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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Transvaginal scan or c section

99 replies

Mammy20 · 02/12/2020 21:40

Hello everyone,

I have been wondering if anyone here have been sent for a transvaginal scan or had a transvaginal scan done and how did they feel about having it. I have been sent for a untrasound due to possible low placenta positioning. Once I got there I was told it is going to be not a regular ultrasound but an internal transvaginal scan (that was to be performed by a male ). I refused it, so they told me the other option is c section, so I could choose which one I want. I refused both, and I was made to feel as if there was no other option. I insisted that didn’t want either. But then suddenly they offered me third option MRI, which would have been fine with me in the first place. MRI reviled that I no longer have low placenta, so there was no need for c section.
But is it just me feeling that transvaginal scan would mentally traumatise you (especially if performed by a male) or does anyone else have had similar experience.
I have spoken to my midwife and she told me that most women don’t have a problem at all to have transvaginal scan, but I feel that if I was to go with it , I would feel extremely violated.
What’s everybody’s thoughts on this?

OP posts:

MsQueenInTheNorth · 02/12/2020 22:02

But is it just me feeling that transvaginal scan would mentally traumatise you (especially if performed by a male) or does anyone else have had similar experience.

I have had a transvaginal ultrasound (not during pregnancy though) and I didn’t find it at all traumatising. It was done by a woman, but I don’t think it would have been much different if it had been a man. She didn’t really look ‘down there’, it was very different to a smear test which I would request to have done by a woman if possible. I imagine you would have been able to request a chaperone so you weren’t on your own?

Obviously you are entitled to feel how you feel, but that is my experience!
I’m pleased that you didn’t need the c section

Pinktruffle · 02/12/2020 22:02

I've had lots of transvaginal scans, they didn't bother me in the least and are barely uncomfortable. People sticking their hands up my vagina during labour was far far worse. I'd take a 100 transvaginal scans over that.

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 02/12/2020 22:03

I wouldn't have been comfortable with a male doing it. Adam's apples especially when viewed from between my legs are rather problematic for me and I tend to want to put my foot through them in a blind panic. However my medical notes cover why I have that urge and everyone has been very understanding so if there is anything in your past which makes having a male hcp harder, consider disclosure before you are in labour.

Napqueen1234 · 02/12/2020 22:05

Do you have a history of trauma or abuse OP? It’s quite an extreme reaction to a fairly routine procedure but obviously you have your reasons. You were well within your rights to decline and a good solution was found. However as pp have said birth can be unpredictable and you may be in far more ‘traumatic’ situations with male clinicians than a routine TVS. It would be worth discussing with your midwife what interventions you would and wouldn’t be comfortable with and perhaps prepare yourself for embarrassing/invasive procedures.

Ginger1982 · 02/12/2020 22:09

I've had many transvaginal scans due to IVF. It's really nothing to be concerned about and nowhere near as bad as having, say, a sweep or a pessary inserted. But you didn't want one that's your choice.

DragonLegs · 02/12/2020 22:10

I can understand where you are coming from OP. I too would prefer a woman, but if I really had to have a man then I would. If I could wait then I would wait for a woman to be available.

BabbleBee · 02/12/2020 22:10

I’ve had loads of TV scans (infertility, ectopic pregnancies) which have never bothered me, but I can see why some women would find them difficult and / or the thought of them intimidating.

SirMoanalot · 02/12/2020 22:11

I had one by a man. It was embarrassing as it looks like a dildo with a condom on and when he pulled it out it sorts of brushed my g spot as he kept angling the tip upwards. He was a grumpy sod and i wasn't mentally prepared or told about this test or my options. I would have felt more comfortable if it was done by a woman.
At birth i only had female midwives so i didnt mind them checking my cervix too much. One female midwife during labour was abrupt so i hated her touching me. I still remember that bitch.

I think it's shitty of them not to lay all options including a transvaginal scan done by a female.

