Vaginal Ultrasound

Procedure

1. Preparation:
   • You may be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure.
   • You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination table.
2. Transducer Insertion:
   • The transducer is covered with a protective sheath and a lubricating gel to make insertion more comfortable.
   • The transducer is gently inserted into the vagina.
3. Image Acquisition:
   • Once inside, the transducer emits high-frequency sound waves.
   • These sound waves bounce off internal structures, and the echoes are converted into images by a computer.
4. Monitoring:
   • The healthcare provider or ultrasound technician will monitor the images in real-time on a screen.
5. Completion:
   • After the necessary images are obtained, the transducer is removed.

Uses

• Gynecological Examinations:
  • Evaluation of the Uterus: It helps assess the size, shape, and condition of the uterus.
  • Ovarian Examination: It can provide detailed images of the ovaries and detect ovarian cysts or tumors.
  • Endometrial Thickness: Useful in evaluating the thickness of the endometrium (lining of the uterus).
• Pregnancy Monitoring:
  • Early Pregnancy: Vaginal ultrasound is often used in early pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy, determine gestational age, and check for the presence of a fetal heartbeat.
  • High-Resolution Imaging: It provides clearer images during early pregnancy than abdominal ultrasound.
• Fertility Investigations:
  • Evaluation of Fallopian Tubes: It can help in assessing the health of the fallopian tubes.
  • Monitoring Ovulation: It may be used to monitor the growth of ovarian follicles.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Evaluation:
  • Vaginal ultrasound can assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection affecting the female reproductive organs.

Vaginal ultrasound is generally considered safe and is well-tolerated by most women. It is commonly used in various clinical settings, including obstetrics and gynecology, to obtain detailed and accurate images of the pelvic organs. If you are scheduled for a vaginal ultrasound, it's essential to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider beforehand.