Transvaginal ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the inside of your body.

The ultrasound scanner has a probe that gives off sound waves. The probe looks a bit like a microphone. The sound waves bounce off the organs inside your body, and the probe picks them up. The probe links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen

When you have a transvaginal ultrasound scan the probe is put into the vagina . The scan can show changes in your womb , ovaries , and other areas of the pelvis . For example, thickening of the womb lining.

A transvaginal ultrasound scan shouldn't be painful but can cause some discomfort. You might have it at one of the following:

• your GP surgery

• local community clinic

• in your hospital x-ray or imaging department

• in the outpatient clinic at the hospital

Preparing for your scan

There is no special preparation before having a transvaginal ultrasound.

You may need to empty your bladder before the scan. Your appointment letter may say if you need to have an empty bladder. If it doesn't you can check when you arrive. 

What happens when you have a transvaginal ultrasound scan?

A doctor (radiologist) or sonographer will do your scan. Both are trained healthcare professionals who specialise in ultrasound scanning.

They will explain the procedure and ask for your permission to do the scan. You might also be asked to sign a consent form . You can ask questions you might have about the test at any time. 

When you are in the scan room, the sonographer will ask you to undress from the waist down. You can wear a hospital gown or they’ll give you a sheet to cover yourself with.

You usually have a chaperone in the room with you while you have your scan. A chaperone is another staff member from the clinic. It’s normal practice to offer this for intimate examinations or tests. It’s up to you whether you decide to have one or not. Ask for a chaperone if this is what you want, and it hasn’t been offered. You can also take a friend or relative into the room with you if you want.

Having a transvaginal ultrasound scan

You lie on your back on the scanning couch with your knees bent and legs apart. If this position is difficult for you, you may be able to lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest.

The doctor or sonographer puts a protective cover over the slim ultrasound probe and covers it with lubricating gel. They gently put the probe into the lower part of your vagina. The probe is moved gently in different positions. This helps the sonographer see the womb and ovaries. To help the sonographer see the images on the screen more clearly the lights in the room might be turned down.

The scan may feel uncomfortable as they move the probe around. But it shouldn’t hurt and isn’t usually painful. Do tell the sonographer if it is uncomfortable. They will try different positions or stop.

The scan takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Sometimes, you might have an ultrasound probe put on your tummy (abdomen) as well. This is an abdominal ultrasound. You usually need a full bladder for this.

Other tests

Some hospitals have specialist post menopausal bleeding clinics where you might have other tests on the same day if you need them. 

If you have abnormal changes in your womb, you’ll need a biopsy to find out the cause. A biopsy involves your doctor taking samples of the womb lining. They send them to a laboratory so they can be looked at closely under a microscope.

After your scan

The doctor or sonographer will give you a tissue to wipe away any gel. You can get dressed and usually go home straight away.

You can also eat and drink afterward and continue your usual activities.

Possible risks

An ultrasound scan is a safe test.

You may have some discomfort during the scan.

Getting your results

You should get your results within 1 to 2 weeks. Contact the doctor who arranged the scan if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.

Waiting for results can make you anxious. You might have contact details for a specialist nurse who you can speak to for information if you need to. It can also help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.