You will get callous posters saying so what you will get everyone looking there in labour. I think that view sets womens health backwards and misses the whole point of bodily autonomy. Just because a woman is going to be giving vaginal birth or may reach a point of not caring who looks doesnt mean she doesnt get to decide or choose for herself. Good for you if you didnt care, many women do care and have deeply rooted issues around intimate exams, even if you dont.

ElleL91 · 02/12/2020 22:12

I had a TVS today which was performed by a man didn't bother me one bit.

You are not as exposed as you feel when having a smear for example I didn't need to have my legs wide open etc.

I was lay on the bed with my feet on the end of the bed and my legs slightly open with a cover over me.

He only looked for a split second while he positioned the "probe" and then was firmly locked on the screen while he was doing the scan.

There was also a lady in the room who was stood next to the man the whole time and they both repeatedly asked me if I was ok and not in any discomfort.

I found the whole thing very professional and felt comfortable throughout.

meow1989 · 02/12/2020 22:12

Personally it wouldn't bother me - I've had a TV scan (female midwife) at 6 weeks and it was fine. I've also had a coul put in by a male gp (with female chaperone) and examinations in labour by a male senior doctor (husband and midwife were there too), all were fine. The only time I felt uncomfortable with a male was when a male and particuarly unsympathetic consultant reviewed me when I had mastitis, for which i had just had iv antibiotics and was in tears with the pain of feeding. Had I have been more myself I would have told him exactly where to go, but that was more to do with desperation at the situation than uncomfortable.

But none of that matters because its me and not you. if you are not comfortable with a male undertaking it then you have the right to request a female dr/sonographer/midwife. If you are not comfortable in general then kindly, you need to seek some support for this before you give birth - what will you do if you need an emergency section?

Equally you will have internal examinations, what will you do then? My ds needed a clip on his head whilst I was in labour to monitor his heart rate - that stopped being about what I did or didn't want to happen to my body out of choice(though as I said, I wasn't actually bothered at all) and became about what needed to happen to ensure his safety. There are no guarantees with birth.

personwifemum · 02/12/2020 22:13

I've had a fair few due to fertility testing and early pregnancy loss, they're not that uncomfortable, you're covered up and it's dignified

Agree you may need to mentally prepare yourself for birth. I lost count of the number of midwifes and docs that undertook internal exams, tried to break my waters during a 4 day induction. Followed by three different midwifes checking what degree tear I had vaginally and anally after giving birth. And those stitches failing and countless docs and physios treating my prolapse over 2 years.

NiceGerbil · 02/12/2020 22:14

I don't really understand understand.

Unless you think smears are traumatising as well?

It's totally reasonable to request a woman, and you may need to come back another time etc.

In general we seem to be poked and prodded at a lot in our lives which is another issue and not the one you're raising I don't think.

I can't see why it's worse than a smear.

Meredithgrey1 · 02/12/2020 22:18

I’ve had one, not during pregnancy but for a potential ovarian issue. It didn’t bother me, and I found it less unpleasant and uncomfortable than a smear test, and I don’t particularly mind those either.
Neither are fun, obviously. But if I was told that for some reason I needed to have another one it wouldn’t be an issue.

MrsRandallFraser · 02/12/2020 22:19

I'm glad a third option was found for you and I can understand your reluctance in the beginning. Obviously if there's a back story and previous trauma in this regard that's one thing but you've not mentioned it, so, and I say this as kindly as possible, I think you need to get over this. With any luck the rest of your pregnancy and birth will be complication free. However you will most likely require some sort of internal examination at some point. Are you going to refuse when your baby's health depends on it? I say this as someone who's had a TVS and in a life saving situation so it didn't cross my mind to say no. Uncomfortable? Yes. Mentally violating? No.

Fittata · 02/12/2020 22:21

Surely there's going to be a big back story here?

mumsyandtiredzz · 02/12/2020 22:21

I’m not comfortable with male healthcare professionals doing intimate procedures either, I don’t get why other women can’t respect that sometimes. Yes great that YOU personally find it fine but many of us really don’t and it’s absolutely valid.

