Internal sonogram wand

Is it painful, purpose, and results

A transvaginal, or endovaginal, ultrasound is a safe, straightforward way for doctors to examine the internal organs of the female pelvic region.

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound scanning does not involve radiation, which means that it has no known side effects and is very safe.

In this article, we explain the uses of transvaginal ultrasounds and how to prepare for one. We also describe what to expect during the scan.

A healthcare professional uses an ultrasound to create images of the inside of the body. High-frequency sound waves bounce off the internal organs and form these images.

There are two ways to perform an ultrasound — abdominally and transvaginally.

A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal scan of the female reproductive organs. It involves inserting a small ultrasound probe, called a transducer, into the vagina to produce incredibly detailed images of the organs in the pelvic region.

It may be necessary to use a transvaginal ultrasound to examine the:

vagina
cervix
uterus
fallopian tubes
ovaries
bladder

Transvaginal ultrasounds can check for:

the shape, position, and size of the ovaries and uterus
the thickness and length of the cervix
blood flow through the organs in the pelvis
the shape of the bladder and any changes
the thickness and presence of fluids near the bladder or in the:
- fallopian tubes
- myometrium, the muscle tissue of the uterus
- endometrium

Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound for a variety of reasons. For example, it might be necessary to identify the cause of:

pelvic pain
unexplained vaginal bleeding
infertility
abnormal results of a pelvic or abdominal exam

These scans can also help diagnose:

benign growths, such as fibroids, cysts, and masses
pelvic inflammatory disease
endometriosis
postmenopausal bleeding

In addition, it can check for the presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy, as it can help:

check the heartbeat of the fetus
confirm the date of delivery
assess the condition of the placenta
check for an ectopic pregnancy
monitor pregnancies with a higher risk of pregnancy loss

A transvaginal ultrasound is not typically painful, but the insertion of the probe may be uncomfortable.

The healthcare professional performing the scan first covers the probe in a sheath and lubricating gel before inserting it slowly into the vagina to a depth of around 5–8 centimeters (cm). There may be mild pressure or discomfort at this stage.

There are no after-effects of a transvaginal ultrasound, and a person can return to their regular activities afterward.

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive exam that produces images of the internal reproductive organs to help healthcare professionals diagnose certain conditions.

Doctors may use the term “pelvic ultrasound” to describe both a transvaginal and a transabdominal ultrasound. During a transabdominal ultrasound, the person performing the scan uses the probe outside the abdomen.

Another name for a transabdominal ultrasound is an external pelvic ultrasound. A person lies on their back on an examination table, and the healthcare professional applies a warm gel to the lower section of the person’s abdomen. Then, they move a probe over the area.

The person might feel slight pressure on their abdomen, but the scan is not painful. The probe uses sound waves to form an image of the internal organs and structures of the pelvic area.

By comparison, a transvaginal ultrasound can provide more close-up images of the internal organs than an external pelvic ultrasound.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a simple, painless scan that requires very little preparation. A person should be able to eat and drink normally before the appointment.

At the appointment, a healthcare professional will describe any necessary steps. A person needs to empty their bladder right before the scan, and anyone using a tampon should remove it.

A doctor or a specially trained technician, called a sonographer, performs most transvaginal ultrasounds.

A person needs to undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown. Next, they lie on an examination table with their knees bent. The healthcare professional uses a sheet to cover the person’s lower body.

The transducer resembles a wand and is slightly larger than a tampon. The sonographer or doctor covers the transducer with a sheath and lubricating gel before inserting it 5–8 cm into the vagina.

Once the transducer is in place, it produces sound waves that bounce off of the internal organs and relay information. To create a complete picture and bring different areas into focus, the sonographer or doctor rotates the transducer. This tool transmits the information directly to a screen.

The images display immediately on the screen, making it possible for the person and the healthcare professional to monitor the scan in real-time.

The whole process may last 15–30 minutes.

Unlike a traditional X-ray, a transvaginal ultrasound does not use radiation. As a result, it is very safe — there are no known risks.

