Transvaginal Ultrasound for Pregnancy: How Can It Benefit Me?

Whether you want peace of mind that everything is working as it should before you start trying for a baby or there are symptoms concerning you once you fall pregnant, a transvaginal ultrasound can give you the clarity you’re looking for.

Here are 5 reasons to have this safe and effective procedure.

Fibroid detection

Did you know? 25% of women have fibroids, which are benign uterine growths. Some fibroids can make it difficult to conceive due to where they sit in the uterus and their size.

Your transvaginal ultrasound will spot these, and your clinician may need to send you for a myomectomy to have these removed, which can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Spotting cysts

In many cases, ovarian fluid-filled cysts are harmless and won’t threaten your ability to conceive. However, your fertility might be affected if you have cysts due to endometrioses or PCOS. Laparoscopic surgery may be needed to remove the cysts, a minimally invasive and routine procedure.

Uterine lining problems

When performed in the middle of your cycle, a transvaginal ultrasound will produce an incredibly clear picture of the anatomy of your endometrium (the layer of tissue that lines the uterus). If we find this particularly thin during your cycle when it should be thick, this could be why you’re struggling to become pregnant.

There are natural ways of improving the thickness of the uterine lining, including taking exercise and limiting substances that restrict blood flow. We may recommend estrogen supplements or refer you for further tests.

Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)

Whilst PID is detectable with a swab, and occasionally with touch, your doctor here at Bodyvie may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to gain ironclad confirmation. 1 in 10 women with PID becomes infertile, but the good news is that the risk of infertility is significantly reduced with early detection.

Antibiotics are usually sufficient for eliminating the infection, though some women may need to go to the hospital for surgery if an abscess is found to be the cause.

Detect the fetal heartbeat at 6 weeks

The NHS will invite you for your first scan at around 10-14 weeks. However, if you’ve had trouble conceiving in the past and would like the peace of mind that things are progressing well, it is possible to have this at six weeks at a private clinic.

A 6-week ultrasound scan is also instrumental for detecting ectopic pregnancy, which poses a particular risk to women opting for assisted reproduction.

Even if you have conceived naturally, 6 weeks scans are highly recommended as they can detect a blighted ovum, which is the cause of 50% of miscarriages.

Radiation-free procedure

Transvaginal ultrasounds do not use any radiation, unlike an X-ray. This makes them suitable and safe for your fetus.

Experienced & caring clinicians working for you

Our sonographers here at Bodyvie understand that preparing to conceive and become pregnant can be as stressful and challenging as exciting and amazing.

Our team of doctors and sonographers are experienced and here to look after your emotional welfare.

Contact us here at Bodyvie to book your transvaginal ultrasound or learn more about our ultrasound services.