For more than half a century, ultrasounds have been a safe and effective practice that utilizes high-frequency sound waves in order to get internal organ images that can then be referred to for spotting any issues, abnormalities, and health conditions. What’s more, ultrasound has become a truly valuable diagnostic tool for female health concerns as well as pregnant ladies. Thanks to advanced technology and highly-trained ultrasound specialists, transvaginal ultrasound in Pembroke Pines provides the patients with some peace of mind and full insight into their health.
What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
When we talk about what a transvaginal ultrasound is, we have to mention that this transvaginal ultrasound is also called endovaginal ultrasound. Essentially, endovaginal ultrasound is one type of pelvic ultrasound that specifically targets imaging testing for female reproductive organs and discovering potential issues in that area. With this particular pelvic ultrasound type, doctors are able to get insight into the state of organs such as the vagina, uterus, and ovaries, as well as the cervix and fallopian tubes.
Transvaginal ultrasound is an internal exam that essentially means “through vagina,” and utilizes the pelvic ultrasound transducer that rests just outside the pelvis.
When Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Necessary?
There are several different reasons why a patient might be suggested to go through the endovaginal ultrasound, such as the following:
- Pain in the pelvic region
- A pelvic imaging test that showed some abnormalities
- Infertility issues
- Ectopic pregnancy
- IUD placement checkup
- Strange vaginal bleeding
- Possibility of uterine fibroids or cysts
When a woman is pregnant, it’s possible to get a transvaginal ultrasound recommendation for the following reasons:
- Early pregnancy confirmation
- Checking the fetus heartbeat
- Placenta inspection
- Finding the cause in case of unexplained bleeding
- Potential miscarriage diagnosis
- Pinpointing any suspicious cervix changes
What About the Results?
Now that we know what a transvaginal ultrasound is, it’s also important to clarify what kind of results it can deliver. Essentially, after getting the images from the ultrasound, the doctor can analyze them and discover potential medical conditions that need to be treated consequently.
For instance, the doctor may discover that the patient is suffering from symptoms associated with menopause, such as painful intercourse and a dry vagina. Then they might move on to the next suggested treatment, such as MonaLisa Touch, and similar.
That said, there are several things that a doctor could spot after the transvaginal ultrasound image examination, such as:
- A pregnancy that’s completely healthy or an ectopic pregnancy
- Infection in the pelvis
- The existence of fibroids and cysts
- Placenta previa
- Miscarriage
- Reproductive organs cancer
What’s the Process of an Endovaginal Ultrasound?
In order to go through this particular type of pelvic ultrasound, the patient has to lie on the table on their back and then bend slightly so that the transducer can be properly inserted. The transducer itself will be covered with a lubricating gel and a condom. Of course, this is only in case the patient doesn’t have allergic reactions to latex. Before the actual ultrasound, it’s necessary to disclose things like these to the doctor so that the procedure can be accommodated to the patient’s needs.
It’s possible to feel a kind of pressure sensation that’s similar to that of getting a Pap smear during the insertion of the ultrasound wand. With the ultrasound wand in place, it will start producing sound waves that then send the image of the pelvic interior to the monitor simply by bouncing off the pelvic organs. To get a full image of the area, the doctor will have to gently rotate the wand, and sometimes, it might be necessary to get an SIS.
If you’re wondering what an SIS is, it’s another type of transvaginal ultrasound, also known as Saline Infusion Sonography. This particular technique is used when it’s necessary to stretch the uterus a bit in order to get better images. Before the ultrasound wand is inserted, the uterus gets filled with sterile saline first. SIS is not something that’s acceptable for pregnant ladies or those suffering from a vaginal infection but is otherwise a great way to pinpoint potential uterine abnormalities.
Are There Any Risks of an Endovaginal Ultrasound?
To put it simply, there are absolutely no health risks when it comes to endovaginal ultrasounds. However, it may feel a bit uncomfortable, which is why patients can take a Tylenol a few hours before the procedure if they’re worried about it. In general, most women will feel just a slight pressure sensation, but if you feel anything more than that, it’s important to tell the doctor immediately as they can instantly make the procedure more comfortable simply by adjusting the transducer angle.
Preparation for an Endovaginal Ultrasound
Generally speaking, there’s not much to an endovaginal ultrasound preparation-wise. Most preparation for the procedure comes from the previous appointments and honest discussion with the doctor that has led to getting the procedure recommended in the first place. But, once it’s time for the actual ultrasound, the patient will simply have to take their clothes off from the waist down and put on a medical gown. Also, due to the varying reasons why someone might have to get a transvaginal ultrasound, the patient might have to have either partially or completely full bladder.
Even though it may be uncomfortable, there are benefits to going through a transvaginal ultrasound with a full bladder. For starters, a full bladder slightly lifts the intestines, which then provides a better imaging result of the examined organs. So, if this is the case for you, the best way to get the bladder full before the procedure is to drink about 32oz of water about one hour prior. Also, it’s important to mention that being on your period doesn’t mean that you can’t have the ultrasound done, but it means that you’ll have to remove the menstrual cup or tampon before it.
How Long Does a Transvaginal Ultrasound Take?
When it comes to how long a transvaginal ultrasound takes, it’s important to note that the actual length of the procedure will highly depend on the reason why the patient is getting the procedure. For instance, if the reason for going through the procedure is to check for the fetus heartbeat during pregnancy, the transvaginal ultrasound might take just a couple of minutes. On the other hand, if the reason for it involves identifying certain medical conditions such as cysts or fibroids, the ultrasound might take longer. That said, the best way to answer just how long a transvaginal ultrasound takes is anywhere between a couple and 45 minutes. However, most women will be done with it in about 10-15 minutes on average.
And once the ultrasound is over and the wand removed, the patient will be left to get cleaned up and dressed and maybe have a doctor’s appointment afterward, but otherwise, they’re good to go. There’s no need for any kind of particular after-care.
A transvaginal ultrasound is an effective procedure that allows the doctors to quickly identify any potential issues and conditions in regards to female reproductive organs as well as keep a check on the patient’s pregnancy. Just like it’s crucial for women to fully trust their OBGYN doctor, it’s also important to know that you can fully trust your ultrasound specialist. If there are any questions you’d like answered, concerns discussed, and/or appointments made, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Kompal Gadh, M.D.
