Transvaginal ultrasound, a medical procedure to examine the reproductive organs

Ultrasonography or ultrasound is one method of medical examination. Has several types, one of which is related to a woman's fertility test is a transvaginal ultrasound. So, when is transvaginal ultrasound needed and what is the procedure like?

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What is transvaginal ultrasound?

Source: Mom Junction

Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of examining pregnancy and the condition of the female reproductive organs by inserting a 5-7.5 cm long probe stick into the vagina.

The probe will emit high frequency sound waves to display an image of your internal organs on the monitor screen.

Quoted from Pregnancy, Birth & Baby, ultrasound during pregnancy or what is also called endovaginal ultrasound usually aims to check the condition of the mother during pregnancy.

Meanwhile, transvaginal ultrasound is usually done to check the condition of the reproductive system whether to prepare for pregnancy or not.

Usually someone is recommended to do this type of ultrasound because they are suspected of having certain medical conditions such as infertility in women.

Because this type of ultrasound can help doctors see your vagina, fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus and ovaries.

But not only that, this transvaginal ultrasound also allows the doctor to see the placenta, measure the fetus, and find out if you have multiple pregnancies.

When is the right time to do a transvaginal ultrasound?

Transvaginal ultrasound is generally performed in the early trimester of pregnancy, or more precisely before eight weeks of gestation.

The goal is of course to provide the most accurate information about fetal development in early pregnancy.

Especially because the uterus is still small, which makes it more difficult to see through screening from outside the body.

However, for women who are not pregnant, this type of procedure is usually done during the fertile period or ovulation occurs.

The reason is, during the fertile period, your reproductive organs are in a fairly optimal condition.

This condition will make it easier for doctors to observe infertility in the female reproductive tract (for example the growth of cysts or other abnormal tissue).

Transvaginal ultrasound functions are performed during pregnancy:

• Monitor fetal heart rate.
• Check for possible changes in the uterus, which are at risk of causing pregnancy complications.
• Detect possible placental abnormalities.
• Detects abnormal bleeding.
• Diagnosing the risk of miscarriage.
• Helps determine a more accurate delivery date.
• Detecting ectopic pregnancy.

Other functions of transvaginal ultrasound relating to internal organs:

• Detect abnormal pelvic or abdominal conditions.
• Detect abnormal bleeding in the vagina.
• Detect infertility or fertility problems.
• Detecting pelvic pain.
• Detecting the presence of cysts in the reproductive organs.
• Make sure the IUD is inserted properly.

What is the transvaginal ultrasound procedure?

In contrast to abdominal ultrasound which is performed from outside the body, this procedure is performed vaginally. The following are the inspection procedures that you need to understand.

Before the procedure

In general, the doctor will give instructions on what to do before doing this type of ultrasound procedure.

If necessary, you will usually be asked to empty your bladder or fill it partially to make it easier for the examination process to take place.

If the bladder must be full, you should drink lots of water about an hour before the start of the test.

You are obliged to remove clothes from the waist down, then replace them with special clothes for examination.

If you are menstruating, it is best to temporarily remove the sanitary napkin or tampon you are using.

During transvaginal ultrasound

Shortly before the examination begins, you are asked to lie down on a special bed with your legs bent so that they are wide open (astride position).

Then the doctor will insert a device called a transducer into the vagina, which has been applied with lubricating gel beforehand.

The transducer that has been in the uterus will clearly describe the state of your reproductive organs through a monitor.

During the examination, the doctor will continue to change the direction of the transducer until all of the internal organs are not missed.

This is necessary so that the doctor can assess the condition of the inside of your body as a whole.

After transvaginal ultrasound

Usually, transvaginal ultrasound does not pose any risks or side effects. It is normal for you to feel a little uncomfortable after completing this type of ultrasound examination.

This is because your vaginal muscles may tighten during the procedure.

However, usually this condition will not last long and will recover on its own soon.

The results of the examination after the procedure

Transvaginal ultrasound is recommended over ultrasound screening through the outer area of ​​the stomach because the resulting image will appear clearer and more accurate.

After about 30-60 minutes of testing, you will receive the complete ultrasound results within a day or two after that.

However, it is possible that a specialist will discuss directly the image that can be seen during the ultrasound process.

This transvaginal ultrasound has a function to detect various common diseases in women, such as:

• Cancer of the reproductive system
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placenta previa
• Miscarriage

If after the procedure and you are suspected of having this condition, the doctor will ask to do further tests.

Difference between transvaginal ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound

Both transvaginal ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound can be done before or during pregnancy.

Both are available for those of you who want to check for pregnancy or check for certain health problems.

Abdominal ultrasound or abdominal ultrasound is an examination that is performed through the outside of the stomach to capture a real picture of all the internal organs in it.

Although it is more commonly known as a routine examination method for pregnant women, it does not mean that those of you who are not pregnant are prohibited from doing abdominal ultrasound.

This is because the stomach, kidneys, liver, pancreas, intestines, and other organs in the abdominal cavity are also the main targets for abdominal ultrasound examinations.

Another case with transvaginal ultrasound which is more aimed at examining the reproductive organs of women, both during pregnancy or not.

Supported by the results of a study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, transvaginal ultrasound is considered superior to abdominal ultrasound.

This is because it is able to show the condition of the fetus as well as the reproductive system whether it is pregnant or not.