EP 6: The Pelvic Ultrasound 

Sarah! We are so glad you found your way to our video, we adore & care so much for our patients and hope that by sharing these videos we can help others to show the same amount of compassion. Do take care 🙏

What age were u?

Does the pelvic examination hurts? Because I’ve appointment for it and since it’s my first time I’m so worried and scared.

No it doesn't hurt. The wand is long but only the end of it goes in.

Hi!!may I know if ever you're virgin you can still go this kind of examination??thank you.hoping for reply🥺

Thank you for sharing this!🙏🏻

Really needed to hear this. I have really bad anxiety and some sensory issues with touch and sound, so knowing that it's a quick process is wonderful.

@@nadissaryuu I hope it all goes well, I'm sure it will xx

I'm having the scans in the morning. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm naturally tight as well and was having some concern about pain with the internal probe. Happy to hear you had none!

Thankyou

Thank you for your feedback! I hope the scan went well ans you felt more at ease. It can definitely be daunting but knowing you're in control of what happens to your body makes a big difference. Take care :)

I guess some of the people who do this job have been so deeply traumatized themselves, they’re beyond having any empathy for anyone else. Zombies.

Oh thank you so much! We are also so happy to be back making videos and laughing at eachother :)

Thank 👏 you. I've had the same "it doesn't hurt" told to me that were lies. Everyone is different. I have mine tomorrow, so we'll see. But even things like speculums. The one's I've had feel like sharp metal and I bled after. Why can't they be silicone tipped or something? With all the things humanity has accomplished and we can't do basic kindness and comforts for women and people with vaginas. Things can hurt and it's important to make sure people are comfortable.

@@kristentortellini9137 try not to worry too much. I had a transvaginal scan last week. I'm a virgin but lied because in the UK they don't give them otherwise and I have been very worried so needed the scan. I also lied for a smear in the past too because they also wouldn't give me one of them in the past either. Anyway long story short, as a virgin the smear was 100% more painful. The transvaginal was not uncomfortable at all, it wasn't too large and if I as a virgin didn't squint or feel uncomfortable I'm hoping you will be ok. I think people describing discomfort might be partly because the issues that are being investigated may be irritated by the wand or something. They put lube on the wand, then a condom over it then lube over the condom, it's much shorter than I expected and doesn't feel like it goes anywhere near as deep as the smear. If they are checking your bladder they move it around a bit but you don't feel it. It gives a much clearer image than the regular external pelvic scan and they found I had a tiny fibroid that wasn't seen, other than that they said it was fine. Please don't worry too much, if you do feel discomfort let them know and they will be more gentle. Remember you have autonomy over your body.. Good luck x

Especially inserting IUDs. They should use sedatives and local anesthesia.

@@kristentortellini9137 how did your ultrasound go? I'm so nervous

@@foolgazer Mine was very painful. I kept wincing and the tech kept asking me if I was alright because she could see how much pain I was in. I just told her to keep going. I know the techs aren't supposed to day anything, but she asked me "did your doctor ever say anything about PCOS?" And I said that I had heard about it. But when I went back to my gynecologist she said everything looked normal, but I'm going to be honest I'm sceptical with that response. Overall, it was painful and I hurt the rest of the day, but was gone by the next. I've heard that many people don't find it painful, I even asked the tech and she said it shouldn't hurt. It's worth doing to see if something is going on. It doesn't last long at all. You can do it.

Oh why thank you so much! Linda loves talking & I love laughing with her so it works perfectly 😊

It is a pretty uncomfortable process, having to hold your pee! We understand that totally! We hope all goes well at your appointment, be sure to ask as many questions as possible so you understand what's going on fully :)

They exist, but you don't ever HAVE to have one. It's always up to you :)

256 Shades of Grey thank you! They didn’t end up doing that one for me for reasons lol.. they decided to take another look using the first method which according to them they got great images so hopefully it was good enough :)

did you end up having a cyst? I'm in the same situation and so nervous

No they still don’t know why and it seems like they don’t care. The pain isn’t as bad but still.

@@L.U.N.A.O.S.C.U.R.A man i'm sorry that is so not okay. sometimes it feels like if nothing shows up on your tests that Dr's just let you fall to the side instead of trying even harder to figure it out

@@foolgazer Unfortunately that’s exactly what happens.

@@foolgazerI did… Now I go every 3 months to monitor the size. Had all those symptoms stated above.

That is great to hear Mira. It can be a daunting scan but just know that you're in full control as to what happens with your body. Take care :)

Oh the ovaries can be very tricky! Take your time, breathe and they will become easier over time. Be gentle and kind to the patient in the meantime as to them, they aren't just ovaries... it's their body and a sacred space :) take care!

