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Transvaginal (pelvic) ultrasound
- Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
- Led by specialist gynaecologists and sonographers
- Fast access to tailored treatment
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Pelvic ultrasound at HCA UK
Why choose us
Transvaginal ultrasounds are a vital tool to help us diagnose a range of gynaecological conditions and assess fertility. We appreciate that they can feel intimidating, which is why we strive to help women feel informed and comfortable before and during their scans.
The scan is quick and painless, and we'll explain your results in detail and answer any questions. If you need further tests or treatment, we can swiftly arrange follow-up appointments through our dedicated women's health network.
A transvaginal ultrasound, also known as a pelvic ultrasound or internal pelvic ultrasound scan, is a scan to assess your pelvic area for signs of gynaecological conditions.
It creates clear images of your reproductive organs, including the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, to help us investigate symptoms, diagnose conditions and assess fertility or pregnancy.
The scan involves inserting a smooth, wand-like device called a transducer a short way inside your vagina. This is different from a regular abdominal ultrasound, where a gel is applied to your skin and a device is moved over the area on the outside of your stomach.
A transvaginal scan is used as part of the diagnosis process:
- To investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding
- To check for abnormal growths such as fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts or tumours
- To monitor fertility cycles such as IVF
- To confirm or monitor your pregnancy
- To check for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- To confirm if an intrauterine device (IUD) is placed correctly
Our team will explain the reasons for your scan and will be there to support you every step of the way.
A private transvaginal scan is a quick and painless treatment. Your specialist gynaecologist sonographer will explain the process so that you know what to expect.
Here's a typical summary:
Here's a typical summary:
- In a private room, you'll undress from the waist down and be given a gown or sheet to cover yourself with.
- You'll lie on your back on an examination table with your knees bent, while your sonographer will insert the transducer, which is specially shaped and coated with a protective cover and lubricating gel. You may feel some light pressure.
- Your sonographer will slowly and gently move the transducer around to produce live images by safely bouncing sound waves off your internal organs. You may see these images on a screen next to you, with your consultant able to explain what you're both seeing.
- Once your sonographer has a full picture of your pelvic area, they'll gently remove the transducer, and you can get dressed.
Transvaginal scans are quick, safe, and usually painless. If your symptoms cause pain, then you may experience some discomfort.
The transducer's shape is designed to comfortably fit your vagina and is about the same width as a tampon. We use a lubricating gel to allow for a smooth, gentle insertion of only around two to three inches.
It's normal to feel some pressure when your sonographer inserts the transducer and slowly moves it around, similar to but less uncomfortable than a cervical screening (previously known as a smear test). This shouldn't hurt but do tell us if it's too uncomfortable. Your sonographer is there to support you and can try different positions or stop the scan if needed.
You shouldn't experience any pain or side effects afterwards except potentially minor vaginal discharge from the lubricating gel, which should quickly return to normal.
You may need to have an ultrasound scan during menstruation or other bleeding. This is a safe procedure, but we understand that it can feel uncomfortable at this stage of your cycle. Your sonographer will reassure you and answer any questions to put you at ease.
Next-day appointments
With dedicated women's health experts and extended appointment times
State-of-the-art private facilities
Including dedicated women's health clinics, centres and hospitals
Comprehensive care options
For all women's health conditions and their treatment
Locations
Where can I get a private transvaginal ultrasound?
Through our dedicated women’s health network across London, Manchester and Birmingham, you can access a private transvaginal ultrasound that provides a detailed view of your pelvic health. Our specialist team will carry out your scan with care, explain your results clearly and arrange any follow-up treatment.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital
Grafton Way Building 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Women’s Health Centre
27-29 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Your private transvaginal ultrasound with HCA UK
What to expect
From your first consultation to any follow-up care, our expert team will guide you through every stage of your transvaginal ultrasound, ensuring you feel comfortable, informed and supported while receiving clear explanations and compassionate care throughout the process.
01
Initial consultation
After a referral from your GP or one of our specialists, you'll meet with an imaging expert in a comfortable, private setting. We'll discuss your symptoms or condition and how a transvaginal ultrasound can help with diagnosis or monitoring. You'll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure, and we'll make sure you feel at ease with the process.
