is carried out with you lying on your back and your legs apart. The probe (transducer) connected to the machine is covered with a new sheath in every examination that is lubricated. It is then gently inserted into the vagina. The probe is a little bigger than the size of a finger, and produces pictures on a TV screen. You might have your lower abdomen pushed with the examiners hand to try and get some of the pelvic organs closer to the transducer for better pictures.
Is it safe?
Yes. Ultrasound is a safe and (usually) painless use of sound waves to produce images (pictures) of the internal organs and structure of your body. They can be seen as black and white pictures on a television monitor. If you are already bleeding and have an internal scan the probe might dislodge the blood sitting on the walls of your vagina which could result in heavier vaginal loss. The scan does not cause a miscarriage or increase the risk.