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Transvaginal 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 (probe on skin of the abdomen), providing superior image quality. This test can be used during pregnancy.
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| Alternative Names: |
| Endovaginal ultrasound |
| How the test is performed: |
| You will be lying down on a table. The transducer is a long probe that is inserted into the vagina covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant. 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 the bladder empty. |
| How the test will feel: |
| There may be mild discomfort from the pressure of the vaginal probe. |
| Why the test is performed: |
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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 genital structures and/or fetus are normal. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
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Abnormal endovaginal ultrasound results may be due to many conditions. Some of the abnormalities that may be found in non-pregnant women include:
Some of the abnormalities that may be found in pregnant women include:
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| What the risks are: |
| There is no documented biologic effect on patients and their fetuses with the use of current ultrasound techniques. No ionizing radiation is involved. |
| Special considerations: |
| Occasionally saline is injected into the uterus of non-pregnant patients to evaluate the uterine cavity. This is called sonohysterography. The vaginal probe can also assist in obtaining biopsies of abnormal areas or in draining fluid. |
Reviewed By: Evan Mair, M.D., Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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