Transvaginal ultrasound is a quick and painless examination crucial in women’s preventive healthcare. It allows specialists to observe and study:

    • Uterus; 
    • Ovaries;
    • Fallopian tubes, as well as neighboring organs such as the rectum;
    • Sigmoid colon;
    • Bladder;
    • Ureters. 

Transvaginal ultrasound is instrumental in diagnosing disorders or abnormalities.

What is Transvaginal Ultrasound Used For?

Transvaginal ultrasound serves various purposes, including:

  • Confirming or ruling out clinical suspicions that may arise during a gynecological examination;
  • Detecting possible uterine malformations;
  • Studying the endometrium;
  • Assessing the health of the ovaries;
  • Understanding the cause of pelvic pain;
  • Detecting benign or malignant lesions;
  • Diagnosing ovarian cysts, fibroids, myomas, and endometrial polyps;
  • Observing and assessing the status of early-stage pregnancies.

How Does Transvaginal Ultrasound Work?

Transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the vagina, which emits high-frequency ultrasound waves. The signals from the tissues are then processed by a computer and displayed visually on the ultrasound monitor, allowing the specialist to assess the areas carefully. Ultrasound is safe and is routinely performed during pregnancy without any risk to the mother or baby.

Transvaginal ultrasound can be classified as either first-level or second-level:

  • First-level ultrasound is conducted during a regular gynecological examination to detect any pathology affecting the internal genitalia.
  • Second-level ultrasound is requested for a more comprehensive investigation in cases of abnormalities or suspected pathology.

The examination typically takes around 15 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on factors such as the presence of alterations and the echogenicity of tissues. For example, in obese patients or those with unfavorable bowel conditions, the image quality may be compromised, requiring more time for the examination.

When Should a Transvaginal Ultrasound Be Performed?

Transvaginal ultrasound may be necessary in the following situations:

  • Suspected pregnancy;
  • Abnormal bleeding;
  • Pelvic pain;
  • Fertility problems;
  • Altered menstrual cycle;
  • Pain during sexual intercourse;
  • Suspected tumor or pelvic mass;
  • Routine periodic check-up.

Transvaginal ultrasound can be performed at any time, including during menstruation, and is suitable for both sexually active individuals and pregnant women to observe the embryo in the early weeks. However, as the pregnancy progresses beyond the second trimester, the baby becomes more visible through transabdominal ultrasound.

The examination frequency depends on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. In general, undergoing annual gynecological examinations and ultrasound check-ups is recommended.

Other Important Gynecological Examinations for Prevention

In addition to the gynecological examination with transvaginal ultrasound (transabdominal for those who haven’t started sexual activity), the following tests are crucial for preventive healthcare:

  • Pap test: This test is essential for the prevention of cervical cancer. It helps identify cervical changes that could develop into cancer over the years and allows for risk-free and minimally invasive surgeries to remove them;
  • Vaginal and/or cervical swabbing: These tests can aid in the early detection of genital infections, which may cause damage to future fertility, particularly in cases of vaginal symptoms and pain.