FOI_6350

Internal Reference Number: FOI_6350

Date Request Received: 08/11/2021 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 10/11/2021 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Trans-vaginal ultrasounds

Request Category: Students (Educational)


Question Number 1: For what symptoms would a trans-vaginal ultrasound be indicated?

Answer To Question 1: There are many indications for a Trans-vaginal ultrasound (TV USS). While not an exhaustive list, symptoms generally include pelvic pain, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or postmenopausal bleeding.

Question Number 2: Are there any groups of people a trans-vaginal ultrasound would not be carried out on? a. If so, why would they not be indicated?

Answer To Question 2: The only absolute reason not to undertake a TV USS is a patient declining consent or a woman without a vagina. Another reason not to perform a transvaginal ultrasound, is where there has been a history of sexual abuse. Patients are generally assessed on a case by case basis. Other relative reasons would be a young patient, or a patient who finds the probe too painful.

Question Number 3: Does trust policy indicate that it is allowed to carry out trans-vaginal ultrasounds on those who have never been sexually active before? a. What is defined as sexual activity?

Answer To Question 3: We would not carry out a transvaginal ultrasound on any women who was virgo intacta (where the hymen is still intact). Sexual activity would be defined as anything that would break the hymen. It should be noted that this could also include a medical procedure.

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