Does vaginal ultrasound cause pain to pregnant women? This is a question that is frequently asked by many women before undergoing this examination for the first time. Vaginal ultrasound is one of the important medical examinations that women resort to at different stages of their lives, especially during pregnancy or when facing health problems related to the reproductive system, such as ensuring the general health of sexually transmitted diseases. This examination aims to provide accurate images of internal organs such as the uterus and ovaries, which helps doctors diagnose cases more accurately. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation through the Dalili Medical website on how vaginal ultrasound works, whether it causes pain during its procedure, in addition to reviewing the cases in which a person may feel pain. We will also discuss how to deal with this procedure to reduce the feeling of discomfort.

**What is vaginal ultrasound?**

 

Transvaginal ultrasound is an internal examination performed using an ultrasound imaging device. This examination is used to evaluate the pelvic area and the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. This is done by inserting a probe through the vagina to get an accurate diagnosis of the patient's health condition.

**How ​​long does a vaginal ultrasound take?**

 

A vaginal ultrasound usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

**How ​​can I avoid vaginal ultrasound pain?**

 

In general, this procedure is not considered painful. However, experiences may vary from person to person depending on the doctor performing the procedure. Relaxation and avoiding fear can greatly reduce any feeling of pain.

Is a vaginal ultrasound painful?

 

The answer to this question can be said to be no, as a vaginal ultrasound is a simple procedure that does not require concern. If any pain occurs, it will be slight. Generally, the level of pain varies from woman to woman and from doctor to doctor.

Is a vaginal ultrasound easy?

 

Yes, a vaginal ultrasound is an easy and quick procedure that does not take a long time, although it may cause some pain in some cases.

Should I wash myself after a vaginal ultrasound?

 

Some women believe that this type of procedure requires complete ablution as in the case of major ritual impurity, but opinions indicate that ablution is not necessary, and ablution alone can suffice.

**Does bleeding occur after vaginal ultrasound?**

 

In some cases, drops of blood may occur after vaginal ultrasound. However, it is important to consult a doctor to reassure and ensure that there are no problems.

After reviewing the valuable information mentioned above, we reach the end of the article, where we learned everything related to vaginal ultrasound, and we realize that there is no need to worry about it.

**How ​​is a vaginal examination performed to plan for childbirth?**

 

The vaginal examination differs during pregnancy, as labor and opening of the cervix are assessed by inserting the fingers to determine the extent of the uterus's dilation and readiness for childbirth. The time remaining for childbirth is also assessed by calculating contractions. Therefore, a vaginal examination is a very important step for your doctor, as it provides him with vital information to ensure the success of the birth process at the appropriate time, and helps in assessing the progress of labor.

**Does vaginal examination open the uterus and speed up childbirth?**

 

There is no evidence that vaginal examination contributes to the dilation of the cervix, but it is performed by the doctor to assess the condition of the uterus and its readiness for childbirth.

Is vaginal ultrasound harmful?

 

In general, vaginal ultrasound is considered a safe procedure, as X-rays are not used during the examination. It is also considered safe during pregnancy and does not cause any harm to the mother or the fetus.

If you feel any severe pain or discomfort during the examination, do not hesitate to inform the doctor.Diseases that can be detected by ultrasound Ultrasound can detect a variety of diseases related to internal organs, the most prominent of which are:

- Bladder problems

 

- Brain problems (especially in infants)

 

- Gallbladder problems

 

- Kidney diseases

 

- Liver problems

 

- Ovarian problems

 

- Pancreas diseases

 

- Spleen problems

 

- Thyroid diseases

 

- Testicular diseases

 

- Uterine problems

 

- Stomach problems

 

- Detecting abdominal blood vessel problems

 

- Detecting breast problems

 

- Monitoring fetal growth during pregnancy

**Does vaginal ultrasound cause miscarriage?**

 

Sometimes, doctors recommend vaginal ultrasound during pregnancy, but many women are concerned about it due to fears of miscarriage. According to research published by the Abortion Organization, there is no scientific evidence to prove that vaginal ultrasound causes any harm to the pregnant woman or the fetus, or leads to pregnancy loss.

**Why does the doctor request a vaginal ultrasound?**

 

There are many reasons why the doctor requests a vaginal ultrasound, including:

- Enables the doctor to check:

 

- The shape, location, and size of the uterus and ovaries.

 

- The thickness and length of the cervix.

 

- Blood flow to the organs in the pelvis.

- The integrity of the bladder and monitoring any changes in its shape and size.

 

- The thickness of the bladder wall, fallopian tubes, and uterine wall.

