Place of transvaginal sonography in the evaluation of reproductive endocrinology.

A high frequency vaginal probe with improved resolution offers a remarkable sharp clear image of pelvic organs. This is possible because of its closed proximity with target organ and non-intervention by gut or omentum. Study of ovarian follicular dynamics (folliculometry), identification of proliferative, secretory and decidual changes of endometrium (endometrial dating) in different phases of menstrual cycle and imaging of mucus secretion in the cervical canal (cervical mucus study) in the pre-ovulatory phase is possible by transvaginal probe. It is non-invasive, acceptable to patients, and thus can be repeated any number of times. A close serial monitoring offers immense wealth of information about the anatomical as well as reproductive endocrinal status of the patient. Ovulation can be predicted in advance. The case of dysovulation can be identified in first cycle of study; corrective therapy can be started in another two or three cycles, aiming at achieving perfect folliculogenesis. Once well tuned synchronised cycle is restored, the pregnancy outcome is remarkable. Thus transvaginal sonography offers one of the best reproductive endocrinology evaluation in the hand of a modern gynaecological sonologist and infertility specialist.

Role of transvaginal sonography in pelvic scan for female reproductive system.

Three hundred twenty-nine cases of early pregnancy and 116 pelvic pathology studied by transabdominal sonography were compared with 81 cases of early pregnancy and 88 cases of pelvic pathology subjected to transvaginal sonography. A high frequency vaginal probe, because of its close proximity with the target organ, produces remarkably sharp image. An accurate diagnosis is possible in great majority of cases within a short time. Vaginal sonography is done with an empty bladder. A close serial monitoring of ovarian follicles, endometrium and cervical mucus with transvaginal sonography offers an immense wealth of information about the structural and reproductive endocrinal status of the patient. Ovulation can be predicted in advance. Imaging of female reproductive system by transvaginal sonography is indispensable for any modern gynaecological care and for infertility assessment in particular.