It is also safe to perform transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy — there is no risk to the fetus.

During the insertion of the transducer, there may be some pressure and minimal discomfort. This feeling should go away after the scan.

It is essential to let the sonographer or doctor right away if anything feels particularly uncomfortable.

As the Miscarriage Association confirms, there is no evidence that a transvaginal ultrasound can harm a fetus or cause pregnancy loss.

If a person notices bleeding after a transvaginal ultrasound, this may be because blood has collected higher up in the vagina, and the transducer may have dislodged it.

People may have a transvaginal ultrasound in the first 11–12 weeks of pregnancy. After 11–12 weeks, it may be more common to have a transabdominal ultrasound. However, in some cases, doctors may still request a transvaginal ultrasound, which is a more accurate and detailed scan.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are safe up until a person’s water breaks.

If a specialist is present at the ultrasound, the person may hear the results immediately. If a sonographer does the scan, they send the images to a radiologist for analysis. The radiologist then sends a written report of the results to the person’s doctor.

Either way, it is important to discuss the results with a doctor, who can provide more information. This discussion can take place in person or over the phone.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a safe scan, with no known risks. People might experience some light discomfort during it, but this should go away afterward.

The ultrasound may take 15–30 minutes, and the results may be available immediately or within a few days, depending on whether a doctor was present during the scan.

If a person experiences extreme discomfort during the ultrasound, the doctor or sonographer may perform a transabdominal ultrasound instead. This type does not involve inserting the scanning tool into the vagina.

Is it painful, purpose, and results

A transvaginal, or endovaginal, ultrasound is a safe, straightforward way for doctors to examine the internal organs of the female pelvic region.

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound scanning does not involve radiation, which means that it has no known side effects and is very safe.

In this article, we explain the uses of transvaginal ultrasounds and how to prepare for one. We also describe what to expect during the scan.

A healthcare professional uses an ultrasound to create images of the inside of the body. High-frequency sound waves bounce off the internal organs and form these images.

There are two ways to perform an ultrasound — abdominally and transvaginally.

It may be necessary to use a transvaginal ultrasound to examine the:

vagina
cervix
uterus
fallopian tubes
ovaries
bladder

Transvaginal ultrasounds can check for:

the shape, position, and size of the ovaries and uterus
the thickness and length of the cervix
blood flow through the organs in the pelvis
the shape of the bladder and any changes
the thickness and presence of fluids near the bladder or in the:
- fallopian tubes
- myometrium, the muscle tissue of the uterus
- endometrium

Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound for a variety of reasons. For example, it might be necessary to identify the cause of:

pelvic pain
unexplained vaginal bleeding
infertility
abnormal results of a pelvic or abdominal exam

These scans can also help diagnose:

benign growths, such as fibroids, cysts, and masses
pelvic inflammatory disease
endometriosis
postmenopausal bleeding

In addition, it can check for the presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy, as it can help:

check the heartbeat of the fetus
confirm the date of delivery
assess the condition of the placenta
check for an ectopic pregnancy
monitor pregnancies with a higher risk of pregnancy loss

A transvaginal ultrasound is not typically painful, but the insertion of the probe may be uncomfortable.

There are no after-effects of a transvaginal ultrasound, and a person can return to their regular activities afterward.

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive exam that produces images of the internal reproductive organs to help healthcare professionals diagnose certain conditions.

The person might feel slight pressure on their abdomen, but the scan is not painful. The probe uses sound waves to form an image of the internal organs and structures of the pelvic area.

By comparison, a transvaginal ultrasound can provide more close-up images of the internal organs than an external pelvic ultrasound.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a simple, painless scan that requires very little preparation. A person should be able to eat and drink normally before the appointment.

At the appointment, a healthcare professional will describe any necessary steps. A person needs to empty their bladder right before the scan, and anyone using a tampon should remove it.

A doctor or a specially trained technician, called a sonographer, performs most transvaginal ultrasounds.