02
Preparing for your transvaginal ultrasound
Next, our clinical team will give you all the information you need to prepare for your scan, explaining any steps to take before the procedure, though these are usually minimal. We're happy to address any concerns as they arise to make sure you're fully clear and confident going into your appointment.
03
During your transvaginal ultrasound
On the day, we’ll welcome you into one of our private, state-of-the-art facilities where your specialist gynaecologist sonographer will perform your ultrasound. The procedure is non-invasive and typically involves minimal discomfort.
We'll help you feel as comfortable as possible and carry out the scan efficiently, using the latest technology to ensure accurate results.
We'll help you feel as comfortable as possible and carry out the scan efficiently, using the latest technology to ensure accurate results.
04
Follow-up care
After your scan, you'll be able to return to your normal activities right away. Our team will discuss any follow-up care or appointments needed based on your results. Rest assured that, whatever your situation and the outcome of your private pelvic ultrasound, we offer clarity and convenient access to personalised care.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Private transvaginal ultrasound FAQs
We'll explain what to expect and how to prepare for your scan, though there's usually little preparation needed. We may ask you to:
- Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily take on and off.
- Remove your tampon if you are wearing one.
- Arrive with either an empty or a full bladder, as this can affect how your organs appear in the ultrasound images.
If you are on your period, it will not affect the accuracy of the scan, so don't worry if you think you may be due around the date of your appointment. You can have an effective pelvic ultrasound scan at any point during your menstrual cycle.
If you're on your period and wearing a tampon, we'll ask you to remove it before your appointment.
You don't need to worry about having a pelvic ultrasound if you're pregnant. There's no risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. This imaging technique is safe for both mother and foetus as there's no radiation used, unlike other scans such as X-rays.
The scan usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, so it won't take too much time out of your day. We'll make sure you have ample space and time to discuss any concerns and ask questions before and after, so you will not feel rushed.
A transvaginal scan gives us a clear, close-up view of your pelvic organs, making it one of the most accurate ways to check your reproductive health. It can detect even small changes and is excellent for spotting gynaecological conditions, monitoring ovulation or assessing early pregnancy.
A transvaginal scan can show abnormal growths, cysts or masses in your pelvic area that may need further checks. While the scan can’t confirm cancer on its own, it’s a valuable early detection tool. If we see anything unusual, we’ll explain what it could mean and arrange follow-up tests, so you have clear answers and a tailored treatment plan.
Yes, you can. Your comfort and dignity always come first. We’ll explain exactly what will happen before your scan and answer any questions. If you’d prefer not to have an internal scan, we can arrange an abdominal ultrasound instead. This still gives us useful information while making sure you feel fully at ease.
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim probe inside the vagina to give a detailed view of your pelvic organs, which is ideal for detecting small changes or monitoring early pregnancy.
An abdominal ultrasound is done on the skin of your lower belly and offers a wider but less detailed view, often used later in pregnancy or when a transvaginal ultrasound isn’t possible.
An abdominal ultrasound is done on the skin of your lower belly and offers a wider but less detailed view, often used later in pregnancy or when a transvaginal ultrasound isn’t possible.
We’ll talk you through your results as soon as your scan is finished, so you leave knowing exactly where you stand. We’ll show you the images, explain what they mean and answer your questions. If you need more tests or treatment, we’ll arrange these quickly so you can move forward with confidence.
Most women feel completely fine afterwards. Occasionally, you might notice very light spotting, which is normal and usually stops quickly. You can go straight back to your usual activities. If you ever have any worries after your scan, we’re here to listen, reassure you and arrange checks if needed.
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal unless we give you different instructions. Sometimes, we might ask you to have a full bladder to make the images clearer. We’ll always let you know in advance, so you feel prepared for your appointment.
Absolutely. You can get straight back to your day. There’s no medication, anaesthetic or recovery time needed, so you can drive, work or exercise as normal.
Yes. If you prefer a female sonographer, let us know when booking your appointment and we’ll arrange this whenever possible, so you feel more comfortable during your scan.
You can safely have this type of scan as often as needed. It uses sound waves, not radiation, so there’s no cumulative risk, even with multiple scans in a short period.
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