Intrauterine ultrasound (transvaginal, transvaginal) is one of the most important tests in gynecological and obstetric diagnostics. It has various names - vaginal, vaginal, transvaginal or transvaginal. Compared to ultrasound performed through the abdominal wall, it is more accurate and does not require filling the urinary bladder that is burdensome for women.

Intrauterine ultrasound (transvaginal, transvaginal)should be an integral part of the gynecological examination, as it allows to detect abnormalities that cannot be detected during two-handed examination and, if necessary, implement appropriate treatment to avoid to complications or disease progression. This is important because, for example, small fibroids or cysts can be treated conservatively, and large ones need to be operated on. The test should be performed by every woman at least once a year.

Transvaginal ultrasound - advantages of the test

The main advantage is that the test can be performed at any time, also during menstruation. Moreover, in the case of endometriotic changes, the test should be performed during the menstruation.

Another advantage is that you do not need to prepare yourself for the test. The only requirement is to empty the bladder before the test.

Using a Doppler transducer, the doctor can also assess the blood flow in the blood vessels, which is important for distinguishing malignant from benign changes, and during pregnancy to assess the fetus and placenta.

By performing a transvaginal examination, the doctor may check:

  • vaginal walls
  • cervix
  • uterine cavity
  • fallopian tubes
  • ovaries
  • bladder

The wide angle of "looking" of the head allows you to see all the structures in the smaller pelvis.

Transvaginal ultrasound - the course of the examination

Before the examination, the woman lies down in the gynecological chair.

A doctor puts a disposable sheath (resembling a condom) moistened with a gel on the probe, and then introduces it into the vagina and uses it to view the individual structures of the reproductive system on the monitor, and in pregnant women also accurately assess the structure of the embryo / fetus.

The examination is not painful, it lasts from a few to several minutes.

The result includes a verbal description of the condition of the reproductive organs and photo documentation.

USGtransvaginal - when to check?

A transvaginal ultrasound should be performed by every woman at least once a year.

The indications for the test are also:

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • pains in the lower abdomen
  • problems related to menstruation
  • amenorrhea
  • suspicion of polycystic ovary syndrome
  • suspicion of a cyst
  • suspected fibroids
  • suspected malformations of the reproductive organ

They are also performed when the cause of infertility needs to be determined or the correctness of ovulation needs to be assessed.

The test should be performed in women who have retroflexion as the transabdominal ultrasound will not reveal the true image of the organs.

Vaginal ultrasound is also useful when a woman - as part of contraception - wants the doctor to insert an IUD. It also allows you to check if the insert is in the right place.

Worth knowing

To create an image of internal organs, ultrasound waves are used, the intensity of which is harmless to humans. The waves are produced by a special transducer and sent deep into the part of the body under test. If the waves meet an obstacle on their way, e.g. a break in the tissues, calcification, places filled with fluid, the foreign body is reflected. The reflected echo waves are received by the same transducer, and the collected information is processed by the apparatus and displayed on the monitor in the form of dark and bright points. The image reflects the location and condition of organs and tissues.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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