US TVS - ADDITIONAL CHARGES

When your doctor recommends a pelvic ultrasound, you might hear the term Transvaginal Ultrasound, or TVS. In many cases, this detailed internal scan is performed after an initial external (transabdominal) scan to get a much clearer picture of your pelvic health. It's natural to have questions, especially when you notice that this may involve an additional charge.

This page is designed to provide clear, comprehensive answers. We will explain exactly what a TVS ultrasound is, why it is sometimes necessary for an accurate diagnosis, what the procedure involves, and the reasons behind the TVS Ultrasound additional charges. At Cadabam's Diagnostics, we believe in transparency, and our goal is to help you understand the significant value this safe, minimally invasive imaging technique provides for your health and peace of mind.

What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)?

A Transvaginal Ultrasound is a highly effective diagnostic imaging test that provides incredibly detailed images of the female pelvic organs. Unlike a standard transabdominal pelvic ultrasound where a probe is moved across your lower belly, a TVS uses a small, specialized ultrasound probe (transducer) that is gently placed about two to three inches into the vaginal canal.

The key difference is proximity. By being much closer to the pelvic organs—including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix—the TVS probe can use higher frequency sound waves. This proximity results in significantly clearer, higher-resolution images than an external scan can provide. This level of detail is often crucial for an accurate diagnosis of specific conditions, which is the primary reason your doctor or our radiologist may recommend it.

Types of TVS Ultrasound

While "TVS" refers to a specific procedure, it's best understood as a highly specialized type of pelvic ultrasound. The standard TVS provides detailed 2D images of the pelvic anatomy.

However, sometimes an even more specialized evaluation is needed. A variation of the test is called Sonohysterography (also known as Saline Infusion Sonography). This procedure also uses the TVS probe, but after it is placed, a sterile saline solution is gently introduced into the uterus. This fluid outlines the uterine cavity, making it much easier to see abnormalities within the uterine lining, such as small polyps or fibroids. Because this involves an extra step and supplies, it would also represent an add-on fee to the standard scan.

The enhanced clarity of a TVS allows our radiologists to meticulously evaluate several key parameters that may be vague or invisible on a standard external scan. This detail is fundamental to its diagnostic power. Parameters include:

• Endometrial Thickness and Texture: A precise measurement of the uterine lining, which is crucial for evaluating abnormal bleeding and assessing fertility.
• Ovarian Follicles: The ability to count and measure small follicles in the ovaries, which is essential for fertility treatments and diagnosing conditions like PCOS.
• Small Ovarian Cysts or Tumors: Detecting and characterizing small growths on the ovaries with high accuracy.
• Detailed Uterine Anatomy: Clearly identifying the size, location, and nature of uterine fibroids or polyps.
• Early Intrauterine Pregnancy: Confirming the presence and location of a gestational sac in the very early stages of pregnancy, and detecting the fetal heartbeat.
• Cervical Length and Structure: Measuring the cervix, which is important during pregnancy to assess the risk of preterm labor.

This directly addresses the common question: why is TVS an extra charge? The decision to perform a TVS is always based on clinical need. It is recommended when the value of the information it provides is essential for your diagnosis and care. Here are the primary reasons:

1. Inconclusive Abdominal Scan: The most common reason is that the initial external scan was unclear. Factors like bowel gas, scar tissue, or a patient's body habitus can sometimes obscure the view of the pelvic organs. A TVS bypasses these obstacles to provide a clear image.
2. Specific Symptoms Require a Closer Look: Certain symptoms strongly suggest a condition that is best diagnosed with a TVS. These include unexplained pelvic pain, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), and any bleeding after menopause.
3. Fertility Assessment: For women undergoing fertility evaluation or treatment, a TVS is the gold standard for monitoring the ovaries' response to medication (follicle development) and checking the readiness of the uterine lining for implantation.
4. Investigating Suspected Conditions: When your doctor suspects Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus), a TVS is the most reliable, non-invasive tool to confirm or rule out these conditions.

The TVS ultrasound additional charges reflect the fact that this is a separate, more complex procedure that provides a higher level of diagnostic information.

When and Who Needs to Take a TVS Ultrasound?

