Intravaginal Ultrasound, anybody care to share?

Kayiena · 08-10-2005, 02:43 PM

So, my doctor scheduled me for an US next week, and its the first of this type I've ever had. The only ultrasound I've ever had was on my leg when I had a blood clot, and I know this one won't be anything like that.
Anyway, she's trying to figure out why my normally regular cycle has suddenly gone anything but. I was dx'd three years ago, but they never did any kind of pelvic exam, just blood work and an mri to make sure I didn't have a brain tumor (yes, that's an issue, my mom has tiny ones in her pituitary, and they were afraid I might too). So new doc says that I should get this done, and we'll go from there. I'm scared as to what they are going to find, and I really don't know what to expect. I want to take DH, and I'm sure he'll go, just means I have to get him before I go, but it still freaks me out. I have NO idea what is going to happen, I've had menstrual problems since I hit puberty, and never once has anyone looked at my uterus or ovaries! Scary, yah! So, any experiences would be most helpful! Thank you all!

jlbrown122 · 08-10-2005, 02:56 PM

I had 2 when I was pregnant and 1 when I first went to my re. There is a little discomfort, but it isn't too bad. The only thing I really felt was when the doctor moved the ultrasound diagonal to look at each ovary. It doesn't last long. I know you can't help but worry, but it is really nothing to worry about. I knew I was going to have one with my re and I didn't worry about it at all because I knew what to expect. Good luck and try not to worry too much.

JuliannePCOS · 08-10-2005, 03:02 PM

It's a "wand" that has a camera on the end of it. It's no thicker than the average man's penis.... probably even half as thick..... and it's pretty long and covered with some sort of plastic so that there are no germs on it.

It's pretty long, so the tech will probably put some gel on it and have you put it in yourself... or have you guide it.... and there will be a blanket over you so no one can really see anything.

It doesn't have to move around in you a lot -- you'll barely be able to feel it move.... there's no pain involved.... unless your bladder is full.

Relax!

Kristina921 · 08-10-2005, 03:06 PM

I've had 2 also....I made it seem alot worse in my head then it really was! If you feel uncomfortable, you can ask if the tech will let you insert the wand yourself...Once I got past the initial embarrassment, I was fine. They usually cover you with a sheet so they makes it better cause you aren't just hanging out. Also, when I had mine, the tech had the light off which also helped. Maybe little things you can request

For me, it wasnt any worse than a normal peliv exam...I hope it goes well for you!

Edited to say that I said alot of the same things, I should read the posts before me more carefully! haha!

champ5977 · 08-10-2005, 03:17 PM

I had one done. It was not bad at all. The procedure goes fairly quickly and does not hurt. you might have a little discomfort but that is it. My fiancee went with me and was able to come in the room with me. they put a sheet over you so no one can see anything. bring some one that you are going to be comfortable with, and that will help you feel a little at ease.

Kayiena · 08-10-2005, 04:13 PM

Does it strike anyone as odd that the doc specifically requested that I show up w/ a full bladder? What's the reason behind that? I'm not really so worried about the process, I can handle that, cause pelvic's don't phase me in the least, but I'm more worried about what they're going to find on it. Does that make any sense at all? *sigh* I just want it over and done with...

SnowFlower · 08-10-2005, 04:29 PM

mine was uncomfy but nothing too bad.

Leany · 08-10-2005, 04:39 PM

They ask you to have a full bladder so it is easier for the technincian to see and the picture is a lot clearer which is better so they wont miss anything crucial.

Tiggamoo · 08-10-2005, 04:51 PM

I've had one of those type of ultrasounds. Like others have said it's basically a long wand inserted to take an inner look. I didn't have to have a full bladder for mine. My ultrasound was to take a look to see if anything could be seen that would cause pelvic pain and if I had any cysts causing problems. My pelvic pain was from endometriosis I found out later when having a laproscopy.

I hope your ultrasound goes well for you.

JenStoutNumber2 · 08-10-2005, 04:55 PM

I had one about 5 years ago when I think my first doc suspected PCOS. I had to have a full bladder. They told me to drink some rediculous amount of water and then wait an hour! The car ride to the docs office was the most painful part of the whole thing. Unfortunatly I don't know if they found anything then because I was never told the results and they were never added to my medical records. Now with the dx I am scheduled for another one with a renal scan. I am kind of nervous about what may be found as well. I guess I will know tomorrow. Good luck with yours.

Jen

Darlene123 · 08-10-2005, 04:59 PM

Ive had 4-5 of them now... I have another scheduled Friday... my OBGYN has one in his office.

The first one I had to have a full bladder (She also did a regular on top of the tummy u/s), but every vaginal u/s after I didnt need that.

I was so scared the first time but its nothing... like everyone said, you are covered with a blanket/sheet/paper sheet... its just a long plastic covered camera. I have had no discomfort in any of them..... well except one I had to have on day 3 of my period and I was HEAVYYYYY... that was not a good experience.... and that was really just my own personal discomfort.

My doctor has been inducing my period, doing an u/s on day 3 to check my uterus lining (its too thick), and now Ive started Femara I have to have a day 14 u/s to check for follies.

Im so used to them now, no biggie.

Kayiena · 08-10-2005, 05:36 PM

Thank you guys for all the info! I knew you'd come through like champs! I did have to call and move it back just a bit, they'd scheduled it at the worst possible time, and she reminded me off the full bladder, so all my coworkers are on alert to not let me use the bathroom after lunch

And yeah, DH is going with me for sure, cause I want him there for one and I *know* he'll want to see anyway, he said he's going with me to my next annual, he wants to see that too. Are all guys that interested in how you look on the inside down there?? It's like, hello, *I* haven't even seen it as well as you have, since I can't disconnect my head and turn it to face that way! Goofball of a husband, I tell ya.

Anyways, thank you guys so much, it puts my mind at ease. Think they'll let me watch too? my last U/S was for a blood clot, that they did find, and the tech about passed out when she saw that one, so I'd at least like to have a clue what they're seeing this time!

Kristina921 · 08-10-2005, 05:55 PM

Thats strange about the bladder thing...for both of mine, I had to empty my bladder before...The only time I needed a full bladder was for the top of the tummy kind.

lovelyinkedlady · 08-10-2005, 06:23 PM

I've had one done, and i'll tell you this, i'll take a transvaginal ultra sound anyday!

It's not as bad as you might make it out to be in your head. Its' really eazy, just kick back and relax and let them do their thing.

It was a bit uncomfortable because i was tighting up, once i relaxed it was fine.

Day-n-Night · 08-10-2005, 06:27 PM

Kayiena,

I know all your Q's have been answered so I just want to wish you wonderful results and lighten your worries with a true funny.

On/Off topic funny -- My follical measuring u/s were always transvaginal. My ER and hospital was a two hr. drive from home. I was told how much water to drink for the u/s. I was young, new to al lthe fertility stuff and such an airhead, I could have sworn up and down they said to drink a gallon of water. So DH and I got in the car for our 2 hr trip and during the drive I swear to you all I downed the entire 1 gallon of water. We got there and I could barely walk w/o peeing my pants, I was in pain. We got to the office and it musta been a good 1/2 hour yet till I was called in for my u/s... talk about suffering.

She began the u/s and made me get up to pee I was too full, said to pee and stop so I still had some in me. I did. Came back she redid and sent me again to pee and stop.

In the end it all worked out but I now know to listen carefully to instructions LOL.

Kayiena, So long as you don't down a gallon of water the procedure will be a breeze

Huggies!