TV scan - Survivor

[Ouchybelly]

I just got sent my referral for a transvaginal scan, I'm so scared. I can't have anyone with me because of Covid. Is it going to be as a bad as it sounds? My sister said it's going to be brutal. Also, I'm a sexual abuse survivor. Shall I tell them? Part of me wants to bail but also cannot deal with this pain anymore.

[Alex9]

I'm going for an ultrasound tomorrow ( inside and out !) They have a nurse chaperone you I believe. This is not my first time , the process itself is not painful just a little uncomfortable.

I'm sorry I have no experience to help you further but I can tell you that the sonographer knows what they are looking for and it is over very quickly.

[Ouchybelly in reply to Alex9]

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Ah a chaperone is good at least. Any idea how how long it will take? Good luck with your scans tomorrow 😊 I hope they can find some helpful answers. I'm having both too, this Friday. Least I don't have tooo long to dwell on it.

[Alex9 in reply to Ouchybelly]

Both times I've had it done it's been very very quick , about 2 mins something like that .

I hope you get some answers as well good luck!

[Alex9 in reply to Alex9]

Sorry I mean about 2 mins for the actual vaginal bit.

The whole thing getting undressed etc about 15 mins all together x

[Ouchybelly in reply to Alex9]

Ah that's doable, just keep trying to tell myself that it's worth it in the long time! That's not too bad at all we've totally got this! X

[GabriJ]

Hiya, I’ve had a transvaginal scan before and felt v nervous about it beforehand but the staff team were really reassuring and looked after me. You could tell them that you’re feeling worried perhaps and am sure they will reassure you and support you through it. It can feel a little uncomfortable at the beginning just when they insert it but is over very quickly so you’ll be absolutely fine - I really found deep breathing and looking at the screen helped me with this. It’s not as bad as it sounds at all. All the best and take care xx

[waddingk]

Hi I have had the transvaginal scan. A nurse will go in the room with you and stay there until tests done. The medics will only perform the internal scan if they cannot see a problem from the outside. So first off they will put jelly on your tummy and scan over your tummy. No pain at all. If they decide to go internal they are as gentle as they can be however; it's not painful just a little uncomfortable. I had had an internal biopsy before they did this to me so it was more uncomfortable for me as I was internally sore. You will be absolutely fine try relax and try not to stop them from doing it if you can. These internal scans are very accurate. Also I would like to add if you only want the external scan (as they will ask your permission first) you dont have to have it internally. Good luck you will be fine.

[1880emma]

I’ve had several done , had to have them in pregnancy because of a tilted uterus and various other things , all were fine . No pain at all , obviously you are aware something is being done but at no time did it hurt. Everyone’s experience is different of course but don’t fear the worst as it may not be so .

[Cakes34]

Hi lovely, I have had 2 transvaginal scans and they honestly do not hurt it’s just sometimes a little uncomfortable but you will be ok as they say if You want them to stop then just say. I know I did because it was uncomfortable and they paused for a couple of minutes then carried on. It’s ok Hun, your right to feel nervous and worried especially with everything going on. Hope it goes ok.

[edonn]

Hi, I'm living in Ireland again now (9 years in UK) and on recent TV scans here they asked if you would like to insert the internal probe. Not sure if option is available where you are going but they were aware of many women preferring to start the process themselves due to pain issues or other concerns.

At first I thought, eh you're the expert I'll leave it to you but then thought actually this is a wonderful option for many. Once you inserted a little they take over. Also yes, chaperone usually present if underage or if you request.

But they aren't painful scans, if like me you have a lot of discomfort due to rectovaginal endo, well nothing feels right in their anymore 😊 but nothing that leaves you feeling bad.

One tip we all forget for scans, smears, internal exams....breath. Take a nice breath as speculum, scanner goes in and relax those pelvic floor muscles. It really helps.

Hope it goes well. And don't fear discussing your concerns, they are professionals and see people all day everyday. They should be trained to adapt their approach if needed.

[BrightLights88]

Hi, please check your inbox.

[Theorah89]

I've always been given the option of having an external ultrasound or an MRI- is it for you that these options have already been tried and this is the only option left??

[Ouchybelly in reply to Theorah89]

MRI hasn't been offered yet, took me years to be offered this. An external and an internal scan seems to be step 1 here

[wanwood]

I have had TV scans for endo, for IVF and for pregnancy. The scans for endo were conducted so sensitively, I could barely feel it. The consultants and nurses involved were used to working with women who had a lots of pain for various reasons and they were very gentle and constantly checking to see if I was ok.

My TV scans in other departments have been less well done but they were all still ok. It's good to say in advance that you are likely to have difficulty with the scan. They should be very understanding.

[Alex9]

Hi ,I had it done and the lady was very kind and gentle .

Nothing was found though only a wandering ovary !

[cmbxm]

Hi,

It’s not at all brutal, it just feels like a little pressure, just try to stay relaxed and breathe! YOU GOT THIS 💪🏻💪🏻 xx

[Ginge32]

I hope everything went ok with your TV scan xx

[Chloelouise92]

I’ve had it done a few times now and honestly it isn’t as bad as people sometimes make out. Little uncomfortable but they’re really gentle and I think the thought of it is sooo much worse than the actual thing! It’s over so quickly so honestly try not to worry too much. I hope you get some answers x

[Beanmcg]

Hey hun I am a survivor too and have a lot of issues with internal exams etc. I told a nurse years ago after losing it during a smear test. She put it on file in great detail but it is kept on what she called internal notes. So whenever I have to have any procedures done all I need to say is can you please read my internal file. Saves me having to repeat things that are hard to explain over and over. As for the TV ultrasound it isn't brutal at all. Well not physically. If you explain your nerves to the sonographer I am sure she will talk you through it at each step of the process. You are not the only one she will have seen and in my experience they go above and beyond to make you feel as comfortable as you possibly can be. Good luck and wishing you all the very best.

[Ouchybelly]

Thank you so much for all your supportive comments, it really helped to settle my nerves. I had my scan on Friday and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected it to be. The scanners were a bit dismissive with nothing showing, they made a few inappropriate comments and they kept commenting on me being too young to be worrying about my periods urgh, I'm 25 but look about 15. But yeah, I'm grateful for all your replies to help me get it over and done with for anyone else worrying, the examination itself isn't that bad at all!