Transvaginal Ultrasound in Colorado
Get a detailed look at your pelvic and reproductive organs with transvaginal ultrasound at The Women’s Imaging Center. Our experienced imaging team uses ultrasound technology to help evaluate pelvic symptoms and identify abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries.
What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
A transvaginal ultrasound, also called an endovaginal ultrasound, is an imaging examination that provides detailed pictures of the female pelvic organs. It uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the uterus, cervix, endometrium (uterine lining), ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures.
Unlike a transabdominal ultrasound, which obtains images through the lower abdomen, a transvaginal ultrasound uses a slender transducer that is gently inserted into the vagina. Positioning the transducer closer to the pelvic organs allows radiologists to see certain structures in greater detail.
A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed independently or as part of a more comprehensive pelvic ultrasound examination. It does not use X-rays or ionizing radiation.
Your physician may recommend this examination to investigate abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility concerns, or a suspected abnormality identified during a clinical examination.
When Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Needed?
Transvaginal ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate:
Abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding
Bleeding after menopause
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Ovarian cysts and adnexal masses
Uterine fibroids
Suspected endometrial abnormalities
Certain infertility-related concerns
Intrauterine device (IUD) position
Early pregnancy concerns, when an obstetric examination is ordered
Ultrasound can help identify uterine fibroids, which are usually benign growths within or around the muscular wall of the uterus. Depending on their location and size, fibroids may contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or discomfort.
The examination can also assess ovarian cysts. Many ovarian cysts are functional, meaning they develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle and resolve without treatment. Ultrasound helps characterize their size and appearance to determine whether follow-up may be appropriate.
How Does Transvaginal Ultrasound Differ From Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound may involve imaging through the abdomen, inside the vagina, or both.
Transabdominal ultrasound provides a broader view of the pelvis and can be particularly helpful when evaluating large masses or structures extending beyond the immediate pelvis.
Transvaginal ultrasound places the transducer closer to the uterus and ovaries, often providing greater detail of the endometrium and smaller pelvic structures.
The two approaches frequently complement each other. The type of examination recommended depends on your symptoms and the information your physician needs.
What to Expect During a Transvaginal Ultrasound
We understand that an internal ultrasound may be unfamiliar. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable during the examination.
For a transvaginal ultrasound, you will generally be asked to empty your bladder before the examination. An empty bladder usually allows more comfortable positioning of the transducer and better visualization of the pelvic organs.
You may be asked to change into a gown or undress from the waist down. The examination should be explained to you, and your consent is required before the internal portion begins.
Please inform your technologist if you are pregnant, have significant pelvic discomfort, or have concerns about an internal examination.
You will lie on your back on an examination table, generally with your knees bent and legs supported.
A slender ultrasound transducer is covered with a protective sheath and lubricated before insertion into the vagina. The technologist or clinician gently positions and moves the transducer to obtain images from different angles.
You may experience mild pressure or discomfort, particularly if you already have pelvic pain, but the examination should not cause significant pain.
If you are uncomfortable or wish to stop, tell the person performing the examination. The internal portion can be discontinued.
No recovery period is normally needed after a transvaginal ultrasound, and you can usually return to your daily activities immediately.
The radiologist will examine the images and provide a report to your referring physician. If a finding requires further investigation, your physician may recommend additional imaging, monitoring, or other diagnostic testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Transvaginal Ultrasound
Most patients experience little or no pain, although mild pressure or discomfort can occur. If you have pelvic tenderness or another condition that makes the examination uncomfortable, let your technologist know.
Yes. Transvaginal ultrasound can detect many ovarian cysts and evaluate their size, internal appearance, and surrounding structures. These findings help your physician determine whether monitoring or additional evaluation is necessary.
Transvaginal ultrasound can identify abnormalities that may raise concern for ovarian or endometrial cancer, but it cannot reliably confirm or exclude cancer on its own. Further examination, imaging, or tissue sampling may be necessary.
Generally, no. Patients are usually asked to empty their bladder before a transvaginal ultrasound. If a transabdominal ultrasound is also planned, you may need a full bladder for that portion of the examination.
Yes. A transvaginal ultrasound can be performed during menstruation when medically appropriate. However, certain assessments may be better timed to a particular part of your menstrual cycle. Your physician can advise you based on the reason for the examination.
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