Transvaginal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is a method of ultrasound diagnostics, in which the examination of the pelvic organs is carried out with a special vaginal sensor. Such a study is carried out for gynecological and urological diseases, as well as in early pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound allows you to diagnose gynecological and urological diseases, to diagnose early pregnancy. This type of examination is more informative than examination through the abdominal wall, since in this case the sensor of the device is separated from the pelvic organs proper only by a thin wall of the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is widespread, safe, informative and can be performed repeatedly.
Indications for transvaginal ultrasound
Indications for this method of examination are suspicion of diseases of the pelvic organs, emergency conditions (for example, ectopic pregnancy), control of the treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound is performed under the following conditions:
- Early pregnancy diagnostics;
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- Diagnosis of the causes of infertility and monitoring of the ovarian follicular apparatus;
- Menstrual irregularities (delayed menstruation, bleeding in the middle of the cycle), pathological discharge from the genital tract;
- Identification of inflammatory gynecological diseases;
- Diagnostics of neoplasms of the small pelvis, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, etc.;
- Taking hormonal drugs, the presence of intrauterine contraceptives (spirals) to monitor the state of the endometrium and prevent complications;
- Early pregnancy, when the traditional transabdominal access (through the abdominal wall) is not very informative;
- Maintenance of the IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedure;
- Setting the causes of urological diseases, urinary disorders, urinary incontinence and pathology of the urethra (urethra).
Transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is ideal for obese women, since the usual examination through the abdominal wall is of little information.
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications to transvaginal ultrasound. In virgins, examination through the rectum (transrectal) is possible. Transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy is justified only in the early stages (up to 11-12 weeks).
Preparation for transvaginal ultrasound
For a transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, special preparation (filling of the bladder) is not required. When you visit the ultrasound room, you will need a towel or diaper, which you will lie on during the examination.
If a transvaginal ultrasound is performed during pregnancy, then the patient's bladder should be moderately filled (drink about 500 ml of fluid an hour before the study).
A prerequisite for transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is the absence of gas in the intestine. To do this, 2-3 days before the study, it is necessary to limit products that cause increased gas production (vegetables, fruits, bread, dairy products, confectionery), and it is also recommended to take certain medications that reduce gas formation in the intestine - enzistal, activated carbon. It is not recommended to perform cleansing enemas before testing. Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and appendages does not have to be performed on an empty stomach.
In emergency cases, transvaginal ultrasound can be performed without preparation, but its information content may be reduced.
An ultrasound examination of gynecological organs is recommended to be carried out in the first half of the menstrual cycle (usually 5-7 days), since in the second half of its uterine endometrium is in the secretory phase, which can lead to an incorrect interpretation of the results. However, with endometriosis, it is recommended to perform a transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus in the second phase of the cycle. To assess folliculogenesis (the formation and development of ovarian follicles), the study should be carried out on days 5.9, 11-14 and 15 of the menstrual cycle.
Methodology
The patient lies down on the couch with her head facing the ultrasound machine. The doctor puts a condom on the vaginal probe, lubricates it with gel and inserts it into the vagina. The study is absolutely painless, the only exceptions are acute conditions in inflammatory processes. During the examination, the doctor may apply pressure to the abdomen for better organ location. The time for transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs is usually 15-20 minutes.
Complications of transvaginal ultrasound
With the correct implementation of the procedure of transvaginal ultrasound, there are no complications.
This examination is recommended to be performed even in healthy women for preventive purposes; at the age of up to 40 years, it must be done at least once every 2 years, and after 40 years, annually.
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