Procedures: Transvaginal Ultrasound

Description and Purpose

A transvaginal ultrasound , also known as an endovaginal ultrasound or ultrasonography , uses a small ultrasound transducer (about the size of a tampon) that is inserted directly into the vagina. This is used as an alternative to an ultrasound examination through the abdominal wall, as this technique produces a much sharper image, not only because of the close proximity to the uterus, but also because this transducer is more sensitive. The reasons for a transvaginal ultrasound examination include:

• Detection and delineation of pelvic masses, ectopic pregnancy , ovarian cysts or tumours , pelvic inflammatory disease , and fibroid and bladder tumours.
• To assess ovulation .
• To confirm early pregnancy in the uterus .

Preparation and Procedure

A sterile condom is slipped over the handheld transducer (or probe ), which is then covered with lubricating gel and placed in the vagina. The probe rests up against the cervix . The rest of the test proceeds the same way as transabdominal ultrasound . The images are seen on a video monitor and a hard copy may be made on film. The whole procedure should take about 1 hour.

	Advantages Disadvantages No exposure to X-ray radiation. Inexpensive The image is not as high in resolution as a MRI

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests, Barry L. Zaret M.D., Senior Editor, published by Houghton Mifflin. Online: http://www.collectivemed.com/jump/mtest.shtml