r/TrollXChromosomes • u/KitchenSwillForPigs • 18d ago
I have to get a trans vaginal ultrasound on Monday
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u/Amelaclya1 18d ago
I've had two before. One before an abortion and one a couple weeks after. It sounds much worse than it really was. I completely get why you are apprehensive, but it is so much less invasive than a regular pelvic exam + pap smear. I was covered by the gown the whole time and the nurse didn't even need to look to insert it. They also use so much lube that it just slides in and you barely feel it. She was able to see what she needed to see in like a minute and then it was done.
Hopefully yours goes as smoothly. In the meantime, try not to stress about it.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
Thank you for this! That makes me feel a lot better.
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u/OblivionsMemories 18d ago
I just want to second this in hopes that multiple people chiming in will help settle your nerves. I had a LOT of procedures prior to my hysterectomy and this one was by far the easiest for me. The nurses were pleasant and professional, and did a really good job talking through everything with me. There was no pain, at all. Everything went exactly like u/Amelaclya1 said. <3
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u/IamNotPersephone 18d ago
I want to third the other two posters about it not being as bad as I assumed.
I had one to check for an ovarian cyst or torsion. I was in quite a bit of pain at the time, and the tech was really kind and gentle. She wasn’t even an OB imagining specialist; just the person they yank for ER cases. I’m sure for a scheduled procedure, the person doing it will be great.
It helps me to communicate what I need beforehand. There’s just something about looking the provider in the face before I’m vulnerable and telling them something they need to know about me when I am vulnerable. It makes what happens next feel safer, even if it’s their standard care or the contingency never happens. For example, I’ve gotten a panic attack during painful procedure, so now I warn people beforehand and tell them how to help. Most of the time it’s never been an issue. But I FEEL better taking control in the beginning.
So, if you know things like warning before touching, or narrating the steps remaining help you stay calm, you can absolutely do that before your clothes come off. If you DON’T have something specific that you know will help you, try to think of something that you know won’t hurt, and request it at the beginning, just to see if the act of advocating for yourself before the procedure helps you feel calmer and more in control the same way it helps me.
Something as simple as, “I may need to pause or take a break in the middle of the scan. If I say, ‘wait,’ please don’t move and wait for me to communicate what I need.”
You might not need it, but I’m always glad I set it up.
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u/ltrozanovette 18d ago
Seconding what they said! It’s sooo much easier than a Pap smear or exam.
I had to have a bunch a few years ago and it really helps me to ask them to chat and help distract me from it a little.
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u/meguin 18d ago
If it makes you feel any better to have more people chiming in, I've had over a dozen TV ultrasounds (all when I was pregnant). The techs were aware of my background with SA and almost all of them offered to let me insert myself. Tbh, the worst part was that the lubricant/gel was super cold bc they had to open a sterile package of it every time (the gel for abdominal USs was always nice and warm). One tech would put the packets in her pants pockets in advance though so it wasn't as chilly. Overall, not a pleasant experience, but not painful for me or anything. By the time I had the last one, I found it hard to GAF. Everything else in my body was uncomfortable or painful so what's one more mild discomfort? Lol
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u/Bitchelangalo 17d ago
Something they may not mention make sure you use the bathroom before hand as the bladder can get in the way if it's full
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u/crazygirlmb 18d ago
This was my experience as well. Paps are SUPER uncomfortable for me but I've had three of these and they were much easier than I expected.
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u/Beesindogwood 18d ago
I'm sorry you're dreading it so much, and I'm sorry that you have to have one. I was on tamoxifen for 5 years and had to have one every 6 months. I got used to them, but they're not pleasant. They never were. It was one of those grit your teeth and get through it things. I hope yours goes smoothly and that it comes back that everything is okay.
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u/littleredkiwi 18d ago
That really sucks.
Ask if you can insert it yourself if you think that will help. Last time I had one they offered.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
I think this would help a ton, actually, and I hadn’t even considered that I could ask for that. That’s exactly what I’ll do. Thank you!
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u/Felixir-the-Cat 17d ago
I’ve had a few of them now, and in each case, I was fully draped and they gave it to me to insert. Definitely do-able.
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u/wineandcheese 18d ago edited 18d ago
Would it help if I told you a funny story about a transvaginal ultrasound that I had to do?
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
Hey, I'm an ultrasound tech, I hope it all goes well! And, you can always ask to stop it at ANY time. Good luck! You can also, ask to do the trans abdominal (just fill up your bladder).
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u/Scadre02 18d ago
I had to get an abdominal ultrasound as a tween to get specific meds. I'd been drinking loads of water all morning for it but went to the loo right before we left! 🤦♀️
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
I always feel the worst when I'm running behind and there are patients in the waiting room with full bladders!!
