Ultrasound, or sonogram, is a noninvasive method of making a diagnosis to visualize structures and organs in the body. An intravaginal (also called transvaginal) ultrasound is especially useful when your doctor has to gather information about your reproductive or gynecological health.
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Part 1 of 3: Understanding Intravaginal Ultrasound
Step 1. Understand what an intravaginal ultrasound is
Intravaginal ultrasound is used to visualize the organs within the pelvic area. This method can be used to diagnose gynecological conditions (such as pelvic pain and unusual bleeding) or to visualize the early stages of pregnancy.
- During the procedure, the doctor will insert a transducer, which is about the size of a speculum, into the vagina. From there, the transducer emits waves that allow the doctor to visualize the internal organs.
- Intravaginal ultrasound is painless, but you may feel pressure and discomfort during the procedure.
Step 2. Find out if you need an intravaginal ultrasound
An intravaginal ultrasound is performed whenever the doctor has to look closely at the reproductive organs, such as the cervix, ovaries, and uterus. The doctor will also perform an intravaginal ultrasound to monitor pregnancy and the fetus.
- Your doctor may order the procedure if you experience unexplained pain, bleeding, or bloating.
- For example, intravaginal ultrasound can reveal changes in the shape and density of reproductive tissues and can also be used to visualize blood flow to the pelvic organs.
- This method can be used to monitor for fibroids, ovarian cysts, and cancerous growths in the pelvic organs or to diagnose the cause of vaginal bleeding and cramping.
- Intravaginal ultrasound can also help diagnose fertility problems or bladder, kidney, and pelvic cavity abnormalities.
- In pregnant women, doctors use it to detect the early stages of pregnancy, monitor fetal development, detect twins, and find out if an ectopic pregnancy has occurred.
Step 3. Schedule the procedure
The timing of the procedure depends on the reason.
- During pregnancy, an intravaginal ultrasound can be performed as early as 6 weeks after conception, but usually between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation.
- If the doctor will diagnose the reason for the pain or unusual bleeding, this procedure will be scheduled as soon as possible.
- If you need an intravaginal ultrasound for fertility problems, your doctor will do it at the time of conception.
- An intravaginal ultrasound can be done at any time during the menstrual cycle, but usually the best time is right after the end of your period, which is between day 5 and day 12 of your cycle.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for the Ultrasound
Step 1. Clean up before leaving
You need to shower before going for an intravaginal ultrasound.
If you are on your period and wear a tampon, you will need to remove it before the procedure. Make sure you bring an extra tampon (or sanitary napkin) to use after the procedure is complete
Step 2. Choose comfortable clothes that are easy to remove
During the procedure, you must wear the patient's gown. So, you should choose clothes that are comfortable and easy to remove before leaving.
- You also need to wear shoes that are not difficult to remove as you will have to take off whatever you are wearing from the waist down.
- Sometimes you can wear clothes from the waist up. So, consider wearing tops and bottoms, not overalls.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you should empty your bladder
Usually, you will have to empty your bladder to undergo this procedure. Go to the toilet beforehand and don't drink anything 30 minutes before the intravaginal ultrasound.
- Sometimes, the doctor will do a transabdominal ultrasound first. For this procedure, a half-full bladder is preferable because it can remove the intestines and allow the doctor to see the pelvic organs more clearly.
- If the doctor asks for a half-full bladder, you should drink before the ultrasound and not urinate.
- You should start drinking half an hour before the ultrasound.
- However, you may be asked to empty your bladder before the intravaginal ultrasound.
Step 4. Fill in all the required documents
Upon arrival at the hospital or clinic, you must sign a document stating that you agree to undergo an intravaginal ultrasound.
Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex. The transducer is coated with latex or plastic before being inserted into the vagina
Part 3 of 3: Undergoing Ultrasound
Step 1. Change into patient clothes provided
After entering the changing room or ultrasound room, take off your clothes and change into the patient's clothes.
Sometimes, you just need to take your clothes off from the waist down. In this case, you will usually be given a cloth to use as protection during the procedure
Step 2. Lie down in the space provided
After changing clothes, lie down on the examination site. An intravaginal ultrasound is done while you are in the supine position, the same as the position for a regular gynecological examination.
You will need to bend your knees and place your feet on a support that is attached to the examination bed to make it easier for the doctor to access the vagina
Step 3. Allow the doctor to insert the transducer
Prior to insertion, the transducer will be coated with plastic or latex and smeared with a gel for easier insertion.
- Then, the doctor will insert a transducer into the vagina to visualize the images.
- The transducer is slightly larger than a tampon and is designed to fit comfortably into the vagina.
Step 4. Know what will happen during the procedure
The doctor inserts the transducer into the vagina and may rotate it slightly to create a clear image of the pelvic organs.
- The transducer is connected to a computer. Once inserted, an image of the pelvic organs will begin to appear on the computer screen. The doctor will check the screen during the scan to make sure all organs are shown in detail. The doctor will also take pictures and/or live video.
- If an ultrasound is done to monitor the fetus, the doctor will usually print out the photo and give it to you.
Step 5. Clean yourself and put on your clothes
Intravaginal ultrasound usually lasts 15 minutes at most. After the procedure is complete and the doctor removes the transducer, you will be given the privacy to dress.
- You will be given a towel to wipe off any remaining gel on your inner thigh and/or pelvic area.
- If necessary, go to the toilet to wipe the remaining lubricant from the vagina and put on a new tampon.
Step 6. Ask for the result
If your doctor performs the ultrasound, he or she can explain the results that are displayed on the screen in real time. If you are referred to another clinic, you will have to wait for the doctor to receive a written report.
