Transvaginal ultrasound
Key points
- Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of imaging the genital tract in women.
- The transducer is a long probe, covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant, that is inserted into the vagina.
- You may be asked, therefore, to drink several glasses of water without voiding before the exam.
- There may be mild discomfort from the pressure of the vaginal probe.
Alternative names
Endovaginal ultrasound
Definition
Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of imaging the genital tract in women. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off body structures to create a picture.
With the transvaginal technique, the ultrasound transducer (a hand-held probe) is inserted directly into the vagina. It is therefore closer to pelvic structures than with the conventional transabdominal technique (with the probe on the skin of the abdomen), providing superior image quality. This test can be used during pregnancy.
How the test is performed
You will be lying down on a table. The transducer is a long probe, covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant, that is inserted into the vagina. The health care provider will then move the probe within the vaginal cavity to scan the pelvic structures.
How to prepare for the test
The examination is done with your bladder full. You may be asked, therefore, to drink several glasses of water without voiding before the exam.
Sometimes, a transabdominal ultrasound is done just after a transvaginal ultrasound to look at organs in your abdomen. If so, you will be asked to empty your bladder after the transvaginal test and before the transabdominal exam.
How the test will feel
There may be mild discomfort from the pressure of the vaginal probe.
Why the test is performed
Transvaginal ultrasound is used to evaluate a variety of abnormalities of the female genital tract. Some of these include the endometrium of women with infertility problems or abnormal bleeding; sources of unexplained pain; congenital malformations of the uterus and ovaries; ovarian tumors and cysts; possible pelvic infection; and causes of infertility.
Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to identify normal intra-uterine pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; fetal heartbeat; and many abnormalities of the uterus, placenta, and associated pelvic structures that are incompletely seen with conventional transabdominal ultrasound.
Normal Values
The pelvic structures and/or fetus are normal.
What abnormal results mean
Abnormal endovaginal ultrasound results may be due to many conditions.
Some of the abnormalities that may be found in non-pregnant women include:
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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