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Transvaginal ultrasound    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Endovaginal ultrasound

Definition:

Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of imaging the genital tract in pregnant and non-pregnant females. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect 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.

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

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.

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