Everything You Want to Know About Transvaginal Ultrasound

Vaginal health is an essential component of women's overall health. Vaginal issues can impact fertility, desire for sex, and capacity to achieve orgasm. Ongoing vaginal health difficulties can lead to stress, relationship troubles, and a loss of self-confidence. Understand the signs and symptoms of vaginal issues and what you can do to safeguard your vaginal health.

What factors influence vaginal health?

The vaginal canal is a closed muscular canal that runs from the exterior of the female genital region (vulva) to the uterine neck (cervix). Several variables can have an impact on vaginal health, including:

• Sexual contact without protection might result in sexually transmitted illnesses. Vaginal trauma can result from forceful intercourse or a pelvic injury.
• Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory illness, for example, can cause painful sex. Scarring from pelvic surgery and some cancer therapies can also result in painful sex. Some antibiotics increase the likelihood of a vaginal yeast infection.
• Contraception and feminine hygiene products Condoms, diaphragms, and the spermicide that comes with them can irritate the vagina. Sprays, deodorants, and douches can cause or aggravate irritation.
• Childbirth and pregnancy Vaginal discharge frequently rise during pregnancy. During labor, vaginal rips are relatively frequent. In some situations, an incision in the tissue of the vaginal entrance (episiotomy) is required during delivery. Vaginal birth can also reduce muscular tone in the vagina.
• Hormonal balance Hormone fluctuations can have an impact on the vagina. For example, estrogen production decreases during menopause and when nursing. When estrogen levels drop, the vaginal lining thins (vaginal atrophy), making intercourse uncomfortable.

How do we detect all these problems?

Before any treatment, we must learn about the disease first. Nothing can be as effective for female vaginal health issues as transvaginal ultrasound scanning. Transvaginal ultrasound scanning will give the most precise image of what's happening inside the vagina.

What is a transvaginal ultrasound?

Using high-frequency sound waves, an ultrasound test creates pictures of your interior organs. Imaging scans can detect anomalies and assist doctors in diagnosing illnesses.

A transvaginal ultrasound, also known as an endovaginal ultrasound, is a form of pelvic ultrasound that doctors use to check the female reproductive organs. The uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina are all included.

The term "transvaginal" refers to "through the vagina." This is an internal investigation.

Unlike a standard abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, which places the ultrasound wand (transducer) on the exterior of the pelvis, this technique includes your doctor or a technician inserting an ultrasound probe about 2 or 3 inches into your vaginal canal.

What Type of transvaginal ultrasound is used?

• I have included a list of the many types of transvaginal ultrasound scanning conducted here.
• Improper pelvic or abdominal examination
• Ectopic pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort (which occurs when the fetus implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)
• Infertility
• A check for cysts or uterine fibroids confirmation that an IUD is appropriately put
• During pregnancy, your doctor may also advise you to get a transvaginal ultrasound to:
• Keep an eye on the fetus's heartbeat
• Examine the cervix for any changes that might result in issues like miscarriage or early birth.
• Look for any abnormalities in the placenta.
• Determine the cause of any abnormal bleeding,
• Determine the possibility of a miscarriage,
• Confirm a possible early pregnancy

Benefits of Transvaginal ultrasound

A variety of disorders can be detected via a transvaginal ultrasound scan. It can also identify a variety of internal injuries. Furthermore, a transvaginal ultrasound performs a variety of functions. One of the most appealing aspects of ultrasonography is that it is painless. Again, there are no difficulties with this examination. So, when choosing a transvaginal ultrasound, you don't have to think about anything. So, if you're seeking Transvaginal ultrasonography benefits, you've come to the perfect place. I am going to discuss with you some of the advantages of Transvaginal ultrasonography.

Painless

Transvaginal ultrasonography is usually not unpleasant, although the insertion of the probe may be.

The healthcare expert doing the scan first wraps the probe in a sheath and lubricant gel before slowly inserting it into the vagina to a depth of 5-8 centimeters (cm). At this time, there may be some slight pressure or pain.

Transvaginal ultrasound has no side effects and allows patients to resume their normal activities immediately.

No radiation exposure

We know that this test involves pollution. However, when compared to other tests, it is entirely safe. If you check some other tests, such as x-rays and CT scans, you will notice that they emit a lot of radiation. However, patients will not be exposed to radiation if placed beneath the transvaginal ultrasound scanner. As a result, you can see that it is a straightforward operation with no negative consequences. So far, no adverse effects of ultrasonography have been observed.

Clear Image of internal body

Clear Image is one of the essential benefits of transvaginal ultrasonography. On the other hand, X-rays will give you a replica of your inside organs. However, when it comes to the soft tissues, the x-ray may not provide you with the correct information. In that situation, you should choose ultrasonography as your best alternative. It will give you a clear picture of the soft tissues inside the vaginal area. This will aid physicians in determining whether or not there is a problem.

Budget-friendly

Some of the tests are relatively expensive. As a result, a large number of individuals cannot afford it. However, if you look at the ultrasound, it is a low-cost exam. If you choose ultrasonography, you won't have to worry about the burn in your pocket. As you can see, it is also economically beneficial. It will provide you with precise results without costing you any money.

Covers full vaginal Area

A transvaginal ultrasound may be required to investigate the following:

• cervix
• vagina
• uterus
• fallopian tubes
• ovaries
• bladder

Transvaginal ultrasounds can detect:

• The ovaries and uterus's form, location, and size
• The cervix blood flow thickness and length via the pelvic organs
• The bladder's structure and any changes
• The viscosity and presence of fluids in the fallopian tubes, myometrium, uterine muscle tissue, and endometrium
• A doctor may order a transvaginal ultrasound for a variety of reasons.