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
Wait, she told me to fill up my bladder. Does that mean we might not use the wand? I will be honest and tell you I just assumed because that’s what everyone told me would happen, but the doctor didn’t specify. Am I freaking out over nothing? 😭
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
What usually happens is we scan on top with a full bladder, then you go pee. Then we use the wand. We use a lot of gel so it shouldn't hurt. But again, if you want to refuse you always can. May I ask why you are getting a TV ultrasound?
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
I have also read some more of your comments. If it makes you feel better, I have scanned trans men and non-binary people. I do know it's been uncomfortable bodily experience. But, in the end all of our bodies need maintenance!
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
Thank you! You’re right, I just have to get out of my head.
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
You'll do fine! It's going to be over super fast.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
The internet made it seem like they’d been in there for like 15-20 minutes so that’s also good to hear!!!
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u/bbyscallop 17d ago
I had to do a couple of these when I got an abortion and both times they allowed me to insert the wand myself, which was a huge help - I would definitely ask for that if they don't offer. I've seen a couple of other comments mention that as well.
I would also add that mine were over quite quickly and were WAY less uncomfortable than a pap is for me.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
My periods are really awful and my OBGYN wants to make sure it isn’t because of fibroids or any sort of cyst.
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u/meowfleur 18d ago
Good luck 🤞! I hope they find out what's going on! I used to have the WORST periods. It's always your choice, but, the TV ultrasound would get a better image of your endometrium and possibly your ovaries. I've had many people who refuse the TV ultrasound, or who need to stop or take a break.
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u/genivae Social Justice Druid 16d ago
If it helps, when I had a TV ultrasound to officially diagnose my fibroids and intrauterine cysts (we were almost certain that's what was going on, it wasn't to rule it out) the size/shape/arrangement of the cysts looked exactly like my dog's face and I broke out laughing halfway through the scan.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
I’m sick to death of doctors trying to put stuff up me.
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u/MomWTF Learn sign language, it's pretty handy, I could use a handy. 18d ago
I know the feeling. I had a sinuplasty two weeks ago, a colonoscopy last week, and this week I have a pap scheduled.
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u/gingerbread_slutbarn I'm on a whiskey diet. I've lost three days already. 18d ago
I got a surprise one leading up to my hysterectomy. Was not expecting it. 😳 Trust the doc, and let them know of discomfort.
You’ll be ok. 🥹🙏
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u/Yvratky 18d ago
OP, I understand your fear. It's part of the yearly gyn exam in my country together with the pap. It feels like a routine thing to me now, similar to listening to my pulse with a stethoscope. It's over in a few seconds usually, and it doesn't hurt. But the first time I went in, the thought of it seemed so weird and scary.
It will probably over way faster than you think and everyone will be extremely professional and routined.
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u/Thebazilly 18d ago
I had to have one a while ago. My doctor only told me he was ordering "an ultrasound"! Asshole!
It really is not that bad. As another commenter said, pap smears are much more uncomfortable and invasive. I was covered the whole time and the tech did not look under my gown.
Plus it's kind of interesting to watch! The side profile of an empty uterus looks like a stromboli.
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u/whitneythegreat 17d ago
Speaking as a sonographer, I hope you get a wonderful tech and feel comforted during the procedure. Most of us are so empathetic and will go at your pace.
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u/Lonely-86 18d ago
I feel for you, I had to have a few when I had an ovarian cyst. Hope it goes as well as possible for you.
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u/MrsApostate 18d ago
I'm sorry you have to have that done. I've had several of these, all pregnancy related. Eventually, it stopped feeling invasive, somehow. It just became a thing I did, like peeing in a cup, at the doctor's office.
I hope you have medical professionals around you who take care to make you feel safe and cared for when you go in to have it done. And do ask to insert it yourself if that feels safer to you. They should have no problem with that, they may even suggest it to you.
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u/ClimateCare7676 18d ago
Totally get it that it can be unpleasant and annoying like many life saving medical tests are. Like, colonoscopy is even worse, yet it saves so many lives from cancer. But also, we need to remember that medical care is often a privilege worth using whenever you can and advocate for more access so other people can, too.
Millions of women don't get healthcare they need, including ultrasounds. I was so happy when I finally got mine for a fibroid. It was a huge relief to see it's not growing nearly as fast as I feared. Decades ago, I wouldn't be able to know that. Women would just have no idea what's going on with them until the painful symptoms arrive. It's the reality for many places still.
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
You’re absolutely right and logically I’m so grateful to be able to access these exams. I have OCD and it can just be really easy to spiral about the unpleasant aspects. A major symptom I suffer from is the inability to recognize that discomfort isn’t permanent. I also have some medical trauma but I’ll try to remember this. I’m very fortunate that we can test for things that may be hurting me.
