Internal scan - query over PCOS?

[PickettBowtruckles]

Hi all

After 81 days without a period I got a referral from my GP today for an internal scan as she is querying PCOS. We have been TTC for 5 months which is why I went. I also have to have bloods taken Monday, and when I finally do have a period have day 2-5 bloods and day 21 bloods. Has anyone had the internal scan before? I’m definitely nervous and just trying to know what to expect.

[xLauraa]

@PickettBowtruckles there's a PCOS thread

Thread 6 PCOS support www.mumsnet.com/Talk/infertility/3107580-thread-6-pcos-support

You might get more help there love 😊

[boatrace30]

Internal scans are really fine. They just hide a fairly small and well shaped "wand", and plenty of lubrication. Less uncomfortable than a smear test.
Fwiw I also have pcos and have conceived naturally twice. 6months and 11months of trying.

[PickettBowtruckles]

Thank you!

[PickettBowtruckles]

@boatrace30 that’s good to hear, thank you. We’ve only been trying 5 months so far but technically only had 2 cycles in that time

[Rudgie47]

I've had it done and it was bloody awful. You have to drink a pint or so of water then stick this thing like a vibrator with a condom on up your vagina.I personally wouldnt have it done again.
I'd also take someone with you for support.I thought it was dreadfull but I appreciate that everyone is different. Hope you will be o.k OP.

[ChocolateAddict93]

I've had it done and I was SO nervous but it was absolutely fine! Do you have to have an abdominal scan too? If so they'll tell you to drink lots before hand. They did my abdominal scan first, then let me go to the toilet before the internal one. Mine was also for PCOS and extreme bleeding so I was really nervous as I was bleeding during the scan. Like a PP said, it's just a small wand and they just look when inserting it but other than that you're covered and they're looking on the screen the whole time. A lot less uncomfortable than a smear and also a lot less invasive

[NC1990]

I've had a couple of internal scans (one for checking for PCO and one during pregnancy), and they were fine, not painful at all just a little uncomfortable. If you're having internal only you won't need a full bladder beforehand.

[Thunderthunderthundercatshooo]

I've had 4 done, all before/during my first pregnancy. They aren't anything to be nervous or worried about. The wand thing isn't that big and I didn't find it particularly uncomfortable. I didn't feel embarrassed either, this was pre giving birth too (things like that embarrass you even less post giving birth!). As a previous poster also pointed out you don't fill your bladder before an internal scan, they actually tell you to empty it beforehand.

[DreamsTonite]

I had one done and usually find any sort of internal painful but it was honestly fine. It’s slightly uncomfortable and cold! But not painful and it’s over relatively quickly.
Good luck

[boatrace30]

OP - I rarely ovulated properly during the time we tried to conceive. The only advice I can offer is DTD every 2-3 days from when your period ends to when it starts again - even if that is a long time!! And try not to get too obsessive (I did and it was counter productive)
It's great that you have got referred so early on in your journey though. Good luck!

[PickettBowtruckles]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. As far as I know it’s not an abdominal as well, they just said internal. Really pleased they’ve fit me in quickly so hoping for the best.

[Redrosebelle]

I have had one too and honestly they’re fine! They hardly go up inside you, and the wand is teeny and the only time I knew it was even there was when they were moving it around! I was more worried about the ache in my hips from lying with my legs sprawled!! Please don’t be nervous, women have these every day and they know what they’re doing. Yours will be fine too!! Good luck

[NoseringGirl]

I've had one to diagnose PCOS as well. They started with an abdominal one which I needed a full bladder for, then got me to empty my bladder to do the internal one. It was a little uncomfortable as I have a tilted uterus so there was a fair bit of wiggling the wand thing around but it honestly wasn't painful and was done fairly quickly.
All the best!

[ItWentInMyEye]

Weird, I had to have a full bladder for the internal scan! She actually told me I'd not had enough to drink, but I'd had more than I was asked to and at the time I was told. I've only just found out I've got PCOS at the end of last year but have had symptoms for years I never added together so I'm not sure when it started to/if it affects my fertility as I've got 3 children. Good luck with the scan, it's really not too uncomfortable

[Screaminginsideme]

It’s not as bad as a smear. I have pics and like you had cycles of very random lengths shortest was 16 days longest was well over 60. PCOS diagnosis. D&c and acupuncture and I conceived my dc after 19months, dc2 was conceived very easily and born 19month later. I have very heavy periods incredible painful. I also bleed randomly through the month but my periods have been regular since they came back after I stopped breastfeeding dc2. The only real help is loosing weight. Good luck and relax they’ve seen it all before a million times.

[SoapyChoc]

I've had 4 internal scans over the years and they have all been fine. They try and make it as dignified as possible. Hope your scan goes well.

[WonkyDonk87]

My first one was fine.... apart from the distractingly good looking technician doing the scan 🙈😂😍

[PickettBowtruckles]

Thanks for all the responses! Really appreciate hearing everyone’s experiences. Did most of you get an answer there and then at the scan or did you have to wait to speak to the GP for that?

[NoseringGirl]

I got told there were cysts but had to wait for the gynaecologist appointment for any more than that.

[boatrace30]

They'll probably tell you if there are cysts... but you'll then see a consultant for a follow up I expect

[JsOtherHalf]

My pcos was only diagnosed following a laparoscopy and dye.

[ItWentInMyEye]

They wouldn't tell me anything at all at the scan, then my doctor had to chase results up for 5 weeks!

[Chienrouge]

I’ve had loads of the things (PCOS, early pregnancy issues) and they were fine. I have a genuine phobia of internal examinations after an awful experience but the internal scan really didn’t bother me at all. I didn’t have to have a full bladder, in fact I was told to empty my bladder every time.
From what I can remember they told me about the presence of cysts at the scan but they can’t diagnose PCOS off the back of that alone, it’s done in conjunction with blood results etc so will be diagnosed by the gynae.