 

- Fluid accumulation near the fallopian tubes, uterine wall, or bladder.

 

- If the woman suffers from the following symptoms:

 

- Pelvic pain.

 

- Unexpected vaginal bleeding without a clear cause.

 

- Fertility problems.

 

- To help diagnose some medical conditions, such as:

 

- Pelvic inflammatory disease.

 

- Endometriosis.

 

- Bleeding after menopause.

 

The doctor may also request a vaginal ultrasound to follow up on some things during pregnancy, such as checking the fetal heartbeat.

**Advantages of vaginal ultrasound**

 

The benefits of using vaginal ultrasound to monitor ovulation are many, the most prominent of which are:

 

- **Accuracy of determining ovulation**: Vaginal ultrasound provides high accuracy in determining the ideal time for ovulation, which helps women know the best times to have intercourse to increase the chances of pregnancy.

 

- **Determining the date of the menstrual cycle**: It allows the doctor to accurately determine the date of the menstrual cycle, which facilitates

Should a woman plan for pregnancy and avoid unwanted pregnancy?

 

- **Early detection of health problems**: Vaginal ultrasound can detect any health problems in the uterus or ovaries at an early stage, which helps avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.

 

- **Reducing psychological and physical fatigue**: Regular follow-up helps reduce the negative effects of physical and psychological stress resulting from the efforts made in other orthodontic systems.

 

- **Speed ​​​​back to daily life**: Thanks to the short time it takes for the examination, a woman can quickly return to her daily life after the examination.

 

**Types of ultrasound**

 

There are many different types of ultrasound, and we will review the 10 most important types of them as follows:

 

1. **Gastrointestinal ultrasound**

 

Gastrointestinal ultrasound is specialized in detecting problems or diseases related to the digestive system. In this examination, the doctor directs ultrasound waves to the intestines, stomach and colon, and this type is known as abdominal ultrasound. This examination takes a short time not exceeding ten minutes.

 

2. **Specialized Ultrasound**

 

Specialized ultrasound is one of the most complex types, as it is used to examine a specific organ in order to identify a specific problem or disease. This examination may take a long time, up to several hours, but it is highly accurate compared to regular ultrasound.

 

3. **Ultrasound for pregnant women**

 

Ultrasound for pregnant women is one of the most common types, as it is used to evaluate the pregnancy and ensure the safety of the fetus. This is done by passing ultrasound waves over the lower abdomen of the pregnant woman, where the doctor evaluates the condition and growth of the fetus, in addition to measuring the amount of fluid around it and ensuring the safety of the placenta and other important matters.

 

4. Doppler Ultrasound

 

Doppler ultrasound is one of the most accurate types of ultrasound, as it is used to examine sensitive internal parts and organs in the human body, such as veins, arteries and blood vessels.

 

5. **Ultrasound with an Endoscope**

 

Ultrasound with an Endoscope is one of the techniques used to diagnose a variety of problems and diseases. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a flexible tube through the mouth, which is connected to a sensor used to examine the targeted area. One of its most prominent uses is the gastroscope.

 

6. **Vaginal or internal ultrasound**

 

Vaginal ultrasound is used exclusively for women, where an internal examination of the uterus is performed by the doctor using a probe covered with a condom. This type of examination helps detect a range of conditions, such as ensuring the correct position of the IUD, checking the causes of infertility and failure to conceive, detecting tumors inside the uterus, in addition to identifying the causes of pelvic pain and vaginal infections.

 

7. **Prostate ultrasound**

 

Prostate ultrasound is used for men, as it helps detect many diseases associated with the prostate, such as prostate enlargement, inflammation, and tumors.

 

8. Neck ultrasound

 

Doctors use neck ultrasound technology to identify problems or diseases that may affect the glands in this area, by relying on ultrasound waves.

 

9. Testicular Ultrasound

 

The doctor relies on ultrasound waves in testicular ultrasound to diagnose a group of diseases related to males, such as detecting infertility, identifying the suspended testicle in male children, identifying the source of pain in the testicle, and detecting varicocele, and other cases.

 

10. Breast Ultrasound

 

Breast ultrasound is one of the important tests used to diagnose many breast problems, including detecting breast tumors.

Internal Ultrasound for Pregnant Women

 

High-quality images of the fetus can be obtained by using internal or vaginal ultrasound. This is done by a wand-like tool known as a probe, which is covered with a lubricating gel before being inserted through the vaginal canal. This tool sends high-frequency sound waves, providing a clear image for the doctor. Internal ultrasound can be used in the early stages of pregnancy to determine the gestational age if it is not known, and it can also be used to examine the uterus and ovaries in case of suspected problems.

