Gynecological ultrasound

A gynaecological ultrasound normally does not require any preparation. When examining the uterus using an abdominal probe, the bladder should be full of urine to facilitate identification; but when done vaginally, it is preferable for the bladder to be empty.  

In some cases, when the walls of the lower part of the large intestine (the rectum) need to be examined in detail, a simple bowel preparation is requested for the test: a low-fibre diet and an enema the day before the ultrasound. It is only requested for certain patients and detailed information is always provided before the test. 

On other occasions, some kind of substance is introduced into the uterus to visualise the course of the tubes. In these cases, the patient should take an antibiotic prior to or after the test as a preventive measure to avoid possible infections. 

The patient undresses from the waist down, as she does when she has a gynaecological examination. The patient positions herself as follows: lying on her back with her legs apart, with the legs placed on a special support on the examination bed. For greater privacy, the waist is covered with a towel or dressing gown.  

Then, the health professional (usually a gynaecologist) inserts the probe into the vagina. The probe is a long, narrow instrument that measures less than 2 cm in diameter. It emits ultrasound waves and is connected to the ultrasound machine. The probe is inserted into the vagina with a protective latex sheath (similar to a condom), and covered with a gel that both lubricates and acts as a conductor of the ultrasound waves to help obtain a high quality image. Then the pelvic organs are displayed on the screen, and the medical professional moves the probe around to be able to identify, assess and measure them. 

A gynaecological ultrasound is an ultrasound scan of the internal genitalia examined from the vagina. If it cannot be performed vaginally, a very similar image can be obtained transrectally. The image of the genitalia obtained using an abdominal probe has a much lower resolution.  

In some cases, biopsies or punctures of different structures can also be performed during a vaginal ultrasound. A device is attached to the probe that allows a needle to enter, so that when the ultrasound probe is introduced into the vagina, it serves as a guide to puncture/inject a substance into the uterus, ovaries, or into the spaces between the uterus and the bladder or rectum. 

Once the test is completed, the patient can get dressed again, and the health professional will interpret the test. They will usually make a report immediately.   

Gynaecological ultrasound scans are performed at gynaecological practices equipped with beds with supports that allow the woman to assume the correct position for the examination.  

Many gynaecological practices have ultrasound scanners to allow them to conduct complete assessments. There are also specialised ultrasound consultations, where more experienced ultrasound specialists examine patients who are suspected to have a specific pathology.  

Unlike other radiological tests, gynaecologists perform gynaecological ultrasound scans. They also interpret the test and make reports.  

Learning this technique is a key part of training as a gynaecologist.   

In general, the test takes no more than 5 minutes. In cases of complex pathology, it may be extended to 10 or a maximum of 15 minutes.  

If any type of contrast dye needs to be introduced, or a biopsy or puncture is to be performed, the test may take longer due to the preparation needed for these procedures.  

A gynaecological ultrasound is not normally a painful test.  

When the vaginal probe first makes contact with the vulva, the patient will feel a cold sensation due to the gel put on the probe. As the probe is inserted into the vagina, the patient may feel some pressure until the instrument passes beyond the entrance of the vagina (depending on the width of the individual woman’s vagina). Once the probe has been placed inside the vagina, the gentle movements made to explore the different pelvic organs are usually painless.  

Pressure is put on both ovaries to examine them in detail, which can be uncomfortable. 

For women experiencing pain during penetration in sexual intercourse, or women who have ovarian or uterine lumps or pelvic infections, examining these structures may be painful or uncomfortable. This is usually done as gently and as quickly as possible.  

Contrary to popular belief, a transrectal ultrasound exam is not painful at all, as the probe is thin and the anal canal can adapt easily. 

In general, gynaecological ultrasound is a virtually harmless test, as the ultrasound frequencies that the equipment emits and the short exposure time does not produce any harmful effects to the body. 

Introducing the probe into very narrow vaginas may cause some small lacerations at the opening of the vagina; if the probe comes into contact with cervical tumours it may cause bleeding; and examination of the pelvic organs in women who have previously experienced pelvic pain may temporarily intensify the pain.  

The chance of transmitting infections via the test is practically non-existent, as the probe is sterilised and covered with a latex sheath.  

If the ultrasound is performed to guide punctures or introduce/inject substances, the potential complications would be those typical of these procedures (bleeding, infections). These complications are also very uncommon and unlikely.