Your doctor has requested a transvaginal ultrasound. Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body and create detailed images which the physician can study. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.
This exam can be performed during menstruation. If you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, you will need to remove the tampon before the test.
Drink 32oz on any liquid one hour before your examination time. Try to drink all the liquid within 30 minutes.
Do not urinate before the exam. Arrive for your exam with a full bladder.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Once in the examination room, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be positioned on your back on the exam table, with your legs raised - just like for a pelvic exam.
A small, lubricated probe, called a transducer, will be inserted into your vagina. The transducer is inserted like a tampon. The transducer is larger than a tampon, but smaller than the speculum that your doctor uses for a pelvic exam.
During the exam you will feel a light amount of pressure. You may be requested to lie still, change positions, hold your breath and/or just breath normally.
Soundwaves will pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer. The soundwaves bounce off certain organs and tissue in the body. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer. A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals. These moving images may be viewed immediately, recorded and/or photographed for physician review.
Occasionally the radiologist may request additional images.
Your procedure will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Your study will be reviewed by a imaging physician and the results sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
