Choosing an appropriate diagnostic tool is essential when treating a woman’s health. Whether it is for a routine check-up, abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, the ultrasound is recommended by healthcare providers. However, there are many types of ultrasound, with the most popular being transvaginal and pelvic, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Knowing their difference can help you make informed decisions about the scans. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is a painless external imaging technique that uses a transducer (a handheld device) to examine the pelvic region's organs. In this procedure, the healthcare provider applies a gel to the lower abdomen and uses a transducer to take images of the organs.
Advantages of Pelvic Ultrasound
Comfortable and non-invasive: A major benefit of a pelvic ultrasound is that it is conducted outside the body, making it ideal for those who are uncomfortable with internal examinations. It is painless, quick and does not need any preparation other than a full bladder.
Good overall picture: This scan gives a broad view of your internal organs, particularly for determining the position, shape and size of the ovaries and uterus. Issues like ovarian cysts and fibroids are easily identified with a pelvic ultrasound.
Accessible: It is the first diagnostic test offered when you report unusual bleeding or pelvic pain. It is a routine test available in most places, making it easily accessible to most people.
Limitations of Pelvic Ultrasound
Not so detailed images: The images of organs are not very comprehensive, as the transducer is used outside the body. This can be a limitation when the doctor needs to look at small or complex details.
Does not detect early pregnancy signs: Early embryo or fetal heartbeats, which are early signs of pregnancy, are not detected. For finer details, transvaginal scans are recommended.
Influence of physical factors: Body weight, bowel gas, and the position of organs may affect image clarity, making it difficult to obtain a clear view.
When is It Used?
Pelvic scan investigation to know the reason for unexplained pelvic pain, like endometriosis, ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
Confirm pregnancy, identify abnormalities or inspect fetal development.
To assess reproductive health and fertility issues.
To find and monitor ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids and their sizes.
Procedure
It is pain-free and straightforward. You have to lie on the table with your belly exposed. A gel is applied to the belly for smooth movement of the transducer and clear images. The scan takes 20-30 minutes, during which the transducer is glided across the belly to take pictures of the organs.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is more invasive as it is an internal procedure. A wand-like, slim probe is positioned inside the vagina to capture reproductive organs images.
Advantages of Transvaginal Ultrasound
Detailed imaging: The transvaginal ultrasound's benefit is the image clarity it offers. Since the transducer is placed internally close to reproductive organs, the images are detailed. This is useful for detecting early signs of pregnancy or small cysts.
Ideal for early pregnancy: Using a transvaginal scan is the most recommended way to confirm early pregnancy. It checks for fetal heartbeat and embryo development. It is also used to detect ectopic pregnancies.
Precision: To detect tiny fibroids, the uterine lining, or other small abnormalities, a transvaginal scan provides precision.
Limitations of Transvaginal Ultrasound
Invasive: Inserting a device into your internal parts can be uncomfortable.
Limited scope: While they give great, detailed images, they have a narrow view, unlike pelvic scans. So it is effective when you want to check specific areas. For a broader overview, choose pelvic scans.
Not for everyone: It is not suitable for women with medical conditions, who are not sexually active or are uncomfortable with this procedure.
When is It Used?
Early pregnancy monitoring to get a clear view, especially to detect fetal heartbeat or determine ectopic pregnancies.
When a detailed assessment is needed to have a closer look at issues like pelvic pain or irregular bleeding.
Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and other such conditions can be better seen using a transvaginal scan.
Cervical evaluation in high-risk pregnancies.
Procedure
You will be asked to lie on your back with your knees bent and feet placed in stirrups or flat on the examination table. The technician or doctor will cover a thin, wand-like device (called a transducer) with a protective sheath and apply a small amount of gel to help with image clarity. The transducer is then gently inserted into the vagina to capture detailed images of the reproductive organs.
The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and may cause mild discomfort, but it is usually well-tolerated and not painful.
Comparing Ultrasound Procedures
Choosing between a transvaginal or pelvic scan depends on what needs to be checked internally.
The pelvic ultrasound procedure provides a broad overview of the pelvic area's organs and is typically the first step in evaluation. For general symptoms or a routine checkup, a pelvic scan would suffice.
Transvaginal ultrasound is recommended for detailed examinations of the uterus and surrounding areas. It is invasive, but a go-to for early pregnancy determination or when in-depth images are needed.
Uterine fibroids: A transvaginal scan is an effective method for assessing fibroids, as it provides detailed images.
Ovarian cysts: To evaluate small ovarian cysts that are not seen on pelvic scans, transvaginal ultrasound is preferred.
Fertility issues: Transvaginal ultrasound is effective as it gives a clear view of the uterus and ovaries.
Endometriosis: Both can detect this condition, but a transvaginal scan provides better visuals.
Are They Safe?
Pelvic ultrasound is considered safe, as it is a non-invasive procedure with no known side effects. However, some women may feel minor discomfort during imaging due to the pressure applied.
A transvaginal ultrasound is similar to a pelvic scan, but requires preparation. Some women may feel uncomfortable due to the invasiveness, but it does not harm any tissues or organs.
Conclusion
Both transvaginal and pelvic ultrasounds are important diagnostic tools, each having a different purpose. A pelvic scan is a non-invasive procedure that offers a broad view of the organs, making it suitable for general assessments. A transvaginal ultrasound provides a closer and detailed look, making it ideal for gynaecological diagnostic conditions. When it comes to transvaginal ultrasound, safety and pelvic scan are both safe. Understanding the major difference between these two ultrasound scans helps you be more prepared and informed when discussing them with your doctor. Whether you are monitoring early pregnancy, abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, your healthcare provider will offer the best choice that is appropriate for your condition.
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How should I prepare for a pelvic ultrasound versus a transvaginal scan?
For a pelvic scan, you should have a full bladder and for a transvaginal scan, an empty bladder.
How long does each scan take?
Both pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds typically take 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
A pelvic ultrasound is usually quicker and may take around 15–20 minutes, depending on how easily the organs can be visualised.
A transvaginal ultrasound may take a little longer, about 20–30 minutes, as it provides more detailed imaging and may require a more focused examination.
Are there any risks associated with transvaginal ultrasounds?
No. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered safe as the procedure uses sound waves, and there is no radiation exposure.