Question 1

What is a transabdominal/ transvaginal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Transabdominal ultrasounds are diagnostic imaging tests used to examine the inside of the pelvis. This ultrasound imaging scans areas such as:
- Cervix - Ovaries - Fallopian tubes - Uterus - Vagina - Bladder
Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound machines use transducers that send out high-frequency sound waves into the body. Once these sound waves have bounced off soft tissue and organs in the body, they are converted into ultrasound images on a computer. After these images are recorded by the technologist (also known as a sonographer), a radiologist examines the results and diagnoses a condition.

Question 2

What are some conditions that a transabdominal ultrasound can detect?

Accepted Answer

Transabdominal ultrasound scans are safe tests that can detect several conditions and can help doctors diagnose the source of pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding. Some medical conditions that can be detected by a diagnostic ultrasound scan include:
- Ovarian cysts - Fibroids - Ovarian cancer - Uterine cancer - Trauma to the uterus (including scarring) - Endometrial polyps - Fertility problems - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Ectopic pregnancy
Ultrasounds are minimally invasive procedures that provide a wide range of health information to health care providers. Unlike X-Rays or CT scans, ultrasound scans can show images moving in real-time, giving doctors a firsthand look into the movement of organs and tissue in the body. To study blood moving through blood vessels, doctors may use specialized Doppler ultrasound sonography to examine blood flow through the abdominal organs by pinging sound waves off moving blood cells. Ultrasounds are rarely used to diagnose cancer. While ultrasounds can detect a tumor, they cannot detail whether or not that tumor is cancerous. Depending on your scan results and symptoms, your doctor may request additional testing (like a biopsy), if necessary.

Question 3

How do I prepare for a transabdominal/ transvaginal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other forms of diagnostic imaging - most of which require you to fast for several hours - transabdominal ultrasounds usually require that you drink 24-30 ounces of water an hour before the exam. After you drink this water, it is imperative that you do not use the restroom. Drinking water fills the bladder, making images of the area more clear during the ultrasound scan.

Transvaginal ultrasounds do not require a full bladder. Ask your doctor about specific preparation needed for this type of testing.

No other preparation is required. You will be asked to remove all metallic items from your person such as jewelry, piercings, eyeglasses, and dentures. Because of this, it is usually recommended that you leave most of these items (specifically jewelry and piercings) at home on the day of your appointment.

Question 4

What happens during a transabdominal/ transvaginal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

After drinking 24-30 oz of water, you will be asked to change out of your street clothes and into a hospital gown.

In the exam room, you will be asked to lie on your back on a padded table. Your doctor will use a hand-held device known as a transducer, which directs high-frequency sound waves into the tissue being studied. After the area is gelled (gel helps conduct the ultrasound waves), the transducer is placed against the skin for imaging. If you are undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer will be gently inserted into the vagina. The device will be covered in gel and a plastic or latex sheathe. You may experience some mild discomfort as the transducer is inserted into the vagina, but this should pass after a few moments.

As the sound waves echo off the tissue of the reproductive system and abdomen, the transducer sends data to a computer that records the feedback and creates images. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds as images are being taken. Additionally, if the bladder is being examined as well, you may be asked to empty your bladder after images of the full bladder are taken.

This procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. Unless further testing is needed, most individuals are free to resume daily activities after their ultrasound.

After your appointment, a radiologist will review the images produced by the exam. They will then present their findings to your health care provider, who will pass on the results to you. This may take 1-3 business days, depending on the clinic.

Question 5

Are transabdominal/ transvaginal ultrasounds safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ultrasounds are non-invasive exams that provide real-time imaging of blood flow and organs in the body. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, ultrasounds use sound waves (too high-pitched for humans to hear) to give doctors real-time images of organs and tissues. The transducer used by the sonographer might be a little cold, but that's it.

Ultrasounds are generally less expensive than other forms of imaging. They do not require injections, nor is sedation needed for the procedure. These are quick and painless exams that usually take under an hour. After your appointment, you will likely be cleared to leave and go about your daily activities.

If you have any questions about different types of imaging, talk to your health care provider about the method that is right for you.

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