What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound is a sonogram performed through the vagina that allows for close-up views of the pelvic organs. The bladder, the reproductive organs, including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries plus portions of the colon can be visualized and evaluated using sound wave imaging. There is no radiation exposure from a transvaginal ultrasound.

Transvaginal ultrasound may help:

Bladder: Assess bladder emptying by measuring residual urine after urination. Assess for the cause of urinary bleeding, bladder stones and tumors.

Cervix: Assess cervical length during pregnancy. Look for preterm labor or incompetent cervix. In the non-pregnant, transvaginal ultrasound helps assess cervical masses and tumors

Uterus: Assess the thickness of the lining (Endometrium), presence of fluid, fibroids, polyps and/or tumors. Asses the location of an intrauterine device (IUD). Assess the muscle of the uterus (Myometrium) for fibroids and tumors. Assess the shape of the uterus and in pregnancy, the baby. In special pregnancy situations, transvaginal ultrasound is used as a guide for chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes: Assess for infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and tubo-ovarian abscess, cysts, masses and tumors, the size and shape of the ovaries. Assess for ectopic pregnancy. Assess egg growth and maturity and as a guide for the removal of an egg in In-Vitro fertilization.

Transvaginal ultrasound may help reveal the cause of menstrual problems, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, certain types of infertility, the number of babies, heart beats and fetal size early in pregnancy, plus detection of fetal anomalies and reasons for fetal loss.
A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty and usually is not painful.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are very helpful.

- Dr. Jonathan Herman, MD