Transvaginal Ultrasound Procedure for Examination of Reproductive Organs, Do You Know?

Have you heard of transvaginal ultrasound? Maybe some already know, and some don't. This examination is safe for women, pregnant women, and their fetuses because there is no harmful radiation. The procedure requires minimal pressure, and the discomfort will decrease after the procedure is over.

This examination is recommended more than extra-abdominal ultrasound because the images produced are more precise and more detailed. The imaging results from this exam then help the doctor diagnose an abnormality if one exists. When should someone perform a transvaginal ultrasound? Here's the explanation!

Definition of Transvaginal Ultrasound

The transvaginal ultrasound procedure is quick, painless, and relatively common. Its purpose is to provide a detailed description of the organs in the pelvis. Usually, a person chooses to have this procedure done to determine the cause of a symptom, diagnose a condition, monitor pregnancy, or schedule surgery.

Transvaginal ultrasound, also known as endovaginal ultrasound, is a form of pelvic ultrasound that aims to examine the female reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. Transvaginal means through the vagina, which means the examination is done inside. Therefore, this procedure must be carried out by specialized personnel.

Transvaginal ultrasound procedure

A transvaginal ultrasound is performed using sound waves to record the cavity and inside of the pelvis, which is then displayed on a screen. The tool used is a transducer, a rod inserted into the vagina. The transducer will then release sound waves into the pelvis. Then the sound waves return to the transducer and are converted into an electrical signal.

These electrical signals project visual images of the pelvic organs onto a real-time screen. Based on these results, the lab technician receives an overview of the pelvic organs so that they can be examined. The resulting image is called a sonogram. Usually, this ultrasound takes 15 minutes to an hour.

Patients are advised to wear pants and underwear that are easy to remove in preparation, as coats will replace them. This examination may be done during or not during menstruation. Follow the technician's instructions. In addition, you don't have to shave your pubic hair.

The procedure is painless and disappears once the device is removed.

Reasons to do a transvaginal ultrasound

Transvaginal ultrasound can provide information about abnormalities in the body and helps make a diagnosis. There are several reasons why a transvaginal ultrasound is performed, such as:

• Abnormalities occur in the pelvic and abdominal regions.
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Pelvic pain
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Infertility
• Examination of fibroids, cysts, tumors, polyps, or cancer.
• Checking the correct position of the contraceptive IUD

Apart from some of the above conditions, you may be recommended to have a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy with the aim of:

• Monitoring the baby's heartbeat in the womb
• Seeing changes in the cervix to check for any changes that could cause complications, such as miscarriage or premature birth
• Check for abnormalities in the placenta.
• Identify the source of abnormal bleeding.
• Diagnosis of possible miscarriage
• Self-affirming pregnancy

Monitor fetal heart rate via transvaginal ultrasound.

The transvaginal ultrasound procedure is a general examination because it can help a person check for an abnormality in the reproductive organs causing a symptom. If you experience any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor at Fitie immediately for advice on the next steps, okay?

References:

Clevelan Clinic. (2022). Transvaginal Ultrasound. [Online] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4993-transvaginal-ultrasound 

Healthline. (2018). What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound? [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/transvaginal-ultrasound#procedure