Why is an internal ultrasound performed for pregnant women?

 

Vaginal ultrasound is used to examine the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. Internal ultrasound is used to diagnose certain conditions, including:

- Ectopic pregnancy.

 

- Examination of the uterus, its lining, and ovaries.

 

- Evaluation of the cervix to ensure that there are no problems that may lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

 

- Monitoring the fetal heartbeat in the early stages.

 

- Examining the causes of pain and problems in the pelvic area.

 

- Searching for the causes of vaginal bleeding.

 

- Detecting the presence of cysts in the uterus, especially on the ovaries.

 

- Examining the placenta to ensure that there are no abnormalities.

 

- Evaluating possible miscarriages.

 

- Detecting fibroids or benign tumors.

 

- Determining the gestational age, which helps the doctor determine the expected date of birth.

**How ​​to perform an internal ultrasound for pregnant women**

 

An internal ultrasound for pregnant women is performed by a doctor or radiologist in a hospital or clinic. The following is an explanation of the examination steps:

**Before the examination**This examination usually does not require special preparations, but it is usually recommended to drink 4-6 glasses of water to fill the bladder, which facilitates the examination process and gives a clearer picture of the fetus. The pregnant woman may also be asked to wear a special gown during the examination. It is important to note that this examination can be performed even during menstruation. The nature of the examination is explained to the patient, stressing that it is a simple and painless procedure, as only part of the examination device probe is inserted after obtaining her verbal consent. It is preferable for there to be a female companion for the patient if the examination is performed by a male doctor. After the patient lies on the examination bed, she is covered appropriately with the knees bent to raise the pelvis, which facilitatesTo perform the examination. The probe must be sterilized with an antiseptic before each examination, and covered with a condom that is not covered with any spermicides, to avoid the transmission of infection between patients. A moisturizing gel is also used to facilitate the insertion of the probe, and it is necessary to wear medical gloves during the examination and monitor the wave image on the screen.

**During the examination**The examination usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Its steps are as follows:

1. The pregnant woman takes off her clothes from the waist down and wears a special gown.

2. She lies on her back on the bed or chair designated for the examination, with her knees bent towards her chest.

3. The doctor inserts the device through the vaginal opening by about 5-8 centimeters, after covering it with a cover and using a lubricant such as gel to facilitate insertion. This procedure is usually not painful, but the woman may feel some pressure or discomfort.

4. The device transmits the images directly to the TV screen, allowing the doctor to see the fetus clearly.

**After the scan**After the internal scan, your doctor will report and discuss the results with you. You may need to have additional tests if your doctor notices anything abnormal. The results are usually shown on your doctor’s screen right away during the scan, but if the scan is performed by a radiologist outside your doctor’s office, your doctor may receive the results within 24 hours. This test is usually done only once during the first trimester of pregnancy, but if the image is not clear or there are concerns about the health and safety of your baby, your doctor may need to repeat the scan.

What happens during a vaginal ultrasound? Here’s what to expect:

 

1. Lie on your back in a chair, with your knees bent and apart.

 

2. Your doctor will prepare the tube used for the scan, cover it with a condom and apply a little lubricating gel, and then insert it into your vagina. You may feel some pressure and discomfort at this point.

 

3. The ultrasound device is turned on after the instrument is placed in the appropriate position and depth in the vagina, allowing clear images of the internal parts of the reproductive system to be obtained on a special screen.

 

4. The doctor moves the instrument to obtain comprehensive images from multiple angles.

 

5. If the doctor is performing the examination, she will talk to you about the results directly. However, if the technical nurse is performing the examination, the images will be stored for the doctor and radiologist to review later.

 

6. A type of saline fluid may be inserted into the uterus before the vaginal ultrasound, to facilitate the examination and expand the uterus.

When is vaginal ultrasound used?

 

Vaginal ultrasound is usually performed when a woman has certain symptoms, such as pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. It is also used in the first month of pregnancy to examine the gestational sac and placenta and monitor the fetal heart rate. In general, vaginal ultrasound is used to evaluate internal organs and detect health problems and other conditions. This device is intended to examine women through the vagina to ensure that there are no problems with the uterus, ovaries, and cervix, as well as before performing vaginal tightening operations with laser.

**Disadvantages of monitoring ovulation using vaginal ultrasound**

 

Can pregnancy occur a day after ovulation? Despite the many benefits of this method, there are some potential harms and risks, including:

 

- The possibility of contracting a bacterial infection as a result of repeated use of the reproductive system.

 

- Using the device may negatively affect the nerves.