@ 256 Shades of grey please can I ask if you can have the internal ultra sound scan done with the probe if you have not been sexually active or are still a virgin. I have suffered with heavy periods for years and got referred to have a ultra sound scan. When I had it done. She said she could do an internal examine with a probe. I said I was quite an anxious person and found smear tests quite painful. The nurse and younger girl then laughed at me when I said I wasn't sexually active and never had been. I found the whole experience upsetting and humiliating. Surely I am entitled to have an internal scan to find out what is wrong even though I am not sexually active. Can they not sedate or knock you out when you have the procedure done?

Thank you for your message! I think, no matter what country you are in, you have a choice as to what is done to your body. These scans don't need to be scary, or be horrible experiences. They do have medical relevance and can be very helpful for some people. If you are feeling nervous about the whole thing I would suggest writing down any questions or concerns that you have so that when you go in, you have it all there and you don't have to try and remember it! Know that you have every right to refuse a scan and every right to ask questions. You'll find that a lot of people in this field are very understanding if you let them know how you are feeling. Hormonal imbalances occur for many many reasons (stress being a major factor) so there are lots of different avenues to wander down. Take deep slow breaths (through the nose) to help if any anxious feelings arise and just know, you always have a choice. Its your body. With love, Petrina

@@256shadesofgrey6 that’s me right now I’m 17 as well and I’ve been getting this extreme pain on both of my ovaries and they said i will get a pelvic ultrasound so I have to wait for the letter tbh i feel like one of my ovaries burst so I honestly don’t know what to do 😭❤️

@@khadijaaah._5315 sometimes cysts can form on the ovaries (cysts can form anywhere in the body really!) And they can burst which causes lots of pain. However sometimes this pain and just be ovulation (when the ovary releases an egg, this happens mid cycle). So maybe it is best to take note of your next cycle, note when you get your period, note any pain or discomfort & keep a track. Your body is either trying to tell you something or perhaps you may just have started noticing more things! The ovary itself wouldn't have burst, but perhaps it was as above, either a cyst or ovulation. Have a read up of what a menstrual cycle involves, it is amazing! And you may find more calm with the more info you know about your body x

@@256shadesofgrey6 yah I think it’s a cyst and I can see a print of a big lump on my left ovary I told my doctor a week ago that I’ve been getting this pain and they said I will get a letter but I’ve been waiting for so long and I can already see the print which means it’s serious I honestly don’t know what to do because what if it bursts 😭

@@khadijaaah._5315 I am sorry we can't help you more! Take care of yourself, maybe incorporate big deep breaths with slow exhales into your day, especially when you may feel stressed or anxious about your body. They can burst, have some pain but the pain subsides, however this can vary from patient to patient. Best to try to see a different doctor or perhaps even someone in the holistic health field if you are concerned. Lots of love to you!

It depends on the size, position, your body, many things!!

This is an invasive procedure. Before touching you, the procedure should have been explained to you and your understanding of it confirmed and your consent to the exam requested. If this was not done you have suffered medical abuse. Make a complaint.

Hi! Internal ultrasounds will give them a better look at the ovaries ans uterus. However Ultrasound isnt a reliable diagnosis for PCOS. It is more regularly diagnosed clincially and with hormonal testing. Also, a wonderful avenue to explore could be chinese herbal medicine, they have a great handle on hormonal imbalances and challenges with regular menstrual cycles etc :) cheers, Petrina

Hi Vas! Thank you for messaging us. It can be a daunting time but please try to enter into the scan with a clear mind and without any preconceived ideas of how it is going to be. Just know that at any time you have the right to stop the scan and that you are able to ask questions to clear up anything that might be confusing. Take care!

You should ask about the Depo shot. I was bleeding heavy for 21 days straight and my doctor gave me the depo & by day 2 my beading had completely stopped.

@@T.hatsAri it’s over 7 months and I still have them, going for another look at a different gynocologist now. May be uterus cancer

@@vasmasuk2644 Hey are you okay now?

@@vasmasuk2644 Are you ok?,I wish you health and happiness.

You can’t empty your bladder 2 hours before 😅 you can eat before

Maybe your muscles weren’t fully relaxed due to being nervous perhaps?

