An ultrasound is a medical imaging test in which sound waves are sent from a probe and recovered. The reflected sound waves are used to create an image of the scanned area, which is then displayed as a black and white image on a screen. An endovaginal ultrasound, sometimes known as a transvaginal ultrasound, involves inserting a probe into the vagina. Compared to an abdominal ultrasound, which involves a probe moved over the skin of the abdomen, an endovaginal ultrasound provides a more detailed image of the pelvic organs, particularly the uterus and ovaries.
Although many types of ultrasounds are performed from outside the body, sometimes it is necessary to place the ultrasound probe inside the body, and an endovaginal ultrasound is one example. Internal ultrasounds are commonly used to view the prostate, stomach, gallbladder, and esophagus. Although these types of medical tests can be uncomfortable, they are usually not painful.
Before the endovaginal ultrasound procedure, the patient may be asked to empty her bladder and change into a hospital gown. The position required for the scan is similar to that for a pelvic exam or smear test, lying down with your knees bent and your legs apart. A thin probe, covered with a clean sheath and a layer of gel, is inserted into the vagina and pictures are taken from various angles. This technique provides an in-depth view of the walls and lining of the uterus, and the cavity inside it, along with the ovaries.
Endovaginal ultrasounds are used to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, pelvic lumps, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and problems during pregnancy. Conditions that can be seen most clearly with an endovaginal ultrasound include growths within the uterus, such as fibroids and polyps. The additional information obtained from an endovaginal examination can help in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts and cancers of the uterus or ovaries. In an emergency, an endovaginal ultrasound may be preferable to an abdominal ultrasound because the patient is not required to have a full bladder.
One disadvantage of an endovaginal ultrasound is that the patient may experience more discomfort and the procedure may be slightly more embarrassing than an abdominal scan. In addition, abdominal ultrasounds have a larger field of view, allowing cysts and growths to be seen in the upper part of the pelvis, which might be out of range for an endovaginal scan. Sometimes, more than one type of scan may be needed to fully evaluate a condition. Scans usually don't take long and there are no known ill effects.