Transvaginal (TV) Ultrasound

An internal scan can sound daunting, but it’s usually quick, safe and far more comfortable than most women expect.

A transvaginal ultrasound gives us the clearest view of your womb, womb lining and ovaries. Because the probe sits closer to what we’re looking at, it picks up detail that a scan over the tummy can miss. Many women feel nervous beforehand, and that’s completely normal. Our team will explain what’s going to happen before it does, go at your pace and stop whenever you ask. You’ll leave knowing what we saw and what it means for you.

Questions we hear every day

“What is a transvaginal scan?”
It’s an ultrasound that uses a slim, smooth probe, about the width of a finger, gently placed a short way into the vagina. It uses harmless sound waves, not X-rays or radiation. The probe is covered with a clean protective cover and a little gel, and the pictures appear on a screen.

“Why might I need one?”
It’s often recommended when a tummy scan can’t show enough, or when detail matters. Common reasons include pelvic pain, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, suspected ovarian cysts, fibroids or polyps, signs of PCOS, endometriosis or adenomyosis, checking the position of a coil, and looking at your womb and ovaries when you’re trying to conceive. It’s also used in early pregnancy, when it can show things much sooner than a tummy scan.

“Will it hurt?”
It shouldn’t be painful. Most women feel mild pressure or slight discomfort, and the scan usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re tense, or if you have conditions such as endometriosis or a tender pelvis, it can be more uncomfortable, and we’ll adjust or pause. Just tell us what you’re feeling.

“Can I put the probe in myself?”
Yes, many women prefer to. We’ll explain how, and give you privacy to do it, or we can do it for you. It’s entirely your choice.

“Do I need a full bladder?”
No. Unlike a tummy scan, a transvaginal scan works best with an empty bladder, so you’ll be asked to go to the toilet beforehand. If you’re having a tummy scan as well, we’ll tell you what to do when you book.

“Do I need to prepare in any other way?”
Not really. Wear something comfortable that’s easy to take off from the waist down. There’s no need to shave or do anything special. If you have an allergy to latex, please tell us when you book, so we can use a latex-free cover.

“Can I have one during my period?”
Usually yes, and if you have pelvic pain or heavy bleeding, that can be a helpful time. In some cases the timing in your cycle helps us see things more clearly, and we’ll let you know if so.

“I’ve never had sex, or I’m not comfortable with an internal scan. Can I still be scanned?”
Yes. If you’ve never had sex, or you would rather not have an internal scan, we can usually use a tummy scan instead, though it may show less detail. If you’ve had difficult or upsetting experiences in the past, please tell us as much or as little as you like. You’re always in control, and you never have to go through with anything you’re not comfortable with.

“Is it safe if I’m pregnant, or might be?”
Yes. A transvaginal scan is safe in pregnancy and doesn’t harm the baby. It’s often used in early pregnancy because it can show the pregnancy sooner and more clearly. Please tell us if you might be pregnant before the scan.

“Can I bring someone with me?”
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend or family member to the appointment. A chaperone (a trained member of staff in the room) is also available if you’d like one. Just ask.

“Will I get results straight away?”
Our team can usually tell you what they see during the scan and explain what it means. You’ll then receive a written report, and if you need treatment or more tests, we’ll talk about what comes next.

“What if it shows something?”
Try not to worry. Many findings, such as simple ovarian cysts, fibroids and polyps, are common and often harmless, and some need no treatment at all. If we need to look closer, we’ll explain why and arrange the right next step, such as a repeat scan, blood tests, an MRI or a specialist opinion.

“Do I need a referral?”
No, you’re welcome to book directly with us. If you’ve been referred by your GP or another doctor, please bring the referral with you.

“Is it confidential?”
Yes. Your visit and results are private and handled with discretion.

How we can help

Your appointment will be built around you and your symptoms. Depending on your needs, this may include:

-A private, unhurried conversation before the scan, so you know exactly what to expect
-A transvaginal ultrasound, with a chaperone if you’d like one
-A tummy (transabdominal) scan as well, if it will give a fuller picture
-A clear explanation of the findings, with a written report you can keep or share with your GP
-Assessment and care for what we find, including period problems, cysts, fibroids, polyps, PCOS, endometriosis and adenomyosis
-Coil checks, to confirm your Mirena or copper coil is in the right place
-Fertility support, including looking at your womb and ovaries when you’re trying to conceive
-Early pregnancy scans, including reassurance if you’ve had pain or bleeding
-Blood tests, swabs and examinations, if they would help find the cause of your symptoms
-Treatment and advice, including hormonal treatments and contraception
-Referral for further tests or specialist care if needed, with a clear summary to take with you
-Follow-up, so you’re never left wondering what happens next

When to book

It’s a good time to see us if you have pelvic pain, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause, a suspected cyst or fibroid, trouble getting pregnant, or you’d like your coil checked. It’s also a good option if you’re in early pregnancy and would like reassurance. You don’t need a diagnosis in mind, and you don’t have to wait for things to get worse.

Please seek urgent medical help (your nearest emergency department) if you have sudden, severe pelvic or tummy pain, very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, a high temperature with pain, or if you are pregnant or might be and have bleeding with pain, especially on one side.

Book an appointment online or call 061 609 777. We’ll take it from there.