A TVS ultrasound is not a default or routine part of every pelvic scan. It is a specialist tool used when a standard transabdominal ultrasound doesn't provide sufficient information for a confident diagnosis. Our expert team at Cadabam's Diagnostics may recommend a TVS for:

• Women experiencing unexplained pelvic pain.
• Those with abnormal or post-menopausal bleeding.
• Women facing challenges with infertility, as it's excellent for monitoring ovarian follicles and the uterine lining.
• Patients with suspected conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or ovarian cysts that need a closer look.
• Confirming an early pregnancy and checking its viability and location.

Benefits of Taking the Test

When a TVS is recommended, the benefits far outweigh the additional cost. The investment is in diagnostic certainty and your long-term health.

• Diagnostic Accuracy: Its primary benefit is providing a clear, definitive diagnosis that might be missed or uncertain on a standard scan alone. This prevents diagnostic delays and ensures you are on the right path from the start.
• Informed Treatment Planning: The detailed information from a TVS allows your doctor to create the most effective and targeted treatment plan for your specific condition.
• Peace of Mind: Worrying about unexplained symptoms can be stressful. A TVS often provides the clear answers needed to alleviate anxiety and empower you to take the next steps in your healthcare journey. This value is a key component of the transvaginal ultrasound price difference.

Illness Diagnosed with US TVS - Additional Charges

The superior imaging of a TVS makes it an indispensable tool for accurately diagnosing a range of gynecological conditions. These include:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Clearly visualizing the characteristic "string of pearls" appearance of multiple small follicles on the ovaries.
• Uterine Fibroids & Polyps: Detecting even small growths within the uterine muscle or lining that can cause bleeding and pain.
• Ovarian Cysts & Tumors: Characterizing the nature of ovarian cysts (e.g., simple vs. complex) and identifying potential tumors.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A critical and life-saving diagnosis, confirming if a pregnancy is located outside the uterine cavity.
• Endometritis / Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Identifying signs of infection and inflammation in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Causes of Infertility: Assessing uterine abnormalities, confirming ovulation, and evaluating the pelvic environment.

Preparation for a TVS is simple. Unlike a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound that requires a full bladder to act as an "acoustic window," a TVS provides the best images and is most comfortable for you when your bladder is empty.

We recommend wearing comfortable, two-piece clothing (like a top and pants/skirt) as you will only need to undress from the waist down. Our staff at Cadabam's Diagnostics will provide you with a sheet for privacy and comfort throughout the procedure.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral or prescription for the ultrasound is typically required.
• Please confirm with our staff when booking your appointment, but as a rule, you should plan to empty your bladder just before the TVS portion of your exam.

Best Time to Take the TVS Ultrasound

For most general diagnostic purposes, a TVS can be performed at any time and is not dependent on your menstrual cycle.

However, for specific fertility evaluations, your doctor may instruct you to schedule the scan on a particular day of your cycle. For example, a scan to assess your ovarian reserve might be timed for the beginning of your cycle, while a scan to check for ovulation would be mid-cycle. Always follow your referring doctor's specific instructions.

Eligibility

A TVS ultrasound is a suitable and safe procedure for most women. At Cadabam's Diagnostics, patient consent and comfort are our absolute top priorities.

The main contraindication is that this internal scan is generally not performed on women or girls who have never been sexually active or who have a medical condition (like vaginismus) that would make it painful. In these cases, a transabdominal [Link to: Ultrasound Pelvis] exam is the appropriate and effective alternative.

Procedure for Taking a TVS Ultrasound

We want you to feel informed and at ease. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your TVS ultrasound at Cadabam's Diagnostics:

1. Preparation: You will first be asked to go to the restroom to completely empty your bladder.
2. Positioning: In the private ultrasound room, you will be asked to lie down on your back on the examination table, usually with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself from the waist down.
3. Explanation: Our certified sonographer will explain the procedure to you. They will take the small, thin TVS probe and cover it with a sterile, single-use sheath and a generous amount of lubricating gel.
4. Probe Insertion: The sonographer will then gently insert the lubricated probe into the vagina. This is typically not painful and feels much smaller than a standard speculum.
5. Imaging: The sonographer will carefully move the probe to obtain clear images of your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding areas from different angles. These images appear in real-time on a monitor. The entire imaging process usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

To ensure your safety and comfort, please inform the sonographer before the test begins if:

• You have a latex allergy, as the probe covers are often made of latex. We have non-latex alternatives available.
• You experience any pain or significant discomfort at any point during the procedure.
• You have never been sexually active or have a condition like vaginismus. This is critical information for us to ensure the right type of scan is performed for you.