A transvaginal transducer, also known as an endovaginal transducer or probe, uses a small electronic array as the scanhead and is inserted directly into the vagina for the scan. This is used as an alternative to an ultrasound examination done via an abdominal scanner. This technique produces a much sharper image, not only because of the scanhead's closer proximity to the uterus, but also because the transducer operates at a higher frequency and hence has a higher resolving power. Transvaginal examinationis are usually done for assessment of very early pregnancies. A sterile condom is slipped over the handheld transducer (or probe), which is then covered with lubricating gel and placed in the vagina. The probe rests up against the cervix and is being moved in several directions by the sonographer. The rest of the test proceeds the same way as transabdominal ultrasound. . Back to Obstetric ultrasound