When is a transvaginal ultrasound needed?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Vaginal transducer ultrasound can observe detailed images of the organs inside the vaginal wall, helping to identify abnormalities and timely diagnose pathology if any.

1. What is transvaginal ultrasound?

Transducer ultrasound is a common gynecological examination (pelvic ultrasound) prescribed by a specialist for married or sexually active women with the aim of helping the doctor assess assessment of the physiological and reproductive health status of women.
This method uses high-frequency sound waves exposed through the vaginal opening to display in-depth, highly accurate images. The doctor will use a small round tip (about 2 to 3 inches) to touch the vaginal wall, from which it can view images from the inside to determine the health status of women.
With the introduction of an instrument into such a sensitive place, many women will wonder if transducer ultrasound is harmful? Accordingly, transducer ultrasound is usually performed by experienced obstetricians. In fact, during the ultrasound, the doctor will move the device around the vagina so it will not cause any harm to the uterus and cervix. Therefore, transvaginal ultrasound is safe, painless, but slightly uncomfortable.

2. What disease does transducer ultrasound detect?

Transducer ultrasound is indicated when the doctor feels there are abnormalities in the patient's body and wants to examine the details of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix. Transducer ultrasound is also used to evaluate ovulation status, egg development as well as uterine lining thickness...
For pregnant women, transducer ultrasound will help doctors determine:
The exact position of the fetus during antenatal checkup at 4-5 weeks to detect ectopic pregnancy. This helps prevent possible consequences such as ectopic pregnancy ruptured causing intra-abdominal infection, fallopian tube rupture.... This would not be possible with transabdominal ultrasound. Assess fetal heart rate at 6-8 weeks and detect fetal heart activity early. If this gestational age does not see fetal heart activity, it is suspected that the fetus has stopped growing. Early assessment of the number of fetuses, single ovum or non-ovulatory pregnancy. In case the fetus is large, the fetal head turns downward to obscure the sound waves, causing the doctor to suspect placenta previa. In this case, the doctor will also conduct transducer ultrasound to determine the position of the placenta. So what disease does transducer ultrasound detect? Accordingly, when performing gynecological examination with transducer ultrasound, it also helps to diagnose some other gynecological diseases such as:
Ovarian cyst: This is a common disease in women. They develop without causing any obvious symptoms, so women need periodic gynecological ultrasounds to help detect this condition early. Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are small tumors that grow and form from the muscle layer of the uterus. Through ultrasound images of the uterine probe, it is possible to assess the status and size of this tumor. This disease can affect anyone, but the highest incidence is between the ages of 30 and 50 and women of reproductive age. Uterine cancer: Cancer cells can grow inside the uterus without the patient knowing it. It can only be detected during routine gynecological ultrasound or when the patient has abnormal signs. Blocked fallopian tubes: Through transducer ultrasound images, the doctor will diagnose the location of the blockage and offer treatment. Ultrasound only detects obstruction when there is fluid retention, pus, or inflammation that causes the fallopian tube to increase in size.

3. When should transducer ultrasound be performed?

Is a method that can evaluate in detail the abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix,... Therefore, when you notice the body has the following symptoms, signs or Women need to go for transvaginal ultrasound:
When women have signs of pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen several times a day. When ovarian cysts are suspected, uterine fibroids. Menstrual disorders. Unexplained vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles. Abnormal bleeding in the vagina during pregnancy. Pain during intercourse. The discharge is abnormal in color, profuse, and has a foul odor. Itching or dryness in the vagina. Or in case:
Monitor fetal heart rate; Check the placement of the IUD; Check pelvic health; Assessment of reproductive health status. Note: Depending on your doctor's instructions and the reason for the ultrasound, the bladder should be empty or full (a full bladder helps make the ultrasound picture of the pelvic organs clearer).
If the doctor asks to empty the bladder, you need to go to the bathroom before the transducer ultrasound. If you have to fill your bladder, your doctor will ask you to drink plenty of fluids about 30 minutes before the ultrasound scan begins. If you are on your period, you need to remove tampons if you are using them before the ultrasound.

In order to help customers detect and treat other gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers detect early inflammatory diseases Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Menstrual problems: irregular periods, irregular periods. Abnormal vaginal discharge (with a foul odor, a different color than usual). Vaginal pain and itching. Female customers have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, vaginal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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