For example, it may be significant to determine the root cause of:

pelvic discomfort, unexplained vaginal bleeding, infertility, abnormal pelvic or abdominal exam results

It can also detect the existence of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

During pregnancy, doctors may order a transvaginal ultrasound because it can help:

• check the fetus's heartbeat and confirm the due date
• evaluate the placenta's status
• Examine for an ectopic pregnancy
• Pregnancies with a greater risk of miscarriage should be closely monitored.

Size of Transvaginal Ultrasound wand

According to Advanced Women's Imaging, the transvaginal ultrasound probe is just approximately 2 cm in diameter. It's about the size of a tampon.

Procedure of Using Transvaginal Ultrasound

Procedure before the process

Transvaginal ultrasound usually takes little preparation on your part.

You must remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown once you arrive at your doctor's office or hospital and are in the examination room.

Your bladder may need to be empty or somewhat full, depending on your doctor's recommendations and the purpose of the ultrasound. A full bladder helps elevate the intestines and provides a better view of your pelvic organs.

If your bladder needs to be complete, you must drink about 32 ounces of water or any other liquid about one hour before the procedure begins.

If you’re on your menstrual cycle or spotting, you must remove any tampon you’re using before the ultrasound.

Most transvaginal ultrasounds are performed by a doctor or a properly trained technician known as a sonographer.

A person must undress from the waist down and change into a hospital gown. They are then asked to lie on an examination table with their knees bent. The healthcare practitioner covers the person's lower body with a sheet.

During the procedure

The transducer is about the size of a tampon and looks like a wand. Before putting the transducer 5-8 cm into the vagina, the sonographer or doctor wraps it in a sheath and lubricating lubricant.

Once the transducer is in place, it generates sound waves that bounce off the inside organs and communicate information. The sonographer or doctor spins the transducer to develop an entire image and bring various areas into focus. This tool sends data straight to a screen.

The images appear on the screen instantly, allowing the user and the healthcare expert to observe the scan in real-time.

The entire process might take 15-30 minutes.

After The Process

You may be informed of the findings of your scan shortly after it is completed, but in most circumstances, the pictures must be analyzed, and a report submitted to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll go through the findings with you a few days later or at your next visit if one has been scheduled.

Pain in the process

A transvaginal ultrasound is not uncomfortable. However, it may cause some discomfort. The scan entails inserting a smooth, lubricated wand-like probe into the vagina. You will be less unpleasant if you relax and take deep breaths while the treatment is being performed.

A transvaginal ultrasound scans your reproductive organs that produces comprehensive pictures of your pelvic region.

Risks of a transvaginal Ultrasound process

A transvaginal ultrasound, unlike a typical X-ray, does not employ radiation. As a consequence, it is pretty safe – no known dangers exist.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are likewise safe during pregnancy; there is no risk to the fetus.

There may be some pressure and some pain during transducer implantation. This sensation should subside after the scan.

If something is harrowing, notify the sonographer or doctor immediately.

Is there any difference Between Transvaginal Ultrasound and Pelvic Ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive test that creates pictures of the internal reproductive organs to diagnose specific disorders.

Doctors refer to transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds as "pelvic ultrasounds" by doctors. During transabdominal ultrasonography, the probe is used outside the abdomen by the person doing the exam.

An external pelvic ultrasound is another term for a transabdominal ultrasound. A person lies on the back of an examination table as a healthcare worker administers a heated gel to the lower abdomen. The probe is then moved across the region.

The individual may feel some pressure on their abdomen, but the scan is not uncomfortable. The probe creates a picture of the interior organs and tissues of the pelvic region using sound waves.

A transvaginal ultrasound, on the other hand, can offer more detailed pictures of the interior organs than an exterior pelvic ultrasound.

Results

If your doctor performs the ultrasound, you may receive your findings immediately. If a technician performs the process, the pictures are preserved and reviewed by a radiologist. The results will be sent to your doctor by the radiologist.

A transvaginal ultrasound can assist in identifying a variety of problems, including:

• Female reproductive organ cancer
• Abnormal pregnancy
• Cysts
• Fibroids
• Infection of the pelvis
• Ectopic conception
• Placenta previa miscarriage (a low-lying placenta during pregnancy that may warrant medical intervention)

Discuss your findings with your doctor, as well as any necessary therapy.

Model Recommended to buy for a transvaginal Ultrasound Scanning

DrSono CT dual head pro+

Nothing beats the Drsono CT dual head pro+ for checking female reproductive organs. It has two heads, one transvaginal and one convex.

The transvaginal portion is used to examine the vaginal region, while the convex portion is used for in-depth inspection.

Its wireless feature makes it ideal for use in operations. It is also compatible with smartphone applications.

Benefits

Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows apps.

There is no need for an internet connection because the device has an internal Wi-Fi signal.

No cloud storage, privacy protection and saves data to your own device.

Specifications:

Let’s check out its specifications

Electronic array in scan mode

128 Elements Frequency (MHz)

Definition: Convex 3.5-5 / Transvaginal 6.5-8

Quite clear

B, B/M, Color, PW, and PDI display modes

Depth of Scan (mm): Convex:90-305/Transvaginal:40-100

Working period of the battery: 3 hours

Weight: 8.8 oz | 250 g

Image frame rate: 18 f/s

Head length: Radius Convex:60mm/Transvaginal:13mm

Angle: Convex:60°/Transvaginal:149°

Image Save as jpg, avi, or DICOM

Summary

A transvaginal ultrasound is a risk-free procedure. People may feel little pain during the process, but this should pass quickly.

Depending on whether a clinician was present during the scan, the ultrasound may take 15-30 minutes, and the findings may be available immediately or within a few days.

If a patient is uncomfortable during the ultrasound, the doctor or sonographer may opt to do a transabdominal ultrasound instead. The scanning tool is not inserted into the vagina in this kind.