Modern gynecology has several accurate and safe research methods. One of these methods is transvaginal ultrasound. For its implementation, a transvaginal sensor is used, which is inserted inside the vagina. Many women are scared by its size, and they are afraid that the study will damage internal tissues. Could this happen? What size is this sensor actually? You will learn the answers to these and many other questions from today's article.
What is he like
The transvaginal sensor refers to microconvex devices, the main feature of which is the presence of a microscopic scanning head. It is necessary to monitor the current state of the woman, as well as the features of fetal development in early pregnancy.
The transvaginal sensor, the photo of which you see in the article, is indispensable for ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as for the diagnosis of pathologies of the gynecological plan in patients.
What does the sensor look like
This special tube with a camera on the end. The diameter of the transvaginal sensor is only 3 cm, and the total length is 12 centimeters. Often inside such a device there is a channel where you can place a biopsy needle.
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the body and the specific location of the uterus, the sensor is arranged with a beveled view about its axis. Thanks to this, an ultrasound transvaginal probe is more convenient to do.
There are several types of device. Some clinics prefer a direct-stick transducer to perform standard gynecological procedures. Reproductive health centers almost always use a sensor with a beveled handle, thanks to which in vitro fertilization or biopsy can be performed.
A transvaginal sensor with a beveled handle is more convenient and ergonomic when examined in a gynecologist's chair.
What is the frequency range of the sensor
The frequency range of the sensors used for transvaginal scanning, in most cases, is 4-7 MHz. Higher frequencies, as a rule, are not used to study the uterine cavity.
The fact is that the depth of the uterus is easily detected by a gynecologist, so there is no need to purchase sensors with a greater frequency.
The scanning angle of such sensors varies from 120 to 140 degrees. This angle is enough to fully examine the uterus. There are also special sensors, thanks to which they receive a 4D image and simultaneously display the image on the screen.
Such equipment is able to study the structure of small parts of the fetus, its cardiovascular system, as a result of which doctors can detect abnormalities at an early stage.
The advantages of this device
Thanks to an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, diagnosis can be greatly simplified. Because of this, this procedure has become widely recognized in medical practice. Moreover, this method is safe for the health of women and children, so you can do an ultrasound many times.
The study of a transvaginal sensor provides an opportunity to timely detect the development of many pathologies of the female genital organs that have an oncological or inflammatory etiology.
If, together with this method of examination, dopplerography is used, it is possible to identify the likelihood of developing thrombosis in time, examine the blood flow in the pelvic organs and detect atherosclerosis.
Also, pelvic ultrasound with a transvaginal sensor is more meaningful and informative than a conventional examination through the abdominal wall.
Transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy
Some women suggest that testing with a transvaginal probe during pregnancy can harm a baby’s development. In fact, this method is completely safe.
Here are a few arguments that will help you safely go to this examination while bearing a child:
- In the early stages, using an ultrasound with a transvaginal sensor, you can find out about the presence of multiple pregnancy, as the device will show the number of embryos in the uterus.
- This is an indispensable method that helps to identify an ectopic pregnancy in time, as well as the place of atypical attachment of the fetal egg. Only timely diagnosis will help to quickly remove the embryo without injuring the soft tissues, which will allow the woman to have children in the future.
- With a combination of transvaginal ultrasound with dopplerography, you can find the first pathologies of the vascular and nervous system of the fetus for early diagnosis of genetic diseases and malformations of the child.
- Thanks to the use of a transvaginal sensor during ultrasound, you can get more reliable information about the thickness and condition of the endometrium, see the likelihood of developing a miscarriage. All this will allow you to take timely measures and keep the pregnancy.
An ultrasound scan using a transvaginal probe is performed only in the first trimester of pregnancy. The rest of the time, the fetus is examined only using a standard transabdominal sensor.
How to prepare for such an ultrasound method
Before you come to the ultrasound examination room, you need to prepare a diaper or towel, which is laid on the couch. In paid clinics, a disposable sheet is already included in the cost of ultrasound.
To prepare for an ultrasound, it is ideal to drink a drug that lowers gas production the day before the procedure (filterum, smectum, activated carbon, or others). Also limit your intake of foods that cause bloating.
Another point: before carrying out this examination method, you need to empty the bladder.
Some patients ask whether it is possible to have sex before the procedure. Usually when taking smears from the vagina, it is prohibited. With transvaginal ultrasound, sex does not affect the results.
How is pelvic ultrasound done by a transvaginal probe
The sensor is inserted into the vagina of a woman. Before examination, the patient is exposed below the waist and occupies a comfortable position on the couch. For hygiene purposes, a condom is put on the sensor, which is then lubricated with a special gel designed for ultrasound diagnostics.
The size of the transvaginal sensor is small (approximately 12 cm depending on the model), so it is easily inserted, and the woman does not experience discomfort. If they have arisen, it is urgent to inform the doctor about this. When a biopsy is necessary, it is performed during the examination by means of a needle attached to the end of the sensor.
During the procedure, the doctor will slightly move the sensor inside the vagina, but this usually does not affect the sensations. Most women who underwent the procedure noted the complete absence of unpleasant moments.
Optimal procedure time
Your doctor will answer this question. The timing depends on the specific objectives of the survey. We will only talk about a few common signs:
- If a woman has bleeding on any day other than menstrual, urgent diagnosis is necessary, as this may be a sign of pathologies requiring urgent treatment.
- To check for endometriosis, you need to come for an ultrasound in the second half of the cycle.
- To determine the causes of infertility or during preparation for conception, transvaginal ultrasound is performed three times a month: on the 8th-9th day of the cycle, on the 15th-16th and after 22 days.
Scheduled procedures are carried out immediately after the patient runs out of her period.
Ultrasound Decryption
Ultrasonic waves can detect pregnancy at the very beginning, which plays an important role for patients who expect IVF results.
Normal indicators of ultrasound of the reproductive system are as follows:
- The uterus, if normal, will have a length of 71 mm and a width of 62 mm, a diameter of 40 mm. By density, the tissue should have a uniform consistency, the thickness of the inner layer of the mucosa will vary from a couple of millimeters to several centimeters.
- The cervix should be about 4 centimeters long and have a homogeneous structure. Before menstruation begins, the cervical canal will be filled with mucus (fluid).
- The ovaries should be 30 mm long, 25 mm wide, and 15 mm thick. During the examination, tuberous contours may be observed. The fabric will be dense, uniform, fibrous areas are allowed. A pair of follicles is visualized, of which one will be dominant.
- If everything is normal, the fallopian tubes will not be distinguished by ultrasound or they will be barely noticeable.
- When examining on the 13-15th day of the cycle, there may be some free fluid, but only in a small amount. This will not be considered a pathology.
Contraindications
Transvaginal ultrasound as a diagnostic method has virtually no contraindications. The doctor may refuse to undergo the procedure for patients who have a serious condition or need urgent surgery.
Where is this examination method carried out
Ultrasound examination using a transvaginal probe is carried out both in free antenatal clinics and clinics, as well as in private medical centers. If you want to get to this procedure, you must have a referral from a doctor.
Conclusion
A transvaginal sensor is the most informative method for diagnosing pathologies of the pelvic organs and fetal development during pregnancy. The main thing is not to try to interpret the results of ultrasound on your own, as they can vary greatly depending on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body and the time of the procedure.
In some cases, the doctor adds a traditional method to the transvaginal diagnostic method. This is necessary in order to form a complete picture of the state of the female reproductive system.