The transducer resembles a wand and is slightly larger than a tampon. The sonographer or doctor covers the transducer with a sheath and lubricating gel before inserting it 5–8 cm into the vagina.

The images display immediately on the screen, making it possible for the person and the healthcare professional to monitor the scan in real-time.

The whole process may last 15–30 minutes.

Unlike a traditional X-ray, a transvaginal ultrasound does not use radiation. As a result, it is very safe — there are no known risks.

It is also safe to perform transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy — there is no risk to the fetus.

During the insertion of the transducer, there may be some pressure and minimal discomfort. This feeling should go away after the scan.

It is essential to let the sonographer or doctor right away if anything feels particularly uncomfortable.

As the Miscarriage Association confirms, there is no evidence that a transvaginal ultrasound can harm a fetus or cause pregnancy loss.

If a person notices bleeding after a transvaginal ultrasound, this may be because blood has collected higher up in the vagina, and the transducer may have dislodged it.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are safe up until a person’s water breaks.

Either way, it is important to discuss the results with a doctor, who can provide more information. This discussion can take place in person or over the phone.

A transvaginal ultrasound is a safe scan, with no known risks. People might experience some light discomfort during it, but this should go away afterward.

The ultrasound may take 15–30 minutes, and the results may be available immediately or within a few days, depending on whether a doctor was present during the scan.

vaginal and transvaginal - MEDSI

What is vaginal ultrasound?

Vaginal (transvaginal) pelvic ultrasound is performed by inserting a special device equipped with a transducer into the vagina.

The device is a rod with a handle, which is made of plastic, about 10-12 centimeters long and up to three centimeters in diameter. A special groove can be built into it to insert a needle for taking biopsy material.

Examination allows to determine the presence of pathologies, neoplasms or diseases in the following female genital organs:

Uterus
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Cervix

It is considered the most effective for the study of these parts of the reproductive system, as it allows you to identify various health problems in the patient at an early stage. Ultrasound of the small pelvis with a sensor is able to show the presence of deviations already at a time when other studies do not show any problem areas.

How is the procedure?

The examination is organized as follows:

The patient must remove clothing from the lower part of the body (from the waist down)
She settles down on a special couch in the same way as during a regular gynecological examination
The doctor prepares the transducer: puts an individual condom on it, lubricates it with a special gel for the procedure
The physician then inserts the device shallowly into the patient's vagina
To get a complete picture of the state of the organs, he can move the sensor from side to side
All data is recorded and processed by the doctor

The gel is needed to facilitate the penetration of the transducer (and thereby reduce the likelihood of negative sensations) and enhance the ultrasonic effect by increasing the conductivity.

This type of examination lasts no more than 10 minutes. It is painless and gives the most complete picture even when an abdominal ultrasound shows nothing or cannot be done.

When is a pelvic ultrasound probe needed?

There are symptoms in which the doctor must refer the patient to a transvaginal examination:

Pain in the lower abdomen (not related to the menstrual cycle)
Neoplasm suspected
Too short or too long period of menstrual bleeding or lack thereof
Impossibility of pregnancy
Bleeding other than menstruation
The presence of violations of the patency of the fallopian tubes
Nausea, vomiting and weakness with bleeding from the vagina

Doctors recommend using this type of examination for preventive purposes, since not every ailment can have symptoms at an early stage, just as pregnancy in the first trimester may not manifest itself with classic symptoms (nausea, etc.).

In this case, vaginal ultrasound is used for:

Infertility diagnostics
The need to determine the presence of changes in the size of the ovaries and uterus
Pregnancy diagnostics
Pregnancy control (first trimester only)
General supervision of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries

A pelvic ultrasound with two probes can be performed at the same time. In this case, an abdominal ultrasound examination is performed first, and then a transvaginal one. The use of two types of analysis at once is necessary to detect violations in the highly located organs of the small pelvis.

What does a vaginal ultrasound show?

