What is trans-vaginal ultrasound

A trans-vaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to make up a picture of the inside of the womb. It shows how thick the lining of the womb is. It can help diagnose womb, ovarian and fallopian tube cancer.

The person doing the scan gently places a small probe with a rounded end into the vagina. The test can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. It only takes a few minutes.

If it is not possible to do the scan through the vagina, it can be done by passing a small device over the tummy (abdomen).