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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Transvaginal ultrasound AIBU to be close to tears?

188 replies

AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 19:35

I have an infection in my vagina, a stinging in there, and when I sit down, I feel like a painful football is bouncing around my insides - not my vagina, my uterus area, inside my tummy.
I also have an issue internally (bleeding and pelvic pain) which is why I'm being referred for US.
AIBU to be doing the female equivalent of my balls shrinking into my scrotum at the thoughts of anything going up my vagina?
Is there any way I can make a probe up my vagina tomorrow possible? I want to find out what's going on clearly, but the thoughts of the pain is upsetting me. Plus I'm not sure whether they'll manage to get anything up there.
Any advice?

OP posts:
Justwaitingforaline · 14/03/2019 19:50

I have had them regularly recently ( IVF going on over here) and I haven’t found them bad at all, a little icky when in the middle of the full flow of a period but never painful. My consultant recommends pain killers half an hour before if you’re worried about it.

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 19:52

With the speculum about 10 days ago it was absolutely fine until the doctor got to the upper end of my vagina and I literally screamed in pain, like I had been cut raw inside me. I'm dreading it. I can bear pain, I really can, my worry is that they won't be able to do what they need to do, so I'll have to go back!

OP posts:
TheFirstOHN · 14/03/2019 19:52

If the walls of your vagina are inflamed due to your current condition, it is going to be more painful than usual. You can either try going ahead to see if you can get through it or you can ask to postpone the scan.

bbcessex · 14/03/2019 19:53

You poor thing, OP - sounds like you’re really in pain.

Is the scan to try and find the cause of your pain? What did they do when you were in so much pain last time?

bbcessex · 14/03/2019 19:55

If they can’t do the exam because of pain OP you will maybe try to have it done under sedation?

Do you know the name / contact details of the consulant? Can you ask for stronger pain relief for the exam?

Jenala · 14/03/2019 19:56

An internal ultrasound isn't as much as a speculum. I had one yesterday. It feels like it's barely in. I don't think it'll be as bad as an examination though I'm not sure if you're saying you had an exam 10 days ago or an ultrasound

rachelfrost · 14/03/2019 19:59

I had plenty during a pregnancy. Zero pain but I wasn’t sore to begin with. Try putting a finger into your vagina tonight and see if it’s bearable. If it hurts too much get an emergency appointment with the gp in the morning. Calling the department where you are having the scan done might get you some good advice depending on who picks up the phone (take it with a pinch of salt). You could also go to a walk in centre. Basically, don’t just suck it up - I’m sure there’s some pain relief avalible. Good luck!

Rtmhwales · 14/03/2019 20:00

I thought it was going to be awful and stressed the entire night before. It turned out it was one of the easiest exams ever. They even let me put it in by myself in privacy.

Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:00

If they can’t do the exam because of pain OP you will maybe try to have it done under sedation?

I can guarantee almost 100% this won't be an option.

However gas and air might be OP if you feel this may help. In our clinic we offer it if women are in a lot of pain during the exams. Good luck

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:00

The ultrasound is to find the cause of bleeding and pelvic pain, The infection in the vagina is a separate issue I think.

OP posts:
Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:04

My lovely GP while I'm screaming was saying to me, while she's having a good look up there 'I NEED TO FIND OUT WHERE THE BLEEDING IS COMING FROM!'

I politely told her that I didn't care!

Hence the US referral. Blush

OP posts:
aibutohavethisusername · 14/03/2019 20:08

I have had these a few times and they were less uncomfortable than a smear test. Hope all goes well.

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:10

I can bear pain no problem if I'm warned. I suppose I didn't expect it last time, so I was a bit shocked. I'm prepared now for pain so it probably won't be painful at all. I know I'm being a big baby.

OP posts:
f83mx · 14/03/2019 20:11

It’s not like a speculum OP - I had same fears but couldn’t feel the trans scanner at all - was so relieved as had to have quite a few

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:11

I'll update tomorrow. Assuming I come out with my life! Grin

OP posts:
SerenDippitty · 14/03/2019 20:12

I had loads of them while having IVF. They weren’t painful but I was always glad when it was finally egg collection time.

Ponchie · 14/03/2019 20:12

Can you ask for gas and air?
I had terrible swelling when I was induced a few weeks ago and they gave me gas and air for internal examinations which helped me a lot

dragonsfire · 14/03/2019 20:13

Oh OP I just had IVF and suffered badly with the scans and egg Collection was screaming so much husband heard me from the ward 🙈

You need to ask for pain killers and maybe even sedation!

Take some ibuprofen or paracetamol an hour before (call the doctors to ask if ok)

It might be that it’s painful but need to keep in mind it’s temporary and hopefully will be the thing to help with treatment.

I feel for you xx concentrate on breathing to xx

ResistanceIsNecessary · 14/03/2019 20:13

They are far easier than a smear. I find smears quite painful but have had two US and they were both fine. They use lots of gel and are very, very gentle. Take some pain relief before you go in and tell the staff of your concerns so that they are aware of your anxiety over it hurting.

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:15

So, everyone is telling you a TVS is no big deal, they're less painful than a speculum, and less painful than a smear.

'They' do need to find out where the bleeding is coming from. You'll 'care' a lot more if you leave it, but shouldn't have.

You won't need sedation, or gas and air.

Assuming you've had penetrative sex, you've (presumably Grin ) already had something bigger that a TV U/S probe up you.

Please report back! Hopefully telling anyone who finds this that is was No Big Deal.

Pulipatchouli · 14/03/2019 20:15

I had one today, MUCH less uncomfortable than a smear. Chill!

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:17

I think some all of you are missing the point here. I have an infection inside which feels like the inside of my vagina is swollen and red raw.

I'm not afraid of things stuck up my vagina normally! I've given birth, had several doctors looking up (and even shoving what felt like a fist up there), I've had smears, and I've had this exact scan before (without incident).
My issue is the blooming vaginal infection that I appear to have making everything stingy and painful.

OP posts:
AlwaysDancing1234 · 14/03/2019 20:19

I’ve had lots of Gynae exams and this was one of the easiest. Please do tell the nurse beforehand that you feel anxious about it so they can support you. As others have said, it’s like a long wand, and doesn’t actually go too far in so pain was minimal for me thankfully.

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:19

PS, don't phone the clinic to ask if over-the-counter painkiller is OK.

You're a grown up.

If (psychologically) this helps, take your normal one. Then lament the death of an innocent caplet, when you go 'was that it?'- as they finish.

Honestly, it'll be fine. No one will be manipulating your vaginal canal trying to get a 'visual' on your cervix, they they do with a speculum and smear.

If you've had sex, you'll be fine.

Fimat · 14/03/2019 20:19

I’ve had 8 ivfs and 3 Iuis so a million of these scans and they never hurt. Awkward and uncomfortable but not sore in any way. Sometimes needs must and you just go into mind over matter. I hope you get relief from your pain soon and it gets sorted for you.