 

- In some cases, it requires the use of local anesthesia, which may lead to negative effects on the body.

Accuracy of vaginal ultrasound examinationVaginal ultrasound examination is considered one of the basic diagnostic tools for many medical conditions, as its results are more accurate compared to external ultrasound. In some cases, additional analytical tests may be required to determine other indicators that help diagnose the patient's medical condition, which cannot be detected through internal examination alone. After detecting endometriosis using a vaginal ultrasound, the doctor can prescribe appropriate drug treatments to relieve the painful symptoms. A vaginal ultrasound is a preliminary step before performing a surgical laparoscopy, as it allows a clear view of the location of the endometrial tissue that needs to be removed.

Stages and grades of endometriosis:

 

**Stage I (spots)**: This stage is considered the lowest stage of endometriosis, as the lining of the abdomen is penetrated by endometrial tissue.

 

**Stage II (ovarian)**: At this stage, endometriosis is found in the ovaries, which increases the risk of its spread within the pelvic cavity.

 

**Stage III (deep infiltrative endometriosis)**: Endometriosis penetrates various organs within the pelvic cavity, including the ovaries, rectum, and uterus, which may significantly affect the anatomy of the pelvic organs.

 

**Stage IV (Deep Infiltrative Endometriosis II):** This is the most severe stage, as endometriosis spreads to organs inside and outside the pelvic cavity, including the ovaries, uterus, rectum, diaphragm, and appendix, and may reach the heart and lungs.

Does hysteroscopy detect endometriosis?

 

No, hysteroscopy cannot detect endometriosis, as its role is limited to examining the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix only, without being able to see the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines, while endometriosis tissue is located outside the uterus. Hysteroscopy can be used to take a sample of the endometrium and analyze it in the laboratory to determine its pathological nature.

How long does it take to treat endometriosis?

 

Since endometriosis is considered a chronic disease, treatment may continue for a long time. ThereSeveral treatment methods are available, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, contraceptives, and surgery, whether laparoscopic or traditional. The appropriate treatment method is determined based on several factors, including the type of endometriosis (superficial, endometrial tumors, deep endometriosis), the stage of development of the condition, and the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's life.

Does endometriosis cause frequent urination?

 

Endometriosis can negatively affect the bladder, leading to symptoms such as an urgent feeling to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, in addition to feeling pain when the bladder is full and during urination. These symptoms often worsen in the days before or during the menstrual cycle.

How does an ultrasound device work?

 

An ultrasound device works by emitting ultrasound waves that pass through the skin using a special transducer, and then these waves bounce off tissues and organs. These echoes produce electrical signals that a computer can convert into images of the area to be examined. More accurate results and more detailed images can be obtained when the transducer placed on the skin is replaced with another that can be inserted inside the body, such as:

Transvaginal ultrasound: This device is used to provide accurate images of the female reproductive system, which helps to clarify the position of the uterus and ovaries.

Transrectal ultrasound: The device's transducer is inserted through the rectum to examine the prostate gland, which allows its condition to be assessed and diseases associated with it to be diagnosed.

Transesophageal ultrasound: Also known as transesophageal echocardiogram, this method is used to examine the heart and see it more clearly.

Examples of the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of some diseases:

Doppler examination to evaluate blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.

Elastography is used to distinguish tumors from healthy tissue.

Bone ultrasound to determine bone density.

Therapeutic ultrasound is used to heat or break up tissue.

The design of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) aims to treat and modify abnormal tissue in the body without the need to make incisions in the skin. Ultrasound is an effective tool for guiding the surgeon’s movements during certain medical procedures, such as biopsies.

Can ultrasound detect cancer?

 

Ultrasound cannot definitively confirm cancer, but it can be a good start to the diagnostic process. The condition is confirmed using other imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs.

The characteristics and intensity of the ultrasound echoes vary depending on the nature and density of the tissues through which they pass. For example, the echoes of fluid-filled cysts differ from those of solid masses (tumors). However, this technique cannot determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Using ultrasound is the best option when a tumor or mass is suspected, as it is fast and accurate, in addition to its low cost and does not expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.

Tips for overcoming the embarrassment of a vaginal examination

If you feel embarrassed by this experience, you can ask to be alone with the doctor to ease your feeling of embarrassment.

Talk to your doctor about this test, as she can provide you with information that will help you feel comfortable and reduce your stress and anxiety.

Take it easy, and do not create reasons for embarrassment or stress, as the test will not take long, so do not distract yourself.

Ask for support from a friend, sister, or anyone close to you, to relieve you and help you get through this experience.