It is possible to produce pictures of your interior organs using ultrasonography. It is possible to discover anomalies and conditions using imaging studies.
Gynecologists utilize transvaginal ultrasonography, also known as endovaginal ultrasound, to check the reproductive organs of female patients. The uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina are all included in this category.
“Transvaginal” translates to “through the vagina.” It’s a self-examination that I’m conducting.
Your doctor or a technician will introduce an ultrasound transducer about 2 or 3 inches into your vaginal canal during this procedure, unlike a conventional abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, in which the transducer remains on the outside of the pelvis.
It’s important to know when transvaginal ultrasounds are done?
A transvaginal ultrasound may be required for a variety of reasons, including:
• Unusual findings on a pelvic or abdominal exam; unusual bleeding from the cervix;
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pregnancies that do not go to full term (which occurs when the foetus implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)
• Infertility
• A screening for uterine fibroids or cysts
• Ensuring that an IUD is correctly inserted
Additionally, your doctor may suggest a transvaginal ultrasound if any of the following apply:
• Keep an eye on the fetus’s heart rate
• Examine the cervix for any changes that might lead to issues such as miscarriage or an early birth.
• Look for anomalies in the placenta
• Find out where any irregular bleeding is coming from
• Determine if a miscarriage has occurred
• Confirm a pregnancy at an early stage
What should I do before having a transvaginal ultrasound done?
The majority of transvaginal ultrasounds require no preparation from the patient.
Upon entering the examination room at your doctor’s office or the hospital, you must remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown before being examined.
Your bladder may need to be empty or partially full, depending on your doctor’s recommendations and the purpose of the ultrasound. The intestines may be lifted more easily when your bladder is full, which provides a better view of your pelvic organs.
Drink 32 ounces of water or any other fluids approximately an hour before the treatment begins if your bladder has to be full.
It is imperative that you remove any tampons you are wearing before to the ultrasound if you are in the middle of your cycle or if you are spotting.
How does transvaginal ultrasound work?
When it’s time to begin the treatment, you lie down on your back and bend your knees on the examination table. Stirrups can be present or not.
The ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina after being covered with a condom and lubricating lubricant by your doctor. Your doctor should know if you are allergic to latex so that a latex-free probe cover may be used.
Your doctor may apply some pressure on the transducer during the procedure. Having a speculum inserted into your vagina feels a lot like having your Pap smear done.
Your internal organs reflect sound waves back to the transducer, which transmits images of your pelvis onto a display.
Afterwards, the transducer is slowly rotated by the technician or doctor while it is still inside of the patient. This gives you a complete view of your inside organs.
A saline infusion sonography may be prescribed by your physician (SIS). Transvaginal ultrasound with sterile salt water is a particular type of transvaginal ultrasound that is used to discover any uterine abnormalities before the ultrasound is performed.
Because the uterus is stretched by the saline solution, a more accurate view of the uterine interior can be obtained than with a normal ultrasound scan.
Pregnant women and women with an infection cannot have transvaginal ultrasounds done, but SIS can.
Risk considerations for this operation include as follows:
Transvaginal ultrasonography is not connected with any known risks.
For both mother and foetus, transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy are also safe. This is because the imaging method does not make use of any radiation.
In rare situations, the transducer will cause discomfort when it is put into your vagina. Once the operation is complete, all soreness should be gone.
If you feel any pain or discomfort, tell the doctor or technician right away.
What can we infer from the data?
If your doctor does the ultrasound, you may know the findings right away. The photos are stored and subsequently evaluated by a radiologist if the process is performed by a technician. Your physician will get the results from the radiologist.
A transvaginal ultrasound is used to identify a variety of disorders, including:
• Pregnancies of all kinds
• Cysts
• Fibroids
• Infected pelvic area
• Ectopic conception
• Miscarriage
• Previa of the placenta (a low-lying placenta during pregnancy that may warrant medical intervention)
Importance During Pregnancy
• A vaginal ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy since it can detect the heartbeat at an early stage. In addition, it can track the fetus’s position and growth, and it can tell if you’re pregnant with one or more children.
• A vaginal ultrasound can be used to diagnose a wide range of current and potential problems, including:
• Measure the cervix to determine the risk of preterm birth, which will allow for any required medical treatments.
• Anomalies in the cervix or placenta can be discovered
• To discover the source of the blood
• A vaginal ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy since it can detect the heartbeat at an early stage. If you’re expecting more than one child, it may tell you the number of infants you’re carrying, as well as where they are and how big they are. A vaginal ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy and be used to diagnose any challenges or potential concerns that may arise down the road.
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Is transvaginal ultrasound painful?
However, the insertion of the probe into the uterus may be a little unpleasant. Prompted by a lubricating gel and a sheath, the healthcare expert inserts the probe into the vagina to a depth of 5–8 centimetres (cm).
What can I expect at my first transvaginal ultrasound?
Using a video camera, you will be able to see your kid. After undressing and putting your feet up in stirrups for a pelvic check, you’ll have a transvaginal ultrasound procedure. Preferably, a condom-like sheath and lubrication will be applied to the transducer before it is inserted into your vagina.
How long does a transvaginal ultrasound take?
Is a transvaginal ultrasound time-consuming? You may expect to be in and out in 15–30 minutes. The radiologist or obstetrician sonologist may request that you wait while the photos are examined (specialist doctors).
What do you wear to a transvaginal ultrasound?
During a transvaginal ultrasound Wearing anything that may interfere with the scanning process is a no-no. You’ll be given a robe to wear if you’re requested to take off your clothes. For a pelvic exam, you will be placed on an examination table with your feet and legs supported.
