Gynecological Transvaginal Sonography for Accurate Uterine Examination: A Key Procedure in Infertility Test

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is an essential procedure in infertility tests and is commonly used in gynecology and obstetrics. Despite being used frequently, transvaginal sonography still causes anxiety in many women because of misconceptions.

It can be confusing to know when to use different procedures like transvaginal sonography, abdominal ultrasound, and hysteroscopy. Is transvaginal sonography the same as uterine ultrasound? This article aims to clarify these questions and help you better understand transvaginal sonography.

Understanding transvaginal sonography...

• What is transvaginal sonography?
• Differences between transvaginal sonography, abdominal ultrasound, and hysteroscopy
• Timing for transvaginal sonography
• Precautions for transvaginal sonography
• Debunking myths: Can transvaginal sonography cause infection or miscarriage?

What is Transvaginal Sonography?

A transvaginal sonography uses sound wave reflections to create images of internal organs using a probe. Similar to abdominal ultrasound, the probe is placed inside the vagina, making it particularly useful for examining the ovaries and uterus.

Differences between Transvaginal Sonography, Abdominal Ultrasound, and Hysteroscopy
Both transvaginal and abdominal ultrasounds, along with hysteroscopy, are common gynecological procedures. The main difference lies in the placement of the ultrasound probe and the organs being examined.

While some expectant mothers may be reluctant to undergo a transvaginal sonogram, doctors choose the appropriate procedure based on individual circumstances because transvaginal sonography can more accurately diagnose gynecological conditions.

Transvaginal Sonography:

The probe is inserted into the vagina, directly scanning the uterus, cervix, and ovaries without the need for a full bladder. It is a common procedure in gynecology due to its higher accuracy compared to abdominal ultrasound.

Abdominal Ultrasound:

The probe is placed on the abdomen, scanning pelvic organs through layers of skin and fat, using urine or amniotic fluid as a medium. In cases where a patient’s fat layer obscures the images or when an embryo is too small to be detected by abdominal ultrasound (usually before eight weeks of pregnancy), transvaginal sonography may be recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Is Hysteroscopy the Same as Uterine Ultrasound?

Timing for transvaginal sonography

For Women Trying to Conceive:

• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Used to monitor ovarian follicles and endometrial thickness to determine the timing of egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
• Preconception Checkup: To evaluate ovarian and uterine health, this is advised for anyone planning to become pregnant, whether before or after marriage.
• Ovulation Prediction: Used to observe follicle maturation and endometrial thickness to estimate ovulation dates.

For Pregnant Women:

• Early Pregnancy: Before eight weeks of pregnancy, transvaginal sonography can help monitor embryo implantation when the embryo is small or implanted low in the uterus.
• Abnormal Bleeding: Used in mid to late pregnancy to measure cervical length and assess the risk of preterm birth.

For Non-Pregnant Women:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal abdominal findings
• Family history of ovarian cancer

Precautions for Transvaginal Sonography

Transvaginal sonography is not recommended for women who have never had sex because it requires inserting a probe into the vagina. The process is unaffected by menstruation; in fact, for patients experiencing infertility, the menstrual phase may be the best time to evaluate ovarian follicles.

Pre-examination Tips:

• Empty the Bladder: A full bladder can obscure the ultrasound image.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose and easily removable clothing is recommended.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension can increase the duration and discomfort of the examination.

Debunking Myths: Can Transvaginal Sonography Cause Infection or Miscarriage?

To ensure there is no chance of infection, The probe used in transvaginal sonography is always covered with a new condom.
Furthermore, it does not harm fetuses or pregnant women because it uses sound waves for imaging. The procedure of transvaginal sonography is frequently mistakenly linked to miscarriage risks of 10-15% in early pregnancy because of coincidental timing rather than causation.
 

For more informaton about Ovarian function and fertility test, please read:

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