How is the transvaginal ultrasound examination procedure?

Transvaginal ultrasound examination is usually chosen if you want to get more accurate results regarding the conditions in the female reproductive organs. The reason is, this ultrasound is not only done outside the body, but by inserting a special tool into the vagina.

Interested in trying it? Relax, this check can be done by all women, really. Either when you are pregnant or not. But beforehand, it would be better if you understand the ins and outs of the transvaginal ultrasound procedure first.

Transvaginal ultrasound examination stages

In contrast to abdominal ultrasound which is performed from outside the body, transvaginal ultrasound is performed through the vagina, so the procedure for the examination is different.

Before transvaginal ultrasound

Doctors generally will give instructions on what to do before doing a transvaginal ultrasound. If necessary, you will usually be asked to empty your bladder or fill it partially to make it easier for the examination process to take place.

If the bladder must be full, you should drink lots of water about an hour before the start of the test.

You are obliged to remove clothes from the waist down, then replace them with special clothes for examination. If you are menstruating, it is best to temporarily remove the sanitary napkin or tampon you are using.

During transvaginal ultrasound

Shortly before the examination begins, you are asked to lie down on a special bed with your legs bent so that they are wide open (astride position). Then the doctor will insert a device called a transducer into the vagina, which has been applied the lubricating gel beforehand.

The transducer that has been in the uterus will clearly describe the state of your reproductive organs through a monitor. During this examination, the doctor will continue to change the direction of the transducer until all of your internal organs are observed and nothing is missed. That way, the doctor can assess the condition of the inside of your body as a whole.

After transvaginal ultrasound

It is normal for you to feel a little uncomfortable after the transvaginal ultrasound exam is over, as your vaginal muscles may have tightened during the procedure. But usually this condition will not last long, and will soon recover on its own.

The results of the transvaginal ultrasound examination will be examined and further analyzed by a radiologist. After that, just sent back to the doctor for observation so that conclusions can be drawn about the condition of your reproductive organs.