Purpose and What To Expect

A vaginal ultrasound, additionally referred to as a transvaginal ultrasound, is a sort of medical imaging that appears for abnormalities inside your pelvis. This consists of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and surrounding areas.

The process entails inserting a small probe into the vagina and gently shifting the instrument round through the check. Most individuals do not discover a vaginal ultrasound painful, however it might trigger discomfort.

A healthcare supplier would possibly suggest a vaginal ultrasound to analyze signs like pelvic ache or bleeding or to assist put together for surgical procedure. The imaging can present how thick the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is and whether or not there are cysts, uterine or ovarian tumors, or the rest of concern.

You would possibly want a vaginal ultrasound for the next:

• Ectopic pregnancy (being pregnant occurring exterior the uterus)
• Unexplained pelvic ache
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Infertility
• Variations within the uterus or ovaries current since delivery
• Suspected endometriosis (when endometrial, or uterine, tissue grows exterior of your uterus)
• Suspected adenomyosis (when endometrial tissue grows into the uterine partitions)

Preparation for a vaginal ultrasound is minimal—you possibly can eat and take your normal drugs until suggested in any other case. Your supplier might request an empty or partially stuffed bladder for higher imaging, so ask about particular directions.

For consolation, take into account bringing a beloved one or requesting a chaperone. Carry your ID and insurance coverage card, and make sure insurance coverage protection beforehand. Earlier than the process, you may privately undress and be supplied a robe or sheet for protection.

A vaginal ultrasound works equally to different forms of ultrasound that you just is perhaps extra acquainted with. The distinction right here is that the probe goes within you.

An ultrasound wand referred to as a transducer is inserted into your vagina. It creates sound waves, which bounce off the organs and tissues in your pelvis. These outcomes are despatched to a pc, which creates a two-dimensional gray-scale image of your insides referred to as a sonogram. Relying on the examination room setup, you would possibly be capable to see the sonogram through the process.

The next healthcare suppliers might carry out a vaginal ultrasound:

• Sonographer: A technician skilled in performing ultrasounds
• Radiologist: A medical physician who makes a speciality of diagnostic imaging, together with ultrasounds
• Gynecologist: A medical physician who specializes within the feminine reproductive system
• Obstetrician: A medical physician who specializes within the care of pregnant individuals and the supply of infants

In the course of the Take a look at

This is what you possibly can count on throughout your appointment:

• Preparation: You will be requested to lie flat on a desk together with your knees bent and toes elevated, generally in stirrups. A robe, sheet, or paper will cowl your stomach.
• Insertion of the ultrasound wand: The healthcare supplier will insert a small ultrasound wand (about 2-3 inches lengthy) into your vagina. The wand is smaller than a normal pelvic exam speculum and will likely be lined with a condom for sanitation and lubricant gel for simpler insertion.
• Self-insertion choice: If it makes you extra snug, ask your supplier in case you can insert the wand your self. Some suppliers supply this feature.
• Imaging course of: The supplier will gently transfer the wand to seize photos of your inside organs.
• Period of the process: The ultrasound sometimes lasts 15-45 minutes.
• Anticipated sensation: Whereas the process is often not painful, some individuals might really feel a little bit of discomfort through the examination.

After the Take a look at

As soon as the ultrasound is over, the wand will likely be gently eliminated. Try to be given a while to privately clear up and dress.

That is an outpatient process, that means you possibly can go residence afterward. There should not be any lasting ache or signs.

Vaginal ultrasound is a protected process with no radiation publicity.

Some individuals—notably these with a historical past of sexual trauma—would possibly discover it emotionally distressing as a result of its intimate nature. Think about disclosing this to your healthcare supplier upfront for elevated sensitivity to your state of affairs.

Individuals with vaginismus (a situation the place you expertise ache throughout penetration) or different sources of pelvic ache might discover the imaging process uncomfortable or painful. If you’re involved, discuss to your supplier about ache administration earlier than the process.

As a result of a condom is put over the ultrasound wand and lubrication is put onto the wand, it is best to let your supplier know beforehand in case you have any allergy symptoms to both merchandise, comparable to a latex allergy.

If you’re unable to have a vaginal ultrasound as a result of vaginismus or another excuse, your supplier might suggest an belly ultrasound of the pelvis as an alternative.

As soon as your examination is full, the ultrasound photos will likely be despatched to a radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist will ship your supplier a replica of the pictures with their notes. If a radiologist carried out your vaginal ultrasound, they could focus on their findings with you after the examination.

Relying on the outcomes, chances are you’ll must schedule a follow-up appointment or examination together with your healthcare supplier.

Decoding Your Outcomes

The healthcare suppliers who carry out vaginal ultrasounds and research the pictures are skilled to identify abnormalities that may embody:

• Pelvic, ovarian, or uterine plenty
• Thickened endometrium
• Enlarged uterus

These findings would possibly point out sure diagnoses, comparable to: 

• Cancers of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and different pelvic organs
• Ovarian cysts or fibroids
• Endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Ovarian torsion (twisting ovaries)
• Ectopic being pregnant
• Infections

A vaginal ultrasound does not deal with any of those situations, however it might assist your healthcare supplier determine the following steps for additional diagnostic procedures or therapies.

Vaginal ultrasound is an inside type of ultrasound the place a wand is inserted into the vagina. Sound waves create a picture of the inner pelvic buildings, together with the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The process just isn’t painful for most individuals however might trigger discomfort. A vaginal ultrasound may help information prognosis or therapy for a number of gynecological situations, comparable to cancers, endometriosis, and ectopic being pregnant.