Hysterosonogram Vs. Transvaginal Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound and a hysterosonogram are procedures women health specialists, such as gynecologists, use to examine the female reproductive system. Although the transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosonogram perform similar functions, their use depends on what type of examination is required.

Definitions

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines a transvaginal ultrasound as "a procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder." A hysterosonogram, according to MedlinePlus, is a special pelvic ultrasound used to examine discovered "abnormal masses clearly."

Significance

• A transvaginal ultrasound has two purposes. It can be used to determine the causes of any uterine abnormalities revealed during a woman's regular gynecological exam. Also, if a woman is pregnant, a transvaginal ultrasound is used to monitor the growth of the fetus.

  In order to get an idea of the size and quantity of any masses discovered, doctors use hysterosonograms to conduct a more thorough uterine exam.

Features

• Both procedures use sound waves to examine a woman's reproductive organs. According to the Brigham and Women's Hospital online resource, "the sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo," and those reflected waves "are picked up by a transducer that converts the waves into an electrical picture of the organs." However, because the hysterosonogram requires the use of saline to fulfill its purpose, it is not used on pregnant women.

Benefits

• A transvaginal ultrasound may reveal certain abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, fibroids, polyps and any uterine infection. It also can monitor the heartbeat of a fetus or detect any birth defects.

  A clear image of the amount and size of the masses discovered with a hysterosonogram can help doctors suggest appropriate treatment options.

Risks

• There are no reported risks with these procedures.

Aliases

• A transvaginal ultrasound also is referred to as an endovaginal ultrasound. Hysterosonograms also are known by the following names: sonohysterography and saline infusion sonography (SIS).