Ultrasound examination either with an abdominal or vaginal probe makes part of any regular gynecological exam. It is done using either a half-curved abdominal probe placed on the abdomen of a lying patient having a full urinary bladder, or a cylindrical transvaginal probe inserted into the vagina of the patient with an empty bladder. The technique is used both in gynecology and obstetrics.
Transvaginal scanning enables the evaluation of normal pelvic anatomy: size, shape and echosonicity of the uterus; thickness and appearance of the uterine mucosa; size, shape and appearance of the ovaries, enlarged oviducts, if any, and the pelvic bottom. In dealing with sterility, ultrasound is used to monitor ovulation and the uterine mucosa in preparation for assisted reproduction. Ultrasound enables early detection of intrauterine pregnancy, and monitoring the fetal growth and development. Besides prenatal evaluation of fetal health, ultrasound also enables careful viewing of the placenta, amniotic fluid levels and the uterine cervix.
