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Forum Name: Gynecology

Question: TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND FOR VIRGINS?

teehee826 - Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:53 am

Is this possible? and are there other kinds of transducers used? please help!

Dr. Chan Lowe - Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:56 pm

The answer to your question is: maybe. Often women will have a ruptured hymen even if they are virgins due to bike riding, etc. If the hymen is not intact, or if the hymen has a sufficient opening through it a vaginal ultrasound is generally possible. If the hymenal opening is not sufficiently large a transvaginal ultrasound may not be possible. Part of this ability lies in the experience of the ultrasound technician as well. Some are better at performing these ultrasounds than others. The transducers used for transvaginal ultrasounds are generally quite thin with a slightly enlarged tip for the ultrasound probe. If you have had a pelvic examination an ultrasound should be quite easy as the probe is a fair amount smaller than the speculum. (The smaller probes are about the size of a tampon.) Of note, there are some larger type transvaginal ultrasound probes that would probably not be the best for a virginal exam. Hope this helps.

teehee826 - Wed Feb 21, 2007 11:44 pm

thank you so much for your reply! heres the thing, my last contact was 2 or 3 years before, but my parents don't know that. but stupid me, told my mom about my experience at the ob/gyn. I had no idea that that procedure was only done to non-virgins! so now im coming up with a reason or some sort of excuse that it can also be done to virgins. from the pictures I see on the internet and articles on ultrasounds, the transducers are so much smaller than what was used on me! it had a bigger tip and than the ones I see! is it possible that there isnt one here in our country?

Dr. Chan Lowe - Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:05 am

I do not know where you are from base on your post. Often, many probes are available but each individual office may only have one or two types of probes. The type of probe that I believe you are referring does indeed have a significantly larger probe end. It would typically not be used on a virginal girl unless there was no other choice and even then may not be usable. On a different note, broaching the subject of intercourse with your parents can be extremely difficult; however, if you are dealing with a medical problem you may benefit from their advice and reassurance. Best wishes. Let us know if we can be of more help.

teehee826 - Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:13 am

ok! thank you very much for your replies! it was of great help!

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