What You Should Know About Getting a Pregnancy Ultrasound in Ontario
September 5, 2024
Read More
A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal imaging procedure that helps doctors evaluate the health of your reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This type of ultrasound provides detailed images by inserting a small probe into the vagina, allowing for a closer and more accurate view of these structures. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about transvaginal ultrasounds—from how to prepare for one to understanding the process and accessing your results.
If you’ve had a transvaginal ultrasound and are interested in accessing your results sooner, PocketHealth can give you early access to your images and report — often as soon as they’re released by the radiologist.
Also known as endovaginal ultrasound, a transvaginal ultrasound is an internal imaging technique in which the transducer that emits sound waves is inserted into the vaginal canal to capture highly detailed images of your entire pelvic cavity.
A pelvic ultrasound is a scan of your pelvic cavity; transvaginal describes the method by which the ultrasound is performed. A pelvic ultrasound could be performed either transvaginally (internal ultrasound) or transabdominally (external ultrasound).
During transabdominal ultrasound, the transducer is run over the surface of the abdomen. A transvaginal ultrasound is sometimes preferred if more internal detail is required.
Your doctor may refer you for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm or monitor a pregnancy. You also might be sent for a scan to examine your pelvic organs in detail to diagnose the cause and identify the location of pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Pregnancy ultrasound scans give you and your healthcare team full visibility into your fetus’ development. In early pregnancy, when the embryo is very small, you may have a transvaginal ultrasound for higher visibility.
Doctors use transvaginal ultrasounds to:
If you experience unexplained pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding, or if your doctor suspects any abnormalities in your cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus or other pelvic organs, you might have a transvaginal ultrasound to help your doctor identify the root cause, such as:
If you have an intrauterine device (IUD), a doctor might also use a transvaginal ultrasound to ensure it has been correctly placed.
You don’t need much preparation for a transvaginal ultrasound. but here’s what you should know.
Bring your requisition and health card or ID with you to your scan. Be sure to read your requisition carefully and confirm any special instructions with the hospital or imaging clinic beforehand. Inform them if you have a latex allergy, as the transducer is covered in a condom.
Wear comfortable clothes you can easily get in and out of, as you’ll need to remove your bottoms and underwear. You may be required to wear a gown.
If you are having your period, you’ll be asked to remove your tampon.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to have an empty, half-full or full bladder for your scan. If your scan requires a full bladder, you will need to drink 6-8 glasses of water an hour before your scan.
In the ultrasound room, you will lie on an examination table with your knees bent, possibly in stirrups, as if you’re having a pelvic exam. The sonographer will cover the transducer in a condom and gel, then carefully insert it into your vagina. Although this may feel a little uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be painful.
The transducer will emit high frequency sound waves, and images will appear on the monitor screen. The sonographer will turn the transducer and may ask you to move or shift to capture different images.
If you are having saline infusion sonography (SIS), there will be an extra step, as a saline solution will be inserted into the uterus before the scan.
The scan can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Transvaginal ultrasounds do not require a recovery period: after your scan, you can get dressed and go about your day as normal.
The ultrasound technician is not allowed to answer any questions about the results of your scan. Your images will be forwarded to a radiologist for interpretation, who then forwards your results to your referring physician, who will discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment.
A patient uses PocketHealth to check their ultrasound reports
Your doctor will discuss your results with you at a follow-up appointment.
Depending on your particular circumstances and clinic, this process can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week. PocketHealth can give you faster access to your images and reports, often as soon as they are released by the radiologist.
Mary appreciates how PocketHealth eliminates the nerve-wracking wait for results. “I can access my images and reports online, giving me peace of mind and control over my health.” Read more about Mary’s health journey.
The radiologist will interpret your images and send them with an accompanying report to your referring physician, who will likely go over them with you at a follow-up appointment. MyCare Navigator highlights any follow-up recommendations, so you’re always ready for the next steps. It also provides you with a list of personalized questions to ask your doctor, based on your report, such as:
Your ultrasound images will appear in shades of gray, black and white. The denser the tissue, the lighter it appears in ultrasound images. Bone is white, for instance, while fat- or fluid-filled tissue looks black. We have a page dedicated to helping you understand your ultrasound images.
Nothing replaces expert medical advice but Report Reader can give you explanations of complex medical terminology so you can begin your discussion with your doctor from a more informed position.
Get fast access to your ultrasound results
No, you don’t have to shave for a transvaginal ultrasound: your normal level of grooming is perfectly acceptable.
No, a transvaginal ultrasound should not be painful. You might feel mild pressure or discomfort when the transducer is inserted, but an ultrasound is a painless experience.
Light spotting can occur after a transvaginal ultrasound, especially during pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the cervix. This is generally considered normal.
No, there is absolutely no evidence that having a transvaginal ultrasound can cause a miscarriage, so there is no need to worry at all.
Yes, you can get a transvaginal ultrasound during your period, but be sure to remove your tampon if you are using one.
A transvaginal ultrasound is a common diagnostic tool to help doctors monitor the progression of pregnancy or diagnose illness. Understanding what to expect can help reduce any anxiety you may have about the procedure.
PocketHealth can give you fast, secure access to your medical images and reports. Report Reader simplifies the medical terms in your report, while MyCare Navigator generates customized questions to guide your follow-up discussion with your doctor. Together, these features empower you to make informed decisions about your care, keeping you proactive in managing your health.
