No preparation is necessary. 

If you are wearing a tampon, it will need to be removed. If you are having a period this is not a problem and in some instances it is an advantage when assessing a variety of gynaecological problems. You may be asked to sign a consent form prior to having the test.

It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the lower part of your body.

You will be asked to complete a written consent form before the study begins.

You will be asked to undress from the waist down and you may be asked to wear a gown. You will then be asked to lie on an examination couch. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself from your abdomen to your knees. You will then be asked to bend your legs and the transducer is inserted into the entrance of the vagina. You will be asked if you would prefer to insert the transducer yourself. The transducer is slightly larger than a tampon and especially shaped to fit comfortably into the vagina. A protective cover is placed over the transducer and warm lubricating gel is applied to it for ease of insertion. It is gently moved around and pictures or images of the pelvis are obtained.

If you do not wish to have a vaginal ultrasound you can request a trans-abdominal ultrasound be performed instead. You should inform the reception staff of this as you will need to drink 2-3 glasses of water 30 minutes prior to your test and have a full bladder. A trans-abdominal ultrasound uses a smooth, hand-held transducer. The abdomen is exposed and warm water based clear gel is applied to the skin and the transducer is moved gently across the abdomen with a sliding and rotating action.

The sonographer uses a small, hand-held device called a transducer (or probe), which transmits ultrasound waves which are relayed back to produce images or pictures on to an ultrasound screen. The examination is performed in ‘real time’, and the images you see on the screen show the inside of your pelvic area. Pictures are taken during the examination.

The examination takes between 15-30 minutes. Sometimes you will be asked to wait and have the images checked by the radiologist. The sonographer may ask the doctor to come into the room and check what has been seen. Usually the doctor will let you know what they have seen and if there are any concerns.

The insertion of the transducer into the vagina allows a very close and clear view of the pelvic organs and very clear ultrasound images to be taken of the area. This will help to guide the discussion between you and your doctor about any further investigation or treatment that may be needed.

The examination is performed by a sonographer, a health professional specially trained and accredited to perform the test.  Sonographers may be male or female, and if you are not comfortable with a male, you should let the reception staff know this prior to having the test. In cases where the patient is young, a female chaperone may be requested. A partner, a female parent, female relative, or patient chaperone can be in the room at the consent of the patient.

There are no known risks of performing transvaginal ultrasound. It is a technique which uses sound waves to obtain pictures or images and there is no radiation involved. If you are pregnant, there are no risks to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant and your waters have broken but you are not in labour (premature rupture of the membranes), it is not advisable to have ultrasound due to a small increase in the risk of infection to your unborn baby. If you are pregnant and known to have an abnormally low–lying placenta and are experiencing vaginal bleeding, it is not advised to have transvaginal ultrasound as it could make the bleeding worse.

There are no after effects of a transvaginal ultrasound. You will be able to resume normal activities.

Your doctor will receive a written report on your test as soon as is practicable.

It is very important that you discuss the results with the doctor whom referred you so that they can explain what the results mean for you.