A transvaginal, or endovaginal, ultrasound is a safe, straightforward way for doctors to examine the internal organs of the female pelvic region. Transvaginal ultrasounds typically do not cause pain.
An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs. A doctor may order a transvaginal ultrasound to help diagnose conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, or surrounding structures.
Read on to learn more about the purpose of transvaginal ultrasound and what to expect during the procedure. This article also discusses preparing for the ultrasound, possible risks, and more.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
A healthcare professional may need to use a transvaginal ultrasound to examine a person’s:
Transvaginal ultrasounds can check for:
- the shape, position, and size of the ovaries and uterus
- the thickness and length of the cervix
- blood flow through the organs in the pelvis
- the shape of the bladder and any changes
- the thickness and presence of fluids near the bladder or in the:
- fallopian tubes
- myometrium, the muscle tissue of the uterus
- endometrium
Diagnosing conditions
Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound for a variety of reasons. For example, it might be necessary to identify the cause of:
- pelvic pain
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- fertility challenges
- atypical results of a pelvic or abdominal exam
These scans can also
- benign growths, such as fibroids, cysts, and masses
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- endometriosis
- postmenopausal bleeding
- some types of cancer
In addition, it can check for the presence of a contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD).
Learn about ultrasounds and ovarian cancer.
During pregnancy
Doctors may request a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy because it
- check the heartbeat of the fetus
- confirm the date of delivery
- assess the condition of the placenta
- check for an ectopic pregnancy
- monitor pregnancies with a higher risk of pregnancy loss
Learn more about sonograms during pregnancy.
A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal scan of the female reproductive organs. It involves inserting a small ultrasound probe, called a transducer, into the vagina to produce incredibly detailed images of the organs in the pelvic region.
A doctor or a specially trained technician, called a sonographer, performs most transvaginal ultrasounds.
During the procedure, a person will undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown. Next, they will lie on an examination table with their knees bent. The healthcare professional will cover the person’s lower body with a sheet.
The transducer resembles a wand and is roughly the size of a tampon. The sonographer or doctor will cover the transducer with a sheath and lubricating gel, then gently insert it into the vagina.
Once the transducer is in place, it produces sound waves that bounce off of the internal organs and relay information.
To create a complete picture and bring different areas into focus, the sonographer or doctor will rotate the transducer. This tool will transmit the information directly to a screen.
The images will display immediately on the screen, making it possible for the person and the healthcare professional to monitor the scan in real time.
The whole process typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
A transvaginal ultrasound requires very little preparation.
At the appointment, a healthcare professional will describe any necessary steps. A person needs to empty their bladder right before the scan, and anyone using a tampon should remove it.
A person should be able to eat and drink as usual before the appointment.
Do you need a full bladder for a transvaginal ultrasound?
A person should empty their bladder before a transvaginal ultrasound.
A transvaginal ultrasound is typically not painful. However, the insertion of the probe may be uncomfortable.
Unlike a traditional X-ray, a transvaginal ultrasound does not use radiation. As a result, it is generally very safe.
It is also safe to perform transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy — there is no risk to the fetus.
However, a
If a person has concerns about transvaginal ultrasound, they can contact their doctor to ask any questions that may have about the procedure. They can also let the doctor or sonographer know if they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable.
There is no evidence that a transvaginal ultrasound can harm a fetus or cause pregnancy loss.
If a person notices bleeding after a transvaginal ultrasound, this may be because blood has collected higher up in the vagina, and the transducer may have dislodged it.
A transvaginal ultrasound is typically more accurate in early pregnancy than an abdominal scan. However, if a person does not wish to have a transvaginal ultrasound, they should discuss this with their doctor. An abdominal scan may be possible.
How long it takes for a person to receive their ultrasound results can vary.
If a person has the procedure at a specialist clinic, such as a postmenopausal bleeding clinic, they may receive the results the same day.
In other cases, it may take 1 to 2 weeks for a person to hear about their results.
A person’s doctor can provide them with more accurate information about when they can expect to receive their transvaginal ultrasound results.
A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive exam that produces images of the internal reproductive organs to help healthcare professionals diagnose certain conditions.
Doctors may use the term “pelvic ultrasound” to describe both a transvaginal and a transabdominal ultrasound. During a transabdominal ultrasound, the person performing the scan uses the probe outside the abdomen.
Another name for a transabdominal ultrasound is an external pelvic ultrasound. A person lies on their back on an examination table, and the healthcare professional applies a warm gel to the lower section of the person’s abdomen. They then move a probe over the area.
The probe uses sound waves to form an image of the internal organs and structures of the pelvic area.
By comparison, a transvaginal ultrasound can provide
A transvaginal ultrasound is a procedure that can examine the vagina, ovaries, uterus, and other areas of the female pelvic region.
A transvaginal ultrasound does not cause any pain, but a person may experience some discomfort. The ultrasound may take 15 to 30 minutes.
The results may be available the same day or within 1 to 2 weeks. A person’s doctor can provide them with more information about when they can expect to receive the results, as well as anything they may need to do to prepare for the procedure, such as emptying their bladder beforehand.