Transvaginal Ultrasound

Overview :

A ultrasound, or sonogram, is a procedure that utilizes reflected sound waves to produce a picture of organs and structures within the body. A transducer sends out high-pitched sounds, sounds that are above the range of human hearing, that are reflected back to the transducer. A computer is used to analyze the sound waves, transforming them into a picture (which is called a sonogram, echogram, or ultrasound scan) on a video monitor. These pictures can be saved as a permanent record of the test.

A transvaginal ultrasound is used for looking at organs and structures within the pelvic area that are solid and uniform, like the uterus, and ovaries, or for organs that are fluid-filled, like the bladder. Mineralized structures, like bones, or air-filled organs, such as the intestines, do not show up well on a sonogram and may disrupt the ultrasound beam so that deeper organs and structures cannot be seen clearly.

The transvaginal transducer that produces the ultrasound waves is shaped to fit within a woman's vagina. It is lubricated and covered with a sheath such as a condom. A woman should tell the health care provider if she is allergic to latex so that a latex-free cover can be applied to the transducer before it is inserted into the vagina.

Sometimes a woman may have both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scans done to obtain a complete evaluation of the pelvic area.