What should you know about transvaginal ultrasound equipment?

The central part is a narrow ultrasound transducer, sometimes called a probe or wand. A healthcare professional places a protective cover and gel over it before gently positioning it in the vagina. The probe connects to a machine that turns returning sound waves into pictures on a screen. It does not use ionising radiation.

The images can show the uterus, cervix, ovaries and the lining of the womb. This can help investigate pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, fertility concerns, early pregnancy findings or an ovarian cyst. An ultrasound finding may need other tests to clarify its meaning; the equipment itself does not diagnose every condition.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about your bladder, clothing and appointment timing. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have pain, have recently had pelvic surgery, or would like a chaperone. You can ask them to explain each step, use a smaller probe where suitable, pause, or stop. A cover and fresh gel should be used for the examination.

During the scan, relaxed breathing and a comfortable position may make insertion easier. You can report pressure or pain immediately. The clinician may move the probe slightly to obtain views from different angles, then remove it and discuss what happens next.

Contact the clinic if you have persistent or worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, dizziness or feel unwell after the scan. Seek urgent medical help for severe one-sided pain, fainting, or pain with bleeding when pregnancy is possible, because these symptoms need prompt assessment for causes such as ectopic pregnancy.

Ask which organs the scan is assessing, whether your bladder should be empty, how the probe is cleaned and covered, when results will be explained, and what other test may be needed if the images are unclear.