Contents:
- Medical Video: Uterine Fibroids Focused Ultrasound Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Who needs transvaginal ultrasound?
- When is the right time to do a transvaginal ultrasound?
Medical Video: Uterine Fibroids Focused Ultrasound Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of examining the condition of the female reproductive organs by inserting a 2-3-inch probe stick into the vagina. The probe will emit high frequency sound waves to bring up images of the organs in your body on the monitor screen. Transvaginal ultrasound or also called endovaginal ultrasound is usually aimed at checking the condition of the mother during pregnancy. However, this screening method may also be needed for women who are not pregnant but have certain medical conditions. Who are they, and when should you undergo a transvaginal ultrasound when a doctor has recommended it?
Who needs transvaginal ultrasound?
Transvaginal ultrasound is a screening method to check how well the condition of the female reproductive organs, such as the vagina, uterus (uterus), fallopian tubes (fallopian tubes), ovaries (ovaries), and cervix (cervix) in carrying out each function.
Generally, transvaginal ultrasound is carried out during pregnancy to:
- Monitor fetal heart rate.
- Check for possible changes in the uterus, which are at risk of causing pregnancy complications.
- Detect possible placental abnormalities.
- Detect abnormal bleeding.
- Diagnose the risk of miscarriage.
- Helps determine the date of delivery more accurately.
- Detect ectopic pregnancy.
In addition to checking the development of pregnancy, some of the main functions of endovaginal ultrasound are:
- Detect abnormal pelvic or abdominal conditions.
- Detect abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Detect pelvic pain.
- Detect cysts in the reproductive organs.
- Ensuring proper IUD installation.
Transvaginal ultrasound is more recommended than ultrasound screening through the outside area of the abdomen because it can get closer access to the organs examined. So, the resulting image will appear more clear and accurate.
When is the right time to do a transvaginal ultrasound?
Transvaginal ultrasound is generally done in the early trimester of pregnancy, or more precisely before eight weeks' gestation. The goal is of course to provide the most accurate information about the development of the fetus at the beginning of the pregnancy. Especially because the uterus is still small in size, which makes it more difficult to see through external screening.
But for non-pregnant women, transvaginal ultrasound is usually done during the ovulation phase (fertile period). Because, during the fertile period your reproductive organs are in a fairly optimal condition. this will make it easier for the doctor to observe any problems in the female reproductive tract (such as the growth of cysts or other abnormal tissue).
Most importantly, you are not allowed to use tampons or sanitary napkins during screening. In addition, both during pregnancy and not, the doctor will usually ask you to fill or even empty the bladder first so that the position of the intestine is lifted. This aims to make it easier for your pelvic organs to appear on the monitor.
