Hi all,
I’m just looking for some advice/reassurance about having an internal ultrasound. Sorry in advance for the long post…
Ive had irregular periods for several years (when I finally get a period it’s either very light and lasts a day or two or very heavy lastiny two plus weeks and painful) I had blood tests to check my hormones and all fine and I had an abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound picked up that I had a fibroid on my right ovary. I was told by my GP that it was small and to get in touch if it ever started causing me pain. Since last November I’ve had pain mid cycle on my right side and general pelvic pain at times although my periods are now much more regular. My GP referred me for another ultrasound and I just received my appointment letter and it’s for an internal ultrasound.
I know I am probably being ridiculous but I am absolutely terrified. My first ever smear test and internal exam when I was early 20s was extremely painful and I ended up with vaginismus following this which took years to overcome. I can now just about cope with a smear as long as the nurse uses the smallest speculum (I’ve been lucky as the nurses have always been very gentle and patient with me) but the thought of having a probe inside me for up to 15 minutes and them pressing and moving it makes me want to be physically sick. Is it as bad and painful as I’m imagining it to be? Why can’t they do another abdominal scan and is this something I could reasonably request?
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Women's health
Internal Ultrasound worries
Startingoverinmy30s · 27/03/2024 20:25
Garman · 27/03/2024 20:39
Smear test is way worse than an internal ultrasound, honestly.
Thisismyhappyface · 27/03/2024 21:41
Hi @Startingoverinmy30s
I'm a sonographer, and perform probably 20 internal scans a week. They are incredibly well tolerated by most women, nowhere near as unpleasant as a smear.
The probe (camera) is about as thick as a tampon, and is only inserted a couple of inches into the vagina. There will be plenty of lubricating gel, and the sonographer should tell you that you are in control and can stop the scan at any time.
That being said, you DO NOT have to consent to an internal scan if you are not absolutely happy to do so.
In my department, even if booked for an internal scan, we would look abdominally to start with, then offer you an internal if we felt it would improve the accuracy of the scan.
Sonographers are very used to women having worries about these scans, and yours should be happy to talk you through any concerns. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.
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