What You Need to Understand About Transvaginal Ultrasound

Although many people are used to abdominal ultrasounds, transvaginal ultrasound is mainly recommended to produce better images. Nathalie Gutierrez-Prieto OBGYN can recommend the test if you are in your early pregnancy stage or have gynecological issues, even if you are not pregnant. Generally, ultrasound is used to help your provider visualize your internal organs and structures, especially to provide information about your gynecological or reproductive health. Here is additional information to help you discover more about transvaginal ultrasound.

How it Produces Images

A transvaginal ultrasound, also known as pelvic ultrasound, aims at producing quality images of the bladder, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Unlike an abdominal ultrasound, your provider will insert a long, thin transducer through your vagina to direct soundwaves towards the area of focus. The closeness of the transducer to the organs enables the test to produce more detailed images than the abdominal ultrasound. The procedure is generally painless, but you might experience pressure or some discomfort during the procedure.

Know if You Are a Candidate for Transvaginal Ultrasound

Your doctor will recommend a transvaginal ultrasound if there is a need to take a closer look at your internal organs like uterus, ovaries, or cervix, depending on your symptoms. Additionally, your provider can recommend the test during your initial pregnancy stages to monitor the fetus and pregnancy development in general. If you are experiencing unexplained bleeding, bloating, or pain, an ultrasound could be recommended to get to the root of your problem. Also, your provider can use a transvaginal ultrasound to monitor fibroids, cancerous growths, or ovarian cysts, as well as diagnose infertility complications.

Going for the Procedure

Transvaginal ultrasound timing depends on the symptoms you are experiencing or the reason for your test. During the early stages of pregnancy, your provider can recommend the test as early as six weeks but is generally done between the eighth and the twelfth week. If your provider wants to understand the cause of your unusual bleeding or pain, it could happen immediately to you. But when trying to diagnose fertility issues, the ultrasound should be done around your ovulation or between day five and twelve in your menstrual cycle.

Getting Ready for the Procedure

If you are a good candidate for transvaginal ultrasound, it is good to learn how to prepare yourself for treatment. Take care of your hygiene as you leave for your appointment, and wear comfortable clothes to remove with ease. If you are experiencing your periods and wearing a tampon, note that you will remove it before your procedure, and you can consider bringing an extra one. Ask your doctor if it is necessary to empty your bladder before going for the ultrasound and fill all the necessary paperwork.

Getting the Ultrasound

When it is time to get a transvaginal ultrasound, you will be needed to remove your clothes and wear a gown to be provided. You will lie on a table or bed, and from that position, you should allow your provider to insert the transducer. The device is connected to a monitor to display images. You will then clean up and dress up after the 15 minutes procedure is over. Remember to ask about the results and discuss any possible treatments with your doctor.

Reach out to Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples transvaginal ultrasound specialists today if you need one. The expert team will help you understand the procedure better, including the preparations you need to make and what you can expect.