Ultrasound Scan

If your doctor has spoken about a transvaginal ultrasound and you’re not quite sure what to expect, you’re not alone. This is one of those tests that everyone talks about, but few people really explain. This guide will explain what a transvaginal ultrasound actually shows, why it is so widely used in gynaecology, and what the experience is like if you have never had one before. What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound? A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal scan that uses sound wa

You haven't had a period for over a year. Then one day, you notice spotting or bleeding again. The first thing that comes to mind is the worst-case scenario. Breathe in. Bleeding after menopause is scary, but it doesn’t always mean cancer. Here’s what the evidence actually says and what you should do next. What Is Postmenopausal Bleeding? Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is any bleeding from your vagina that occurs more than 12 months after your last period. This includes spotti

If you’ve ever had an ultrasound scan appointment letter telling you to “attend with a full bladder,” you may have wondered: What is a full bladder? And does it work with all scan types? It depends on the type of ultrasound you are getting. The amount of water for ultrasound preparation is not one-size-fits-all, and getting it wrong can mean a repeat appointment or unclear images. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know before your scan: Why Water Matters Before a Sc

If you’ve had unexplained bloating of the abdomen, ongoing pain in the pelvis, or a feeling that something just isn’t right, your doctor might have asked you to have an ultrasound scan. The first question you’d be right to ask is: Can a scan really find cancer in the abdomen, and how accurate is that? Short answer: Yes, abdominal ultrasound can detect cancerous changes in the abdomen, but it is better for some organs than others. Here’s what you need to know about how it work

Around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK are affected by endometriosis. Despite this however, it typically takes women 8-10 years from their first symptoms to get a confirmed diagnosis. One of the main reasons for that delay is the lack of specialised imaging early on. If your GP or gynaecologist thinks you may have endometriosis, they will most likely order an ultrasound scan first. However, not all ultrasounds are created equal when it comes to diagnosing endometr

When you have an ultrasound scheduled and your period arrives, your first instinct may be to grab your phone and cancel. Hold that thought! For most situations, you don’t need to. Not only can you get a transvaginal ultrasound on your period for some conditions, it’s actually best to have the test then. Let’s talk about what happens during the scan, when your menstrual cycle matters and when it doesn’t, and how to prepare so you can have the easiest appointment possible. What

Few things are as scary as getting a phone call or letter telling you your transvaginal ultrasound was “abnormal.” Before you jump to conclusions, it can be helpful to understand what “abnormal” means from a medical standpoint. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean there is something terribly wrong. Instead, it means that the technician or radiologist identified something that was outside of normal parameters and needs further evaluation. Here, we explain what a trans

You keep running to the bathroom. You're exhausted. Everything just feels wrong. Now you're wondering... do I have a urine infection? Or am I pregnant? It's one of the most common pregnancy mix ups. And rightfully so. UTIs and early pregnancy have many symptoms that are eerily similar. Frequent urination, fatigue, abdominal cramping/lower belly pain are some of the telltale signs for both. You honestly can't tell the difference without a test. Well we put together this handy

Whether your GP or gynaecologist has ordered a pelvic scan for you, you may have googled later and wondered what exactly the difference is between pelvic ultrasound vs transvaginal ultrasound and which one you should have had. After all, they both sounded icky to you. The quick answer is that they are both pelvic ultrasounds but the ultrasound scanning probe is placed differently so they work differently, provide different amounts of detail and are used in different clinical

You’ve been offered a transvaginal ultrasound. You’re googling questions in bed at 2am. You’re wondering if it will hurt, how big the probe is and what happens during the scan. Welcome to one of the most requested pelvic investigations in gynaecology, and also the most googled. Don’t worry. We’ll let you in on what happens during the scan, how most women actually feel during it, when it can hurt and what you can do to make your experience as easy as possible. What Is a Transv