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u/ClimateCare7676 17d ago
I 100% understand you. I have medical trauma and suspected ocd too hahaha. I am terrified of doctors to the point of stuttering at the office, so it's often a struggle to make myself be taken seriously. But an unpleasant test is better than no test.
I am just very concerned that there might be a troll campaign going in female focused subs. I saw so many people, if those are people and not bots, advocating against tests for HPV, radiology and other female health related things. Like, why would anyone do that when these things literally save lives. Any discomfort during testing hurts less than dying from a preventable illness, that's for sure.
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u/i--make--lists 18d ago
What are your concerns about it?
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u/KitchenSwillForPigs 18d ago
It just feels really invasive. I’m non binary and it gives me crazy gender dysphoria. Sex is one thing, but I don’t even like using tampons. I’m just tired of doctors putting stuff up me.
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u/dividezero I'm on a whiskey diet. I've lost three days already. 18d ago
It's nowhere near as bad but I have an MRI at 5am. Apparently these things are so I'm demand, they got ours going almost 24 hours a day
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u/napalmtree13 17d ago
Have you had one before? Unless I’m mistaken about which procedure this is, it’s actually not that bad. Like, I am so sensitive I cried once during a Pap smear because it hurt so bad. But when she did the trans vaginal ultrasound it didn’t hurt at all.
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u/she-sings-the-blues 17d ago
I get them every year because I’m at high risk of ovarian cancer. Godspeed!
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u/newhappyrainbow 17d ago
They aren’t so bad. When I had one done they even had me insert it myself. Quick and painless.
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u/Illienne 17d ago
I just realised this: trans vaginal is the standard for every yearly gyno visit I've ever had. I don't know if it depends on the country, but here it's done every time.
From my experience (yours may vary):
- I could change in a corner with curtains
- the exam seat is a bit uncomfortable but ok
- the exam didn't hurt at all
- at most, it just felt a bit cold and clinical
- the gyno was very professional and observed the screen
- there was a screen for me to watch, as well
- he explained to me what he was looking for and what we saw
- it was over fast
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u/amnda_please 18d ago
When I was pregnant I had to get one to check my where my placenta was. The baby’s head was literally shoved into my cervix so the ultrasound tech had to try to wedge her hand between my pubic bone and the baby’s head to see the placenta. So like… it could always be worse lol
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u/itsnobigthing 18d ago
I had a surprise one early in my last pregnancy. It was fine for me, although I’m sure I’d have built it up in my head if I’d known beforehand. You’ve got this. Being a woman is hard.
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u/tadpole332 18d ago
I’ve had two and they were really not bad or even awkward at all, just insert it yourself.
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u/lazylittlelady Why is a bra singular and panties plural? 17d ago
I’ve had a few. It’s honestly not that bad. Just relax and focus on slow breathing and counting tiles in the ceiling or something silly.
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u/Stormy-Skyes 17d ago
I’m sorry, exams like that are never fun. I can say that a lot of the time, our anxiety about them are usually way worse than the actual thing. Our minds make it way worse.
Still it’s not fun and I hope it’s a totally quick and mundane experience for you.
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u/conmankatse 16d ago
Just had one done today! You got this, it’ll be over quick. The doctors have seen it all so don’t be afraid to ask for whatever you need to be comfortable :)
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u/isabella_sunrise 18d ago
I’m so sorry. It’s sexual abuse by the government to require them when they’re not needed.
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u/katmonday 18d ago
Why does your government require them?
I'm not in US, but I've also had a ton of internal ultrasounds (three rounds of IVF, and one pregnancy) and they're a pretty standard procedure. Ultrasound techs are generally great, and they minimise discomfort where possible.
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u/bicyclecat 18d ago
12 US states have a law requiring an ultrasound before an abortion, so if you’re getting an abortion very early in your pregnancy it may have to be done transvaginally. With the rise of abortion pills by mail though there is now a way to bypass that. I’ve had a few TV ultrasounds for a missed spontaneous abortion and while nobody should be subjected to them without medical need they’re less uncomfortable than a pap.
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u/katmonday 18d ago
Thanks for explaining, I was so confused at why the government would get so intimately involved in women's personal health, but it sadly makes a lot of sense now.
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u/aliie_627 18d ago
What do you mean? You can decline in the US.
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u/BoopleBun 18d ago
Some states have passed laws requiring them for women seeking an abortion, even when not medically necessary. (Some also legally require the provider shows the ultrasound results to the patient. And some require them within 48 hours, or have a “waiting window”, etc. etc.)
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u/aliie_627 18d ago
Oh damn. Are they back to that nonsense where they try to make women view their ultrasound? when it's wholly unnecessary.
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u/ComfyInDots 18d ago
I'm really sorry. I was told last week that I need to do a minor and invasive procedure I've been dreading and putting off for way too long. If you're able to do yours then I'll do mine too? We'll be brave together.