Transvaginal ultrasound

You will lie down on your back on a table with your knees bent. Your feet may be held in stirrups. The ultrasound technician or doctor will introduce an ultrasound probe into your vagina. It may be mildly uncomfortable, but will not hurt. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel. The probe transmits sound waves…

You will be asked to undress, usually from the waist down. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty or partly filled.

In most cases, there is no pain. Some women may have mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.

Transvaginal ultrasound may be done for the following problems: Abnormal findings on a physical exam, such as cysts, fibroid tumors, or other growths Abnormal vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems Certain types of infertility Ectopic pregnancy Pelvic pain This ultrasound is also used during pregnancy .

The pelvic structures or fetus is normal.

An abnormal result may be due to many conditions. Some problems that may be seen include: Birth defects in an unborn baby Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures Infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease Benign growths in or around the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)…

There are no known harmful effects of transvaginal ultrasound on humans. Unlike traditional x-rays, there is no radiation exposure with this test.

Dolan MS, Hill CC, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18. Hur HC, Lobo RA. Ectopic pregnancy:…