Transvaginal Ultrasound
Your doctor has requested a transvaginal ultrasound. Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body and create detailed images which the physician can study. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.
Before Your Exam
This exam can be performed during menstruation. If you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, you will need to remove the tampon before the test.
Drink 32oz on any liquid one hour before your examination time. Try to drink all the liquid within 30 minutes.
Do not urinate before the exam. Arrive for your exam with a full bladder.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
During Your Exam
Upon arrival, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Once in the examination room, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be positioned on your back on the exam table, with your legs raised - just like for a pelvic exam.
A small, lubricated probe, called a transducer, will be inserted into your vagina. The transducer is inserted like a tampon. The transducer is larger than a tampon, but smaller than the speculum that your doctor uses for a pelvic exam.
During the exam you will feel a light amount of pressure. You may be requested to lie still, change positions, hold your breath and/or just breath normally.
Soundwaves will pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer. The soundwaves bounce off certain organs and tissue in the body. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer. A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals. These moving images may be viewed immediately, recorded and/or photographed for physician review.
Occasionally the radiologist may request additional images.
Your procedure will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
After Your Exam
Your study will be reviewed by a imaging physician and the results sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
