Transvaginal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal organs. It helps detect abnormalities inside our body through imaging techniques.
Also known as endovaginal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound used to examine female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.
“Transvaginal” means “through the vagina.”
Your doctor may request a pelvic ultrasound when they want to see your uterus and ovaries. Often, a clinician asks us to perform this type of ultrasound using a special ultrasound probe called an endovaginal probe.
This type of ultrasound probe is unique in that it provides more detailed images of the surrounding anatomy, such as the uterine tissue, endometrium, and ovaries.
Typically, pelvic ultrasounds are first performed using the full bladder technique. However, there are cases where transvaginal or endovaginal ultrasound alone is conducted.
Unlike a standard abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, where the ultrasound probe is placed on the abdominal wall, in this examination, an ultrasound probe is inserted into your vaginal canal, and the imaging is done this way.
Why is a transvaginal ultrasound performed?
The benefit of a transvaginal ultrasound is that we can closely evaluate the endometrium, or the innermost layer of the uterus. For patients with non-functional bleeding, potential polyps, or fibroids, being able to see these internally provides the clinician with a lot of information about the uterus and ovaries.
The probe is inserted vaginally. The probe tip is prepared with a sterile probe cover specific to you. The other end of the probe is held by the radiologist to perform the ultrasound. Sound waves are emitted from the tip of the probe inserted into the vagina. Images are then produced that can be evaluated by the radiologist.
There are many conditions where a transvaginal ultrasound is necessary:
Abnormal pelvic exam, unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, to check for cysts or uterine fibroids, to verify that an IUD is correctly positioned
Your doctor may also recommend a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy for the following reasons:
To monitor the fetus’s heartbeat, to assess the cervix for any changes that could lead to complications such as miscarriage or preterm labor, to evaluate the placenta for abnormalities, to investigate the source of any abnormal bleeding, to diagnose a potential miscarriage, to detect an early pregnancy.
How should I prepare for a transvaginal ultrasound?
In most cases, no preparation is required for a transvaginal ultrasound.
When you arrive at your doctor’s office or the hospital and enter the examination room, you will need to remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown.
Depending on your doctor’s instructions and the reason for the ultrasound, your bladder may need to be empty. A full bladder is more necessary for examinations done with the transabdominal approach.
If you are on your menstrual cycle or spotting, you will need to remove any tampon you are using before the ultrasound.
How is a transvaginal ultrasound performed?
When it’s time to begin the procedure, you will lie on your back on the examination table and bend your knees.
Your doctor will cover the ultrasound wand with a condom and lubricating gel, and then insert it into your vagina. Be sure your doctor is aware of any latex allergies you may have so a non-latex probe cover can be used if necessary.
You may feel some pressure as your doctor inserts the probe. This sensation is similar to the pressure felt during a Pap smear when your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina.
Once the probe is inside, sound waves bounce off your internal organs and transmit images of the inside of your pelvis to a monitor.
Your doctor will then slowly rotate the transducer while it is still inside your body. This allows a thorough view of your organs.
Your doctor may request saline infusion sonography (SIS). This is a special type of transvaginal ultrasound where sterile saline is injected into the uterus before the ultrasound to help identify possible abnormalities within the uterus.
The saline solution gently expands the uterus, providing a more detailed picture of the inside of the uterus than traditional ultrasound.
While a transvaginal ultrasound can be performed on a pregnant woman or a woman with an infection, SIS cannot be performed.
What are the risk factors associated with transvaginal ultrasound?
There are no known risk factors associated with transvaginal ultrasound.
Performing a transvaginal ultrasound on pregnant women is safe for both the mother and the fetus. This is because this imaging technique does not use radiation.
You will feel some pressure when the probe is inserted into your vagina, but the discomfort should be minimal and should disappear once the procedure is complete.
Transvaginal ultrasound results
You may receive your results immediately after your doctor completes the ultrasound.
Transvaginal ultrasound helps diagnose many conditions, including:
cancer of the reproductive organs, routine pregnancy, cysts, fibroids, pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placenta previa (a low-lying placenta that may require medical intervention during pregnancy)
Transvaginal Ultrasound Prices 2026
Transvaginal ultrasound prices have recently been a frequently asked topic. Transvaginal ultrasound prices vary from region to region and even between institutions in the same city. For detailed information about prices and to book an appointment, you can contact us.
What is the cost?
Dr. Abdullah Cevahir
Radiology Specialist
Hekimoğlu Imaging and Diagnostic Center