Is transvaginal ultrasound safe for women who prefer a female clinician?

The scan uses a slim, covered ultrasound probe placed gently inside the vagina to create images of pelvic organs such as the uterus and ovaries. It does not use ionising radiation. A trained clinician should explain the procedure, obtain your consent and allow you to pause or stop if you feel pain, distress or uncertainty. A chaperone may also be available, depending on the facility. Tell the booking team that you prefer a female clinician as early as possible; availability may affect the appointment time, but your preference can be recorded.

When arranging the appointment, ask whether a female sonographer or doctor can perform and supervise the examination. At the visit, mention pregnancy possibility, pelvic pain, bleeding, previous difficult examinations or trauma, and any concern about internal procedures. You can ask for a step-by-step explanation, a smaller probe where appropriate, a support person or chaperone, and control over when the examination starts. Follow the facility's instructions about bladder preparation, because requirements vary by scan type. Read more about the procedure in Transvaginal Ultrasound.

Contact the imaging service or your healthcare professional if you have significant pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fever or unusual discharge after the scan. Mild temporary discomfort or light spotting can occur, but symptoms that are severe, worsening or persistent need assessment. Seek urgent medical help for severe pelvic pain, fainting or heavy bleeding. If the examination cannot be completed because of distress or pain, tell the clinician; another approach or a different appointment plan may be possible.

Is there an alternative scan if an internal examination is not acceptable or cannot be completed?