I also think for procedures like this (including smears) if a woman requests a female dr then that should be met, women shouldn’t have to weigh up finding something traumatic or distressing with having a necessary procedure.

Yes, in labour and birth vaginal exams are offered but you’re not necessarily going to have ‘loads of hands up you’. All vaginal exams are only done with the consent of the woman. If a woman finds them troubling or distressing then healthcare staff can work around that- eg routine exams can be avoided completely in a lot of labours. I needed an exam and had it performed by the female midwife who then communicated to the male dr (rather than have him do it) Remember everything is on your terms even when you’re giving birth.

Meredithgrey1 · 02/12/2020 22:22

@Meredithgrey1

I’ve had one, not during pregnancy but for a potential ovarian issue. It didn’t bother me, and I found it less unpleasant and uncomfortable than a smear test, and I don’t particularly mind those either. Neither are fun, obviously. But if I was told that for some reason I needed to have another one it wouldn’t be an issue.

What I’ll also say is, for a TV scan, it feels a lot less exposed than something like a smear test. With a smear they are obviously looking right at you, with a TV they are sitting next to you primarily focused on the screen other than briefly as the thingy is inserted.

MuchTooTired · 02/12/2020 22:24

Mine are ivf babies so have had more transvaginal scans than I ever thought I would have. My ivf dr was male and so the vast majority were done by him. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest, especially now that I’ve had my babies. and half the hospital staff saw my bits during my section

ChanklyBore · 02/12/2020 22:26

I have had vaginal scans, I’ve also had smear tests, however I’ve never had a digital vaginal examination and wouldn’t consent to that, as it does make me very uncomfortable - so I can understand you OP. For me yes there is a reason why I won’t consent, and it’s valid, and other ways can be found, as with your situation.

You have the right to informed consent and to have all reasonable options laid out for you. No one can say that you are wrong or right.

The people basically saying - just you wait for labour you’ll get it from all angles, or is this your first questions, are being patronising and unfair. Consent and boundaries matter more when a woman is in labour, not less.

Parkandride · 02/12/2020 22:27

@ChristmasSlayRide

Doesn't matter how anyone else feels. You didn't want one, a suitable alternative was found. A positive outcome.

Good luck with your pregnancy, I hope it goes well.

This a hundred times over.

I've had plenty, some women were heavy handed, some great, less male ones but it was fine. But that's not what matters here and I don't think people are being kind when they make assumptions as to how you'll feel during birth.

GlowingOrb · 02/12/2020 22:30

Absolutely hate them. Should not be spring on you and I do think you should be able to have a female technician if that is your preference. With a male a female chaperone should be present.

I have had more than I can count because of a medical condition. Consenting was the only way to treat the condition and have a hope of maintaining my fertility. I hope I never have to do another one.

flossletsfloss · 02/12/2020 22:30

I've had two, didn't have a problem with either. They weren't uncomfortable and got the job done.

MindyStClaire · 02/12/2020 22:31

Yes, it's a standard medical procedure, and no it's not typically painful (I'm terrible with internals but actually found TV scans more comfortable than abdominal ones in early pregnancy). But of course you are perfectly within your rights to refuse one.

You may want to discuss with your midwife some ways of coping with internals during labour - even if you have on your birth plan that you don't want them they can become necessary. DD's heart rate dropped and they needed to check I didn't have a cord prolapse, for example, and there was no time to muck around just in case I did.

mintich · 02/12/2020 22:35

It wouldn't bother me having it performed by a male. My two children were delivered by men.
My first ever scan for my first baby was transvaginal. It's an odd feeling but you soon get used to having lots of eyes/hands on you as pregnancy goes on

Heyahun · 02/12/2020 22:45

If you had transvaginal scan then the whole thing would have been over on a minute tbh. They are done pretty regularly - will you refuse any males to assist in your birth too?

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