Vaginal Ultrasound Pressure Pudendal Nerve?

[Emily B]

I need to have a vaginal ultrasound done. Has anyone else had one of these? I'm not sexually active, no tampons, etc because of the PN pain. Do you think the vaginal ultrasound will be painful? Possibly cause a PN flare?

Emily B.

[Celeste]

I had one done in early pregnancy, pre pain. The transducer probe was bigger around than a tampon. They give you a condom to put over it. I can't remember if they provided lubricant but probably. The technician has the patient insert it herself which I was glad for. But then they push it around and against the vaginal walls and it can feel like a lot of pressure depending on the technician, I think. I guess you won't know until you try, and of course you have to weigh the cost against the benefit, i.e. the reason you need it. I would ask if they have a small probe they can use, if they can try to be gentle and fast, and if you could be on Valium during it.

[pomegranate]

Hey Emily,

I've had vaginal ultrasounds, and they're not comfortable for me, but I'm not sure how much of that is PFD/PN stuff or endo adhesions. Never have caused a flare though...maybe just a couple of hours of discomfort. However, I'm able to have sex and use the occasional tampon, so we are different cases. I like Celeste's idea of seeing if you can take Valium beforehand. Try not to be too nervous about it, and remind yourself that even if it causes a flare, the flare will die down.

Lauren

[Emily B]

Yeah, the doc suspects I have loads of adhesions, maybe even "gluing" my organs together and to my abdominal wall. Plus PN. It's no wonder everything hurts, including any vaginal insertion. I had just the abdominal ultrasound and it was so painful when the tech had to press down. It yielded some info, but not enough the way a transvaginal one would.

Asking about a smaller probe is an idea. My gyn has used a child sized speculum in the past. Might there be child size transvaginal probes?

Emily B.

[pomegranate]

Emily, I don't know about a pediatric probe. I'm sure they exist, but your doctor may not have one in his/her office unless he/she sees pediatric patients. Definitely worth calling and asking.

[Celeste]

I had just the abdominal ultrasound and it was so painful when the tech had to press down. It yielded some info, but not enough the way a transvaginal one would.

I wonder if you can just ask for Valium sedation if they really need to do this test. Personally I would try to negotiate that one painful ultrasound has already shown that you're on the right track, and just go forward with surgery to address it. But I understand if you want whatever info you can get for your own peace of mind.

If your doctor doesn't have a smaller probe, see if you can check out a childrens hospital to have it done there. Ours treats adults since some childhood issues get treated and the patient becomes an adult, but regular doctors may choose not to take on their case management or the patient may just want to stay with their specialist. It would be weird, but it does happen that adults get treated there. Just throwing out food for thought just in case.

[Emily B]

My ultrasound wasn't performed in the doc's office. It was at a radiology center. If there is such a thing as a pediatric probe, they'd probably have one.

Emily B.