Polycystic ovary syndrome

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Transvaginal ultrasound

Illustration showing transvaginal ultrasound

During a transvaginal ultrasound, your doctor or a medical technician inserts a wand-like device (transducer) into your vagina while you lie on your back on an exam table. The transducer emits sound waves that generate images of your pelvic organs, including your ovaries. On an ultrasound image (inset), a polycystic ovary shows a classic "string of pearls" appearance. Each dark circle on the ultrasound image represents a cyst on the ovary.

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