Hi! PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound alone. They have to take into account your hormone levels, symptoms as well as results from the scan. A pelvic scan CAN involve both modes of scanning but the transvaginal will only be done with your consent. I hope that helps! Cheers, Petrina

Omg I have pain too when it’s inserted 😅

Hi Courtney! You may have to discuss this with the technician. When I was scanning, if the lovely patient had been sexually active & was comfortable with having an internal scan then we would go ahead with it. It allows us to view the ovaries better so we can give more info to the doc. However, the decision is entirely yours and whatever YOU are comfortable with. Take care, Petrina :)

@@256shadesofgrey6 thanks for the reply. Would this happen to be the same case for someone who wasny sexually active?

Hi! Thanks for the question. Did they play a sound during the exam? It may have been the sound of the blood rushing through an artery in your pelvic area. This will sound like your heart beat :)

Yes, they played the sound for a short time. I was wondering who's heartbeat that belonged to.Thank you for answering my question and for your video.

This sounds very stressful for you. Irregual menstrual bleeding can be very confronting however it is also a sign that something is out of balance. Stress also makes this much worse so perhaps finding someone to talk to about it, or finding ways to calm (meditation breathing, yoga etc) so you can start to listen to your body. It isn't attacking you, it's just pointing out that something is out of balance. I recommend this resource in the meantime www.wombenwellness.com/ Back to the scan, it can be done while bleeding and it is something that commonly happens. They want to check if there is anything physically happening to cause the bleeding. Again, do your best to take long breaths, rest & listen to your dear body. Take care, Petrina

There is a tea called healthy cycle tea that helps with heavy periods. It works good when drank at least 3 times a day while on your period. Also, ask doctor to check your progesterone levels.

Hi! Thanks for your question. The probe is covered with a sterile probe cover for the transvaginal examination. Once the exam is finished, the probe cover is removed and the probe is placed in a steralising unit for a good clean. So each examination, the probe has been sterilized as well as being covered with a new sterile probe cover :) I hope that answered all of your questions!

@@256shadesofgrey6 well, that is hard to believe. i noticed at the OBGYN clinic patients are seen back-to-back with standard TVU’s for nearly each patient. There is only one US scanner, so easy to conclude no time for sterilizing the probe after each patient!

Whoa literal same boat! Just went to my doc today and got scheduled to do this scan. Have had 1 period in the last 2 years!

I drink it all bit by bit starting the hour before. 24 oz not 32 and it was fine. I waited until I was at the place too.

I had to drink so much water and I had to pee before I left… then I kept drinking in the waiting room and I felt like peeing so bad. I ended up telling them and they told me to go to the toilet and I couldn’t go. I rekon I damaged my bladder that day.

Hi Danielle. The internal pelvic ultrasound can sometimes be a little uncomfortable and depending on why the patient is there, it may be a little more than uncomfortable..but just remember that at any time you have the right to decline or end the scan if it hurts (You don't have to do anything you don't want to!). The internal scan gives the sonographer much more detail of the uterus and the ovaries but we are still usually able to get an overall idea of those organs from the external scan. It really is case by case as to what happens but the patient is in control of what scans happen . At the end of the day it is your body :) thanks for the questions! Cheers, Petrina

@@256shadesofgrey6 Thanks. I'm supposed to get one due to heavy bleeding and I was told that only sexually active women got it. ((as you can see I am not))

@@sirenia1241 this will be something to discuss with the sonographer on the day but usually I don't do internal scans if the patient hasn't been sexually active unless it is an extreme case. Cheers, Petrina

@@256shadesofgrey6 is cervix seen in pelvis ultrasound?thanks!

@@justsavannah082 yes. They can assess the cervix but usually best done with an internal scan. Take care, Petrina x

Thanks for your question! The gel comes straight from the packet and onto the probe, no contact with our fingers so we didn't see any reason to wear 2 gloves. We avoid any unnecessary touching of the equipment & the gel :)

Hi! Thank you for the question! There are often deviations in the amount within the bladder when the ultrasound volume is compared with the actual volume of urine. The only way to really compare the volume is to measure the volume using ultrasound when full and then measure using ultrasound after going to the toilet. I hope that helps! Cheers, Petrina

Thanks for the quick answer. Is it also possible to precisely determine the volume of the bladder without ultrasound?

@@drei000 do you mean the volume of liquid in the bladder at any one time or the maximum volume that the bladder could hold?

@@256shadesofgrey6 Measure the exact bladder volume in the ultrasound and then the urine in ml to check the ultrasound results

How do you keep a bladder diary?

You should tell them in advance. They should also have a nitrile cover which they also make disposable gloves from, or maybe something else. If you have a real allergy, you must tell them.

How did it end up?

