Patient acceptance of endovaginal ultrasound

Abstract

Objective: To assess women's experiences and attitudes regarding endovaginal ultrasound.

Methods: Women attending the obstetrics and gynecology clinics at the University of Florida were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire.

Results: Of respondents who had had a prior endovaginal ultrasound examination, 26% reported that 'it hurt a lot' and 50% reported that 'it hurt a little'. In contrast, only 23% of patients had experienced any pain with a prior abdominal ultrasound (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that discomfort with a prior vaginal ultrasound was related to patient age category, with less discomfort being experienced with increasing ages (P = 0.001). A history of unwanted sex, sexual or physical abuse, or dyspareunia was not associated with more painful examinations. Most patients were willing to undergo a future vaginal ultrasound investigation if it were recommended by their doctor. Multivariate analysis showed that more willingness was associated with older age category (P = 0.004), a history of dyspareunia (P = 0.03) and bleeding in a current pregnancy (P = 0.005). Of the patients (less than half) who had a preference, most preferred a female sonographer for endovaginal sonography (P < 0.001) and most preferred that a doctor, rather than a nurse or technician, perform the examination (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The majority of women who had experienced a vaginal ultrasound examination found it somewhat uncomfortable, but almost all women who returned the questionnaire expressed a willingness to undergo endovaginal ultrasound if it were recommended.