This examination allows to evaluate the following parameters of the organs of the reproductive system:

The size of the uterus. In normal condition, it should be about seven centimeters long, six wide and 4.2 in diameter. If it is significantly less or more, then this indicates the presence of pathology
Echogenicity. The structure of the organs should be homogeneous, uniform, have clearly defined, well-visible edges
General picture of the internal organs. The uterus should be slightly tilted forward. And the fallopian tubes may be slightly visible, but should not be clearly visible without the use of contrast agent

Diagnosable diseases

Transvaginal ultrasound can detect a number of diseases and problems in the reproductive system at an early stage. It allows you to detect:

Fluid and pus in the uterus and fallopian tubes. The cause of their appearance may be infections, viruses, mechanical damage
Endomentriosis - excessive growth of cells of the inner layer of uterine tissues into other layers and organs. It can occur due to inflammatory processes, damage (surgery, abortion), the appearance of neoplasms, disruption of the endocrine system, too frequent use of certain drugs and substances
Myoma is a benign neoplasm in the tissues of the uterus or its cervix. May occur due to chronic diseases, frequent abortions, hormonal disorders, constant stress, pathologies, overweight, with hereditary predisposition
Cysts and polycystic ovaries are tumors filled with fluid. Occur in endocrine disorders, chronic diseases of the genitourinary system
A variety of polyps on the walls of the uterus - benign formations in the endometrium of the organ. They can reach several centimeters in diameter. Their appearance may be associated with polycystic disease, chronic diseases, mastopathy, fibroma
Inflammation and enlargement of organs can occur due to both infection and trauma
Cystic skid - appears instead of a full-fledged embryo in the process of conception, filled with fluid. It occurs due to duplication of male chromosomes with the loss of female chromosomes, sometimes due to the fertilization of an egg that does not contain a nucleus. This disease is rare
Fetal development disorders during pregnancy
Malformations and pathologies in the development of the fallopian tubes: obstruction, spiral or too long tubes, blind passages, duplication of organs
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an egg, after fertilization, attaches itself outside the tissues of the uterus. Occurs due to blockage of the fallopian tubes, congenital anomalies in them, as well as after the inflammatory process, abortion
Cancer - a malignant tumor in various organs:

Uterus
Ovaries
Cervix

Chorionepithelioma is a malignant neoplasm that occurs during or after pregnancy from chorion cells (the membrane of the embryo attached to the wall of the uterus)

Steps to prepare for the exam

No special preparation is required for a pelvic ultrasound with a transducer, but there are several mandatory requirements:

If she emptied her bladder earlier than an hour before the analysis, then she needs to do it her time immediately before the procedure

With increased flatulence, the patient needs a drug that will help normalize the processes of gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract.

She can consult a doctor about the choice of medicine

Doctors also recommend using such a study on certain days of the cycle, depending on which organ and for what purpose you need to diagnose:0012

If there is a suspicion of an increase in the endometrial layer in the uterus, then in the second half of the cycle

When it is necessary to follow the development of the disease or the progress of treatment, the study can be carried out several times in one cycle, at different stages

Ultrasound is performed urgently if there is bleeding that is not menstrual, regardless of the day of the cycle

It is important to remember about personal hygiene before the examination, use wet and other wipes.

If you plan to perform a pelvic ultrasound with two sensors, then you should pay attention to the preparation for the abdominal examination.

This includes:

Diet at least three days prior to the examination to reduce the likelihood of symptoms of flatulence and bloating
The last meal must be finished by six o'clock in the evening on the eve of the analysis
It is recommended to take an enema after a meal
If there is still a risk of flatulence, special drugs should be used to reduce gas formation
Drink at least 400 ml of water one hour before the examination

The diet involves the exclusion of a number of products from the diet:

Sweets
Flour (bread, biscuits and other)
Legumes
Cabbage
Milk and dairy products
Uncooked vegetables and fruits
Coffee and strong tea
Carbonated drinks
Fast food
Fatty foods (meat, fish, oils)

You can eat cereals cooked with water, low-fat boiled beef, poultry and fish, hard cheeses. It is recommended to drink loosely brewed lightly sweetened tea.

