A transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound used by doctors to examine female reproductive organs. This non-invasive diagnostic exam produces images that are used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. “Transvaginal” means “through the vagina.”
The transducer may either be passed over the surface of the abdomen (pelvic ultrasound) or inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The sound waves are reflected back to the transducer and electronically converted into images displayed on a viewing monitor. These images can be saved on film or video and then reviewed for abnormalities.
Purpose of the Pelvic or Transvaginal Ultrasound:
- To determine the size, shape, and position of organs in the pelvic region
- To evaluate pain, abnormal bleeding, or other menstrual problems in women
- To detect abnormalities affecting the ovaries and uterus, such as fibroid tumors (these are non-cancerous), masses, abscesses, cysts and inflammation.
- To evaluate infertility problems
- To monitor follicle development in the ovaries of an infertility patient receiving ovulation-inducing drugs (fertility drugs) or undergoing in vitro fertilization
- To monitor the health and development of the fetus and placenta in pregnant women, and to detect problems such as ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. (Transvaginal ultrasound is more often used early in pregnancy and pelvic ultrasound later in pregnancy.)
- To guide the removal of an ovarian follicle for in vitro fertilization
External pelvic ultrasound requires a full bladder to displace the bowel from the pelvic cavity and push the uterus and ovaries outward, making them easier to see on the scan. Your doctor will instruct you to drink 3 to 4 glasses of water or other liquid about 1 hour before the test; do not urinate until the procedure is complete. (This step is not necessary, however, late in pregnancy.)
Empty your bladder before a transvaginal ultrasound exam.
Pelvic ultrasound:
- You will lie on your back on an examination table.
- A water-soluble gel is applied to the skin on your lower abdomen to enhance sound wave transmission.
- The examiner then moves the transducer back and forth over the surface of your pelvic region to obtain different views of the targeted organs on a viewing monitor.
- Once clear images are obtained, they are recorded on film or video for later analysis.
- The test takes about 20 minutes.
Transvaginal ultrasound:
- You will assume a position similar to the one used for a pelvic exam—lying on your back with your knees bent and feet placed in stirrups.
- A sterile latex or polyurethane condom or sheath is placed over a special oblong transducer (which is slightly smaller than a tampon), and a small amount of water-soluble gel is applied to the device.
- The transducer is gently inserted (either by the examiner or yourself) into the vagina and rested against the cervix.
- The examiner rotates the transducer to one side, then the other, to obtain different views of the targeted organs on a viewing monitor.
- Once clear images are obtained, they are recorded on film or video for later analysis.
- The transducer is gently withdrawn.
- The test takes less than 10 minutes.