Do you need to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound examination? Let’s find out the advantages of transvaginal ultrasound!
Transvaginal ultrasound is an examination aimed at observing the internal reproductive organs. If you’re familiar with the regular ultrasound procedure done on the abdomen, transvaginal ultrasound is different as it involves inserting an ultrasound probe or transducer through the vagina.
Furthermore, this transvaginal ultrasound test is usually conducted on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. This is because these times are the best for assessing various factors such as egg cell count and uterine wall thickness. However, for those with irregular menstrual cycles, the test can be done at other times.
This examination is performed when there are indications related to the reproductive organs. So, what are the advantages of transvaginal ultrasound?
Advantages of Transvaginal Ultrasound
Many may have concerns when it comes to having a transvaginal ultrasound, but there’s no need to worry because transvaginal ultrasound has several advantages you should know about. Here are some of the advantages of transvaginal ultrasound:
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Can visualize blood flow to the uterus
One of the advantages of undergoing transvaginal ultrasound is the ability to visualize blood flow to the uterus. This internal examination through the vagina can provide a clearer and more detailed view of the condition of the reproductive organs.
Can visualize blood flow to the ovaries
In addition to visualizing blood flow to the uterus, transvaginal ultrasound can also help visualize blood flow to the ovaries.
Can detect endometriosis masses outside the uterus
It’s important to note that transvaginal ultrasound can assist in diagnosing issues related to the reproductive organs, including endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasound can help detect the presence of endometriosis masses outside the uterus, such as endometriosis nodules in the sacrouterine ligaments, vesica urinaria, and rectum.
Can identify anatomical abnormalities of the uterus
Furthermore, another advantage of transvaginal ultrasound is its ability to identify anatomical abnormalities in the uterus, such as uterine didelphys. Uterine didelphys is a condition in which the uterus has two cavities inside and two cervixes (cervices).
Uterine didelphys is a rare congenital abnormality that occurs in only 1 out of 2,000 women with this condition.
Can detect the presence of hydrosalpinx
Hydrosalpinx is a health issue that can occur in the fallopian tubes.Hydrosalpinx occurs when the fallopian tube is filled with fluid, causing blockages and fertility problems. When you undergo a transvaginal ultrasound test, various issues related to the reproductive organs, including hydrosalpinx, can be identified.
How Much Does Transvaginal Ultrasound Cost?
The transvaginal ultrasound procedure involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina. This examination is typically performed by a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist.
However, don’t worry, at Bocah Indonesia, this procedure is performed by a nurse if the attending ob-gyn doctor is male. If the attending ob-gyn doctor is female, they will perform the procedure themselves. The doctor will then move the probe to examine the conditions inside the uterus. The images of the internal reproductive organs will be displayed on the ultrasound monitor.
The cost of transvaginal ultrasound can vary significantly depending on the clinic. You can inquire further about the cost of the ultrasound.
During this examination, you can be accompanied by your spouse, so there’s no need to worry. The transvaginal ultrasound procedure does not take a long time, approximately only 5 minutes. Moreover, it is a painless examination and safe to undergo.
It’s important to note that transvaginal ultrasound is one of the initial steps in the examination for couples planning to start a family program. If you have indications of reproductive organ issues, be sure to consult a doctor. It only takes 5 minutes* and it’s painless, after all!
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chitra Fatimah.
Source:
Nahlawi, S., Gari, N. (2022). Sonography Transvaginal Assessment, Protocols, and Interpretation. NCBI Bookshelf.
Moorthy, RS. (2000). Transvaginal Sonography. Medical journal, Armed Forces India vol. 56,3 (2000): 181-183.
Dr. Shanty Olivia completed her medical school in 2005 and Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training in 2010 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. She joined a clinical fellowship program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the same university and completed the program in 2018.
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