@rainbxwghost Well, I was allowed to keep my thong on since it wouldn't get in the way and was super stretchy, and there was a bathroom attached to the room to undress the bottom in. Was given a sheet to wrap around to come back out with. I got to use my own lube since I can't stand the KY jelly stuff. Had a woman do my scan. Though she was either new or didn't care when I told her that one spot she was pressing on hurt really bad. Not a super terrible experience, but not a good one either.

Hi! Thanks for your question. The transvaginal ultrasound can be a part of the pelvic ultrasound. They will usually assess the pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries, bladder) from the top, through your belly first and then if needed, they may recommend a transvaginal scan but it is totally up to you what is done to your body. Feel free to ask them questions and ensure you are comfortable with what happens. Take care!

@@256shadesofgrey6 thanks for answering but I have one more question. Does transrectal and transvaginal has the same accuracy of results? i have not been sexually active for more than a year and i am not comfortable with them doing it by transvaginal.

You can only do your best Debbie :) don't drink lots of water, just keep sipping until you start to feel full. Everyone's capacity to hold is different and like I said, you can only do your best. Take care!

Everywhere has different procedures but here in Aus we use a condom to cover the probe then remove after use and put the probe in a sterilising machine :)

I saw they just use some type of disinfecting whipe and put it back.

@@BlancaIngles88 maybe while in the room, but I know at my facility the sterilizing machine is outside of the room, so that isn’t done until after the pt has left

@@CallMeMaykes makes sense. Lol thanks for replying

Transrectal isn't a scan used to check the pelvis but transvaginal is. The Transvaginal is more accurate but it is totally up to you what you are comfortable in doing. Speak openly with the technician and they should be understanding. Take care!

@@256shadesofgrey6 I have a friend who has been asked if she is a virgin. She said yes, then the ultrasound she got was transrectal ultrasound.

@@mitsuhamiyamizu101 I guess every country has their own standards and procedures so best to speak with the technician you have on the day. All the best!

This can be frightening, we understand that! But know that you have a choice. The most important part. If you don't want an internal scan, say 'no'. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to request more information if you are confused. Education is key!

@@256shadesofgrey6 Thank you for answering my question

Hatdog Lumpya oh gosh 🤦🏽‍♀️😭

@@lianlayer6385 thanks for your reply

If pelvic is small normal delivery is possible ?

It can be done, there are some women and doctors who might be reserved about it, but there is no medical reason it could'nt be done in a virigin woman. Vaginas are the same before and after having sex.

I had one 3 days ago, the ultra sound lady said she doesn’t do them on virgins

Due to the way the system is set up, the results go back to your doctor and you get the results from there. Generally the tech will only tell you of there is something really wrong that requires urgent attention. So, unfortunately (or until the system evolves) you will have to get the results from your doc. Take care :) Petrina

256 Shades of Grey I feel so bad . I wish we can get results at the time test are done. Well 😊 thank you so much

@@reyesfam7636 we wish so too! Take care :)

@@reyesfam7636 which your problem . Share with number whatup number +919050621251

Hi Gladys. Thank you for trusting us however it may be best to see some form of professional in your local area regarding the symptoms but also taking the time to listen to your body. A lot of changes happen during this time and there really is no 'normal'. This just highlights the need to be in touch with your body. Take care, Petrina

@@256shadesofgrey6 ok thank you.. I just had my tvscan 2 days ago.

@@gladysortega6134 ok! Take care of yourself & thanks again for trusting us with your question :)

I am as-well I’m getting one tomorrow I’ll let you know what happens if it will help?

@@crazydog1625 how'd it go?

@@baileybarnett2276 so my doctor had me scheduled for one but when I went to place to get it done, they refused to do it Because I was a virgin. And they ended up doing a regular ultrasound.

They did a ultrasound and they found an orange size fibroid

transrectal ultrasound

Hi Kita! Thanks for your comment. The probe is covered with a cover/condom for each examination with it being cleaned (once the cover is removed) in a sterilising machine called a Trophon :)

@@petrinaking3388 is this something every hospital do or no

Because i was so nervous yesterday i camt recall i know i put it inside myself but i can't say if it was covered or not all i no is im going up there tomorrow to ask them personally

@@kitaboo1579 totally understand not being able to recall, there is a lot going on at the time. Every practice should definitely cover the probe before inserting it so I would assume that they did put a cover on it. They may have put one on before you got in the room even!

@@petrinaking3388 yes i hope so for there sake because tomorrow im going to raose hell and they will be playing a tape back even if they say aint no camera in the room somebody gone know tomorrow.

That is totally understandable and at the end of the day, it is up to you what happens to your body. Take care & make the choices that are best for you. With love, Petrina x

Lmaooo sorry🙊 I'm having this done next week, yikes

Mine did too. I’m not consenting to it.