Transvaginal Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound is used to help diagnose the cause of certain types of infertility, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and menstrual problems. The tests can show ovarian cysts and tumors, infection in the pelvis and fibroids. During pregnancy, it is used to monitor the fetus growth, heart beat or check for an ectopic pregnancy. ( when an embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus, such as in one of the fallopian tubes ), or a molar pregnancy. The ultrasound imaging equipment used for this test is designed to be an internal examination. The transducer Fits inside the vagina to measure the thickness of the inner walls of the uterus. It has been used to attempt to screen for uterine cancer, but the benefits have not been proven yet. The only evidence they have found is that the thickness of the endovaginal walls tend to be above the norm in postmenopausal women with bleeding or cancer. The school is still out on pre-cancer screening. It still can be used to investigate abnormalities during pregnancy, such as bleeding, multiple fetuses etc.

The test is done with the patient wearing a hospital gown. You will lie on an examination table. The transducer is covered with a condom and a clear gel. The gel is used to get clearer images, because the ultrasound waves travel best through liquid. Your feet will be in stirrups and the transducer will be inserted. There may be some minor discomfort from the probes pressure, depending on the sensitivity of the area. Vaginal or pelvic ultrasound is done externally on the belly.

Transvaginal ultrasound will continue to be studied. Also see vaginal ultrasound.

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