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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Yong Moma | Posted under Pregnancy
Transvaginal Ultrasound
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There are three standard pelvic ultrasound methods:1. Transabdominal - most common where the transducer is passed across the abdomen.2. Transrectal - used mostly for male pelvic organs such as prostate.3. Transvaginal - shaped to fit into the woman's vagina and used to look for problems relating to fertility as well as female problems. These tests can be done to find the cause of pelvic pain, look for the cause of vaginal bleeding, look for pelvic inflammatory disease, find an IUD, check the endometrium, look at the size of the ovaries and check their shape, check the condition of the ovaries relating to fertility, confirm a pregnancy and the term, find a tubal pregnancy, check for fibroids, and a host of other female problems. You will be asked to show up at the ultrasound lab at your appointment time. You should not have any fluids for 4 hours prior to your test. You will be asked to empty your bladder and then to remove your clothing and you will be covered with a paper blanket. . The test will be done by either a sonographer or a radiologist. You will have to remove any jewelry because it interferes. The transvaginal probe will be covered with a latex cover. If you are allergic to latex it is important to let the technician know. You will be lying on your back with your hips just slightly raised. The transducer will be lubricated and the tip will be inserted into the vagina. You will need to lie very still while the images are being taken. This type of ultrasound can provide more information than the transabdominal ultrasound in women who are overweight, are being treated or checked for infertility, have a full bladder problems, have heavy gas in the intestines. The pictures from the transvaginal ultrasound are very clear, in fact much clearer than the abdominal test. That's because the transducer gets closer to the organs that it is scanning. This test is very safe although the transvaginal method does have a slight risk of infection. If your doctor is doing a biopsy the risk of infection jumps to very high. If you have any unusual discharge or develop a fever it is important to contact your doctor. There are some things that will affect the outcome of this test. If you are unable to remain completely still during the test the results will be inaccurate. Obesity can also create problems as can an open wound on the abdomen. A full bladder is required so that the organs are more noticeable. Ultrasounds cost a lot less than many other tests that take pictures of your organs. In some cases you will still require a CT scan or MRI but the ultrasound is a good place to start. It has also become a popular fertility tool. Doctors will regularly order an any one of three ultrasound options. That's because it's a test that you can afford and it's a test that gives a lot of information in a short period of time a win-win all the way around. The transvaginal is not a test that women look forward to much preferring the transabdominal procedure. That said the vaginal test can provide answers that can't be found via the abdomen and it isn't painful only a bit uncomfortable. The test takes about 20 minutes and the hardest part is having to lie perfectly still. Ultrasounds are used for a variety of testing but are most well known for being used during pregnancy and female issues. During pregnancy it is used to see the development of the baby. It uses sound wave to show a picture of the baby. The 2D technology is most common but 4D technology is also available which shows real time movement of the baby. An ultrasound can be done as early as 8 weeks and it is very common for an ultrasound to be done between 8 and 12 weeks to determine how pregnant you are and when your due date will be. From 10 and 13 weeks your Doctor will generally order a scan to check specific birth defects relating to the brain and spinal cord. By the second trimester it can be used to check for major birth defects, proper growth and to aid if amniocentesis is performed. And during the last trimester it is used to ensure the correct amount of amniotic fluid is present and that baby is growing correctly and moving properly within the womb and in the correct position. The transvaginal ultrasound is a valuable test that can provide information that could save your life so when your Doctor orders one don't put it off. Have it done as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did. About The Author: Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At http://www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories. |
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