What Does a Transvaginal Ultrasound Show?
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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 waves to make images of the organs in your pelvis. A thin probe (sometimes called a transducer) is inserted a short distance into the vagina for the procedure. Because the probe is placed so close to the organs being examined, the images produced are usually clearer and more detailed than the images from a regular abdominal scan.
A trained sonographer or doctor performs the scan, which is used to get a good look at the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
What Does a Transvaginal Ultrasound Show?
This is the part most people want to know.
A transvaginal ultrasound can tell a lot about your reproductive organs, including the:
Uterus (womb): shape, size, and thickness of the lining of the womb (endometrium)
The ovaries: size, cysts, follicles, or any other unusual growth
The fallopian tubes: These aren’t always visible unless there’s fluid or a blockage present
The Cervix: Its Length and Location – Topics of Special Importance in Pregnancy
Fibroids or polyps: non-cancerous growths in or around the womb that can affect periods or fertility
Early pregnancy information: where the pregnancy is and whether there is a heartbeat, depending on how far along you are
This is one of the main reasons why a scan is so often used in gynaecology. The probe is so close to these structures that it can see things that might not be seen clearly on an abdominal ultrasound.
Why Might You Be Offered a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
There are a number of reasons why a gynaecologist might suggest this scan.
The most common are:
Heavy or irregular periods need further investigation
Unexplained pelvic pain
Suspicious fibroids, cysts, or polyps
Fertility studies, e.g., assessment of ovarian follicles
Early pregnancy scans, especially to confirm viability or rule out an ectopic pregnancy
Bleeding in the post-menopausal period – always worth investigating
Monitoring an existing condition, such as PCOS or endometriosis
If you’ve been referred for one of these reasons, a scan is usually the quickest way to get a clear answer rather than relying on symptoms alone.
What Happens During the Procedure?
It’s usually much less overwhelming if you know what to expect during the scan.
Here is a general walkthrough:
You will be asked to undress from the waist down in a private space and will be given a sheet or gown to maintain your modesty.
You'll lie on your back with your knees bent, like when you have a smear test.
A lubricated, covered probe is placed a short distance into the vagina. Most women feel mild pressure, not pain.
The sonographer will move the probe around a little to get different angles of the uterus and ovaries.
The scan normally takes between 10 and 20 minutes, and you can ask the sonographer to stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
One of the more pleasant differences between this scan and an abdominal ultrasound is that you don’t normally need a full bladder for this scan. If you are on your period, that usually doesn't make a difference either.
Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Painful?
Most women find it uncomfortable, not painful. Any discomfort usually eases as the scan progresses, and relaxing your pelvic muscles can help this. Tell the sonographer if you experience any pain at any time. They can adjust the angle, or even halt the scan if needed.
How Should You Prepare?
There’s not a whole lot of preparation involved.
which is part of what makes this scan easy:
Don’t arrive with a full bladder
Before you can eat and drink normally
If you are using a tampon, you will need to take it out before the scan
It’s easier to wear loose, comfortable clothes on the day
Transvaginal Ultrasound vs Abdominal Ultrasound
People often ask why we need a transvaginal scan when an abdominal scan seems less invasive. The short answer is image sharpness. During a transvaginal scan, the probe is closer to the pelvic organs and so tends to pick out finer detail, especially for the ovaries and lining of the uterus. An abdominal scan can be helpful and is sometimes done along with a transvaginal scan, but it usually requires a full bladder and doesn’t give quite the same level of detail for smaller structures.
When to See a Gynaecologist About Getting a Scan
If you’ve been having irregular periods, pelvic pain, or symptoms that don’t have an obvious explanation, it’s worth having a proper chat with a gynaecologist about whether a transvaginal ultrasound would help. In addition to consultant-led consultations for concerns such as abnormal bleeding, suspected fibroids, and fertility investigations, myGynaePlus also offers pelvic ultrasound scanning as part of its gynaecology services. Getting a scan booked with a consultation, rather than waiting weeks in between the two, often means getting answers a lot sooner. If you want to learn more about how myGynaePlus addresses these assessments, check out their website.
FAQs
1. Does a transvaginal ultrasound hurt?
Most women feel pressure or mild discomfort—not pain. The probe is only inserted a little way in, and the sonographer will stop or move the probe if you have any pain during the scan.
2. How long does a transvaginal ultrasound take?
The scan typically lasts around 10 to 20 minutes. You usually get a chance to ask questions and get settled in before the appointment, so it may take a little longer.
3. Can a transvaginal ultrasound detect ovarian cysts?
Yes. It is one of the most reliable ways of identifying ovarian cysts, how large they are, and if they are simple or more complex, helping to guide any follow-up care that may be needed.
4. Do I need a full bladder for a transvaginal ultrasound?
No. A transvaginal scan doesn’t require a full bladder like an abdominal ultrasound does. You will usually be asked to empty your bladder just before the procedure starts.
5. Can I have a transvaginal ultrasound during my period?
Yes. Your period does not usually affect the scan or the quality of the images. "You’re on a tampon; you’re just going to have to take that out.
Comments