A Transvaginal Ultrasound is a different procedure from the usual pelvic ultrasound where an ultrasound wand is passed on the outside of the pelvic region. The Transvaginal ultrasound is taken to be an internal examination and it uses an ultrasound probe. The instrument is pushed into the vaginal canal about three inches to capture the images of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, the cervix and the vagina. The procedure takes time depending on what the doctor wants to find out. The procedure helps to view the whole reproductive organ of the woman.
The preparation before the vaginal ultrasound depends on what the doctor wants to find out. Before the procedure, the doctor will require you to have an empty bladder or a half full. Others may need to have a full bladder to raise the intestines during the procedure.
This procedure is performed for the following reasons;
- To have a look at the whole female reproductive system
- Possible source of Infertility
- In case a woman has a pelvic pain or persistent pelvic pain
- To check for cysts in the ovaries
- To check for uterine fibroids
- Where IUD is to be used
- In the case of a miscarriage
- It can be performed during pregnancy to look at the fetus and changes
- In case of an unexplained vaginal bleeding
- To check the state of the placenta
Results after this procedure will dictate the type of treatment to be offered to the patient.