Endovaginal ultrasound, more commonly called transvaginal ultrasound, uses a specially shaped transducer inserted into the vaginal canal to image the pelvic organs from a much closer vantage point than is possible with a transabdominal approach. Because the transducer is positioned close to the uterus and ovaries, it can use higher frequencies, typically 5 to 10 MHz, producing images with superior resolution. This technique is the standard of care for evaluating early pregnancy, assessing endometrial abnormalities, characterizing ovarian cysts and masses, measuring cervical length, and investigating pelvic pain. Patients are typically positioned in lithotomy position, and the examination is performed with the patient’s consent after proper explanation of the procedure.
Sonography Term