It must be remembered that since fluids are required before the abdominal examination, the bladder must be emptied before the transvaginal examination.

Contraindications

Vaginal ultrasound has a small number of contraindications:

It is never performed if the patient is a virgin, so as not to violate the integrity of the hymen. In this case, it is possible to perform a transrectal examination for such a patient, in which the probe is inserted into the rectum
Examination should not be performed during the second or third trimester of pregnancy because it may cause preterm labor or uterine contractions before the expected date of delivery
This test is not used if the patient is allergic to latex
If the patient has epilepsy because the examination requires her to lie still

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor right now:

Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs for a child
Hospitalization and transportation

About ultrasound | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This information will help you prepare for your ultrasound at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). Ultrasound is also called sonography.

Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of internal organs. It can be used to check blood flow or determine if the mass is solid or filled with fluid. An ultrasound does not involve the use of radiation, has no known side effects, and you usually do not need any injections (shots) to perform an ultrasound.

What to expect

You will lie on a bed or gurney during your ultrasound. The ultrasound technician will apply the gel to the area of the body that will be examined. It will then guide a small device called a probe over the surface of your skin.

The technologist will not be able to tell you the results during the test. At the end of the procedure, the results of the ultrasound examination will be analyzed by the radiologist, who will send a written report to your healthcare provider within 24 hours. Ask your healthcare provider how and where you can get your ultrasound results.

Types of ultrasound

There are different types of ultrasound. They are named after the part of the body that is being examined.

Preparation for your procedure depends on the type of ultrasound you are having. Follow the instructions below for your type of ultrasound. If you have questions or are not sure what type of study you are having, please contact your healthcare provider.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the organs located in the abdomen (belly). These organs are the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the ultrasound. An empty stomach allows a clearer view of the gallbladder and other internal organs.
Take your medicines with a small sip of water.
If you are taking diabetes medication (such as insulin), check with the healthcare provider who prescribes it for you.

Pelvic Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to look at organs in the pelvis. These organs are the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and bladder.

Drink 4-6 cups (8 ounces) of water 1 hour before your exam.
Do not urinate (do not go to the toilet in a small way) before the procedure. With a full bladder, the uterus and ovaries will be more clearly visible.
If you need a close-up view of the lining of your uterus and ovaries, you may have a transvaginal ultrasound after your pelvic exam. See the Transvaginal Ultrasound section below for more information.

Combined abdominal and pelvic ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine organs located in the abdomen and pelvis.

Do not eat solid food for 6 hours before the test.
Drink 4-6 glasses (8 ounces (240 ml)) of water 1 hour before your test.
Do not urinate (do not go to the toilet in a small way) before the procedure.

Transvaginal ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the lining of the uterus and ovaries.

You don't need to do any special preparation.
You will lie down with your legs elevated, as you would for a cervical smear or pelvic exam. The ultrasound technician will insert a rod-shaped probe into your vagina.

Renal Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to look at one or both kidneys.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Bladder ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the bladder.

Drink 4-6 glasses (8 ounces (240 ml)) of water 45 minutes before your exam.
Do not urinate (do not go to the toilet in a small way) before the procedure.

Ultrasound of blood vessels (Doppler ultrasound)

This type of ultrasound is used to diagnose blood clots in the vessels of the legs or arms.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Breast Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the internal structure of one or both breasts.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Scrotum Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to look at one or both testicles, their epididymis, and the scrotum.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Carotid Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to look at the blood vessels in the neck. These vessels provide blood flow to the head.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Thyroid ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to examine the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the front of the neck.

You don't need to do any special preparation.

Ultrasound-guided thyroid or lymph node biopsy

This type of ultrasound is used to correctly insert a fine needle into the thyroid or lymph node. The cells are removed and sent to a laboratory, where it is determined whether any of them are cancerous or other abnormal cells.

You don't need to do any special preparation.
This test may be done even if you are taking aspirin or other anticoagulants (blood thinners). However, if a large needle is to be used for the biopsy, the radiologist performing the procedure will contact you with instructions.