Being told you need a transvaginal (internal) scan can feel daunting — especially if you expected a simple tummy scan. Understanding why it's recommended usually puts patients at ease.
What It Is
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim, specially designed probe (about the width of two fingers), covered with a protective sheath and gel, gently inserted a short distance into the vagina. This places the probe centimetres away from the uterus and ovaries, rather than viewing them from outside through the abdominal wall.
Why It's Often Better Than an Abdominal Scan
Image resolution in ultrasound drops with distance. By getting close, the transvaginal approach delivers far sharper detail of:
- The lining of the uterus (endometrium) — crucial for investigating abnormal bleeding
- The ovaries — small cysts and follicles that abdominal scans can miss
- Very early pregnancy — a heartbeat can be seen roughly a week earlier than abdominally
- Fibroids, polyps, and the cervix
It also works well regardless of body size and doesn't need a full bladder.
What to Expect
You'll undress from the waist down in private, be covered with a sheet, and can insert the probe yourself if you prefer. Most patients describe pressure, not pain — similar to a smear test. A chaperone can be present, and you can decline or stop at any time; an abdominal scan can be done instead, with the understanding that detail may be reduced.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Ready to Book Your Ultrasound Scan?
Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos offers ultrasound scans by appointment only, Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm. Book online and choose a time that works for you.