Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test used by doctors to visualize internal structures and organs. Transvaginal ultrasound is a particularly useful examination that is used by the gynecologist to obtain precise information on the health of the female reproductive organs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Transvaginal Ultrasound
Step 1. Learn about transvaginal ultrasound
This exam is used to visualize the internal organs of the pelvic area. It is done to diagnose any gynecological disorders (such as pelvic pain and unusual bleeding) or to observe the early stages of pregnancy.
- During the procedure, the gynecologist inserts a transducer similar in size to a speculum into the vagina. The device then emits sound waves that allow the doctor to visualize the internal organs.
- The ultrasound is not painful, but you may experience a feeling of pressure and discomfort during the procedure.
Step 2. Know if you need to take the exam
This type of ultrasound is performed when the gynecologist has to carefully and closely observe the reproductive organs, such as the cervix, ovaries and uterus. It is also used to monitor the stages of pregnancy and the growth of the fetus.
- Your gynecologist may find it useful and prescribe it for you if you experience unexplained pain, bleeding or swelling.
- For example, the procedure can reveal changes in the appearance and density of reproductive tissues, as well as visualize the blood supply to the pelvic organs.
- It allows you to monitor any fibroids, ovarian cysts and tumor growths, as well as diagnose the causes of vaginal bleeding and cramps.
- It can also help identify possible infertility problems or abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder and pelvic cavity.
- It is performed by the doctor during pregnancy to examine the early stages, monitor the development of the fetus, detect the presence of any twins and rule out an ectopic (extrauterine) pregnancy.
Step 3. Schedule your ultrasound appointment
The right time to do it depends on why you need to do it.
- If you are pregnant, transvaginal ultrasound is possible as early as 6 weeks after conception, but it is usually done between the eighth and the twelfth week.
- If your doctor wants to understand the reason for your unusual bleeding or pain, you should have the procedure right away.
- If you need to do an ultrasound because you have infertility problems, your doctor may decide to do it during the time of ovulation.
- The transvaginal ultrasound can be done at any time of the month, although the best time is immediately after menstruation, between the fifth and twelfth day of the menstrual cycle. These days, the endometrium is thinner and allows for better images of the uterus.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for the ultrasound
Step 1. Take care of personal hygiene before leaving the house
You should take a bath or shower before going to your ultrasound appointment.
If you are menstruating and have an internal tampon inserted, you will need to remove it before the procedure. Make sure you bring another one (or some sanitary napkins) that you can put on once the visit is over
Step 2. Wear comfortable clothes so you can take them off easily
You will be provided with a hospital gown to put on during the exam, so it's helpful to have practical clothing that you can take off easily.
- Make sure you also wear shoes that are just as comfortable, as you will need to take them off to undress from the waist down.
- Sometimes, it is possible to keep the upper body garments, so don't wear a single dress, but choose separate garments.
Step 3. Ask the gynecologist if you need to empty your bladder
Generally, it must be empty in order for the ultrasound to be performed correctly. Go to the bathroom just before undergoing the procedure and don't drink anything for the half hour before the exam.
- The gynecologist sometimes performs a transabdominal ultrasound before the transvaginal one. In this case, it may be helpful to have a partially full bladder, as it lifts the bowels and allows the doctor to see the pelvic organs more clearly.
- If your doctor asks you not to empty your bladder completely, you must drink some water before undergoing the test and you must not go to the bathroom.
- You should start drinking it half an hour or an hour before the procedure.
- It may later be necessary to empty the bladder before proceeding with the transvaginal ultrasound.
Step 4. Fill in all the necessary documents
Once you reach the hospital or clinic, you will need to sign the consent form, stating that you allow the doctor to perform the transvaginal ultrasound.
Also tell your gynecologist if you are allergic to latex. The probe that enters the vagina is previously covered with a latex or plastic film
Part 3 of 3: Undergo an ultrasound
Step 1. Put on the gown that is provided to you
Once in the locker room or clinic for the ultrasound, take off your clothes and put on your hospital gown.
Sometimes, it is enough to remove only the clothes of the lower body. In this case, a sheet is usually given to use to cover up during the procedure
Step 2. Lie down on the couch
When you have undressed, get on the gynecological table and lie down. Transvaginal ultrasound is done in this position, just like when a normal gynecological examination is done.
Bend your knees and place the soles of your feet on the stirrups fixed to the bed, so that the gynecologist has better access to the vagina
Step 3. Let the doctor insert the transducer
First, however, he will put a plastic or latex cover lubricated with a gel on the tip, to make it slide more easily.
- At this point, the gynecologist will gently insert the probe into the vagina to begin viewing the images.
- The tool is slightly larger than a tampon and has been specifically designed to fit the vagina without creating discomfort.
Step 4. Know what to expect during the procedure
The doctor will hold the transducer inside the vagina and rotate it slightly to get clear images of the pelvic organs.
- The probe is connected to a computer; once inserted, images start to appear on the monitor. The doctor will then look at the computer screen to make sure you see everything in detail. You can also take some photos and / or make some short videos.
- If the ultrasound is done during pregnancy to check the fetus, the doctor usually prints photos which he then leaves you.
Step 5. Clean and get dressed
Usually, the procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. When finished, the doctor takes out the probe and will give you the privacy you need to put your clothes back on.
- You will be given towels or paper towels to remove the remaining gel in the pelvic area and / or inner thighs.
- You can also decide to go to the bathroom to clean up any excess lubricant left in the vagina and insert a new tampon.
Step 6. Find out about the exam results
If you have contacted your gynecologist directly, he or she will probably inform you of the outcome of the procedure the moment you look at the images on the monitor. If you have gone to another clinic, however, you usually have to wait a while for the doctor to receive the test results in writing.
