| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of imaging the genital tract in women. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off body structures to create a picture. With the transvaginal technique, the ultrasound transducer (a hand-held probe) is inserted directly into the vagina . It is therefore closer to pelvic structures than with the conventional transabdominal technique (probe on skin of the abdomen), providing superior image quality. This test can be used during pregnancy.
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| Alternative Names | Endovaginal ultrasound |
| How the test is performed | You will be lying down on a table. The transducer is a long probe that is inserted into the vagina covered with a condom and a sterile lubricant. The health care provider will then move the probe within the vaginal cavity to scan the pelvic structures. |
| How to prepare for the test | The examination is done with the bladder empty. |
| How the test will feel | There may be mild discomfort from the pressure of the vaginal probe. |
| Why the test is performed | Transvaginal ultrasound is used to evaluate a variety of abnormalities of the female genital tract. Some of these include the endometrium of women with infertility problems or abnormal bleeding; sources of unexplained pain; congenital malformations of the uterus and ovaries; ovarian tumors and cysts; possible pelvic infection; and causes of infertility. Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to identify normal intra-uterine pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; fetal heartbeat; and many abnormalities of the uterus, placenta, and associated pelvic structures that are incompletely seen with conventional transabdominal ultrasound. |
| Normal Values | The genital structures and/or fetus are normal.
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| What abnormal results mean | Abnormal endovaginal ultrasound results may be due to many conditions. Some of the abnormalities that may be found in non-pregnant women include: Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures Non-cancerous growths of the uterus and ovaries Ovarian torsion Areas of infection including pelvic inflammatory disease Congenital malformations Some of the abnormalities that may be found in pregnant women include: Ectopic pregnancy and potential miscarriage Multiple pregnancies Fetal death Placental abnormalities including placenta previa and placental abruption Tumors of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic disease |
| What the risks are | There is no documented biologic effect on patients and their fetuses with the use of current ultrasound techniques. No ionizing radiation is involved. |
| Special considerations | Occasionally saline is injected into the uterus of non-pregnant patients to evaluate the uterine cavity. This is called sonohysterography. The vaginal probe can also assist in obtaining biopsies of abnormal areas or in draining fluid. |
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