Transvaginal Ultrasound
How is the examination performed?
A special transducer or probe which is slightly thicker than
a tampon is used . It is covered with a disposable vinyl glove
and lubricating gel, then gently placed into the vagina
under ultrasound control. The probe sits in the vagina throughout
the examination which usually takes between 10-15 minutes. You
will be completely covered with a drape during the examination.
Most patients find the examination far less uncomfortable when
compared to a cervical PAP smear. The ultrasound images of your
pelvis will be displayed on a television monitor situated above
the examination couch. If you wish these will be pointed out
and explained to you as the examination progresses. Should you
not wish to see your examination please inform the staff
at reception or the technician prior to the scan.
Transvaginal or Transabdominal Ultrasound:
Do I have a choice?
It is always your choice as to which method of examination
you have performed . With transvaginal ultrasound the probe
is positioned close the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and
other pelvic structures and thus a far superior quality ultrasound
image is obtained. In certain circumstances a transvaginal
ultrasound examination is not possible or not advisable; for
example, if you have not had sexual intercourse before and
do not use tampons during your periods or there is scarring
and tenderness in the vagina then a Transabdominal ultrasound
is the preferred approach. If there are any concerns or enquires
regarding the examination you may contact the department prior
to the examination or speak to the technician on the day prior
to the scan. If you prefer a female technician to perform
the scan then this can also be arranged.
What information may be obtained
from Transvaginal Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound may detect a wide variety of diseases
of the female genital tract, some of which require treatment.
The examination assesses the structure of the vagina, cervix,
uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other pelvic structures.
During the scan the technician may need to gently press on
your abdomen to move bowel out of the way and bring the ovaries
and other pelvic structures into view. This also enables assessment
of abnormal tenderness in the pelvis which can be pinpointed
so as to help in identifying the source of the pain.
What are the preparations I should
take before the Ultrasound examination?
The transvaginal examination is best performed with the bladder
empty. The receptionist will ask you to empty your bladder
just prior to your scan. It is important that you remove any
tampons before the examination. If you are at the beginning
or in the middle of you period this is not a problem, in fact
in many instances this is an advantage when assessing a variety
of gynaecological problems. A disposable plastic backed tissue
sheet ("bluey") is placed beneath you on top of the examination
couch. After the examination the probe will be gently removed,
the vinyl protective covering disposed of and the probe placed
in a disinfectant solution. You will be given some tissues
to remove the excess gel and you may then get changed in your
own privacy. Similar to a smear test there may be some spotting
after the scan. If you prefer to have an abdominal ultrasound
then a moderately full bladder is necessary. To this effect
you should drink 2-3 glasses of water before your appointment.
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