Pelvic Examination

Firstly, a Transabdominal scan is performed by placing ultrasound gel on your lower abdomen and using an ultrasound probe to look at these structures through the lower abdominal wall. This gives a good overall view of your pelvic structures. It is best performed with a comfortably full bladder and takes approximately 5 minutes.

Following your consent, a Transvaginal scan is then performed by introducing a specially designed ultrasound transducer into the vagina. This examination is performed with an empty bladder and takes approximately 10 minutes. The specially designed probe in diameter is not much bigger than a tampon. Prior to your examination the probe is sterilized and covered by a sterile probe cover (please advise if you have any latex allergies). The probe is placed a short distance into the vagina in order to obtain high definition images of the uterus, ovaries and pelvic structures.

This scan is well tolerated by the majority of patients (being more comfortable then a cervical PAP smear) and provides the best possible imaging to try and address your clinical question. Your modesty is respected throughout the examination.

IF AT ANY POINT YOU WISH TO CEASE THE TRANSVAGINAL SCAN, PLEASE ADVISE THE SONOGRAPHER PERFORMING THE SCAN IMMEDIATELY.

There are certain cases when it is not advisable or possible to perform a transvaginal ultrasound including:

• You are not sexually active
• You decline the transvaginal examination
• Paediatric age group
• During pregnancy if there is a premature rupture of membranes (your waters have broken) or there is bleeding associated with known placenta Previa.

Please discuss any concerns with the Sonographer at the start of the examination. If you are currently bleeding, this scan can still be performed.

At Qscan we do have highly trained male and female sonographers. We do understand that the nature of this examination can be sensitive. As a result if you would prefer a chaperone to be present in the room during any part of the pelvic ultrasound then this can be offered to all patients. If you would like a chaperone present this can be discussed with the sonographer at any point throughout your appointment.

There are no known risks of performing Transvaginal Ultrasound. The technique does not involve any radiation, but sound waves to obtain the images.