What are doctors looking for in a vaginal ultrasound?

Question

What are doctors looking for in a vaginal ultrasound?

Answer 1

A vaginal ultrasound is used to image the uterus, ovaries, and, in the case of a pregnancy, an embryo which is too small to be seen transabdominally (with the transducer or camera on the outside of your body).

A doctor will order a vaginal ultrasound of the pelvis if the patient is experiencing pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, heavy or abnormal periods, changes in your menstrual cycle, an abnormal physical exam (the doctor felt something...enlarged uterus or a mass).  In the case of an early pregnancy, a doctor might want an ultrasound if the patient is unsure of her last menstrual period or the patient is experiencing bleeding or pain.

We can see thickened endometruim, uterine enlargement, fibroids, ovarian cysts/masses or free fluid in the pelvis.  In a pregnant patient, an early transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to determine the gestational age of the baby.

Ultrasound is not used to image the intestinal tract, as ultrasound cannot see through bowel gas or air.  This is one of the reasons we use gel on the patient's body...to create an air free contact with the body.

Answer 2

Usually they are looking for cysts on you uterus or ovaries. It is pretty common so don't get to worried.  

Answer 3

What are your symtoms?  For me it was an eptopic pregnancy the first time, second time it was to make sure the baby was where it was supposed to be then to check the baby as dr's usually do.  I most recently had them to check why my periods were bad...found firbroids.  With out details it's hard to know.