SUGO doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. The right ultrasound technique needs to be used to optimize the diagnostic potential. An individualized patient-focused approach is ideal.
Ultrasound can be done a few ways depending on the patient, the reason for the ultrasound, and the request from the referring doctor or healthcare provider:
Transabdominal ultrasound – this is when a probe is placed on your abdomen to assess the necessary structures; a full bladder is generally necessary.
Transvaginal ultrasound – this is when a probe is placed inside of the vagina to assess the necessary structures; an empty bladder is generally necessary. Many individuals believe that women and those assigned female at birth who have never been sexually active cannot undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. This is a myth. Here at SUGO, we believe that the patient should be able to make the decision that is right for them regardless of their sexual history.
Transrectal ultrasound – this is when a probe is placed inside of the rectum to assess the necessary structures; an empty bladder is generally necessary.
Specialized ultrasound techniques:
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) – this is an ultrasound procedure that involves placing a small catheter inside of the uterus and infusing fluid into the uterus to separate the walls (like a balloon filling with air or water). While the fluid is being infused, a transvaginal ultrasound is completed to evaluate the inside of the uterus.
Tubal patency ultrasound – this is an ultrasound procedure that is like saline infusion sonohysterography that uses a catheter to infuse fluid into the uterus; however, instead of watching the inside of the uterine cavity, the fluid is watched as it attempts to flow through the Fallopian tubes. If they are open, the fluid is seen on ultrasound flowing through the tubes from the uterus to outside of the uterus.
