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Concierge gynaecological imaging · London

Vaginal ultrasound (transvaginal scan), the sharpest first-line imaging of the uterus, ovaries and early pregnancy.

Transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim probe placed in the vagina — closer to the pelvic organs than abdominal ultrasound. First-line for early pregnancy, uterine cavity, ovarian cysts, endometriosis screening and gynaecological cancer workup.

See indicative pricing
A consultant gynaecologist performing a transvaginal ultrasound in a private London clinic

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    The right hands

    We route you to a consultant gynaecologist or accredited sonographer — the person who scans you and reads it decides the answer.

  • 02

    Often answers same-day

    Findings can frequently be discussed immediately, with the written report to follow.

  • 03

    Independent, and free

    We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.

Key facts

Transvaginal ultrasound, in six lines.

Everything you need to hold in your head before the scan — the shape of the test, who does it, and where it sits in the gynae pathway.

  • Definition

    A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim probe placed inside the vagina to image the uterus, ovaries and adnexa at close range.

  • 15–20 minute test

    A focused scan — typically fifteen to twenty minutes on the couch, no fasting, no preparation.

  • No radiation

    Sound waves only. Safe in early pregnancy and repeatable as often as clinically needed.

  • Consultant gynaecology / accredited sonographer

    Reported by a consultant gynaecologist or an accredited sonographer — the person interpreting the image decides the answer.

  • Sharper than TA ultrasound for pelvic organs

    The probe sits closer to the uterus and ovaries than an abdominal scan — resolution is materially higher.

  • Foundation of the gynae imaging pathway

    First-line for early pregnancy, uterine cavity, ovarian cysts, endometriosis screening and gynaecological cancer workup.

Indicative pricing

What a private transvaginal ultrasound costs in London.

Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.

In short

A standard transvaginal ultrasound in our network: £220–£380, with findings often the same day.

Scan type Indicative range
Standard transvaginal ultrasound £220–£380
TV + transabdominal pelvic scan £280–£450
Early pregnancy scan (viability, dating, location) £150–£300
TV ultrasound + consultant gynae opinion £450–£850
Fertility work-up (TV US + AFC + AMH bloods) £450–£900
Urgent same-week TV ultrasound £350–£650

Prices vary by clinic, whether a transabdominal view is added, and whether a same-visit consultant gynaecology opinion is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.

The problem

A transvaginal ultrasound is only as good as who reports it.

IOTA rules, endometrial thickness, cavity anomaly — the description is the answer. We route you to a consultant gynaecologist or accredited sonographer, not a generalist.

  • Postmenopausal bleeding?

    We arrange an urgent transvaginal scan and route findings straight to gynaecology.

  • Ovarian cyst on a previous scan?

    We characterise it with IOTA descriptors — and, if needed, book a same-visit gynae opinion.

  • Fertility or recurrent miscarriage?

    We fold the scan into a rounded work-up — antral follicle count, AMH, cavity assessment.

The diagnostic pathway

From consultation to plan — what happens, in order.

One clinician from first message to plan — often within days.

  1. 01

    Before

    Gynaecology consultation

    A short, confidential form. Symptoms, cycle, obstetric and gynae history, any prior imaging.

  2. 02

    Before

    Empty bladder

    Unlike an abdominal pelvic scan, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed with an empty bladder — you will be asked to go before you come through.

  3. 03

    On the day

    Transvaginal probe insertion

    A slim, single-use-sheathed probe is gently inserted into the vagina. Uncomfortable at most, not painful.

  4. 04

    On the day

    Systematic uterus + ovary sweep

    Uterus in long and transverse axis, endometrial thickness measured, both ovaries interrogated with colour Doppler where indicated.

  5. 05

    On the day

    Antral follicle count if fertility

    If the referral is for fertility, the antral follicle count is measured in each ovary — a marker of ovarian reserve.

  6. 06

    After

    Structured report

    IOTA descriptors for any ovarian mass, endometrial thickness, cavity findings — written for your gynaecologist.

  7. 07

    After

    Structured plan

    Next step in one line — reassurance, hysteroscopy, MRI, MDT, or urgent gynae referral if a red flag is met.

Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.

What it shows

When a transvaginal ultrasound is the right test.

Transvaginal ultrasound answers a specific set of questions — the uterine cavity, both ovaries, and early pregnancy at close range. These are the presentations we see most.

  • Uterine cavity anomaly

    Septate, arcuate or bicornuate uterus — relevant to recurrent miscarriage and infertility work-up.

  • Endometrial polyp / thickening

    A focal polyp or generalised thickening — the leading cause of intermenstrual and postmenopausal bleeding.

  • Submucosal fibroid

    Fibroids projecting into the cavity — the ones most likely to bleed and to affect fertility.

  • Ovarian cyst characterisation (IOTA)

    IOTA rules classify a cyst as simple, benign or suspicious — the framework the gynae MDT uses.

  • Antral follicle count

    A count of small follicles in each ovary — one of the two key markers of ovarian reserve alongside AMH.

  • Early pregnancy viability

    Sac location, fetal pole, heartbeat — the first test in early pregnancy assessment, from around six weeks.

  • Endometriosis (deep infiltrating features)

    Deep infiltrating endometriosis of the pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments and rectum can be identified by an experienced operator.

  • Red flag: postmenopausal bleed + thickened endometrium — urgent gynae

    Any bleeding after the menopause with a thickened endometrium is a two-week-wait referral. Do not delay.

Treatment routes

What the scan can trigger — the routes it opens.

Every finding on a transvaginal scan has a defined onward pathway. These are the ones we most often set in motion.

  • Hysteroscopic polypectomy

    Day-case removal of an endometrial polyp under direct vision — the definitive treatment.

  • Ovarian cystectomy

    Laparoscopic removal of a persistent or symptomatic cyst, preserving the ovary where possible.

  • Endometrial biopsy

    Pipelle or hysteroscopic biopsy when the endometrium is thickened or bleeding is unexplained.

  • Fibroid embolisation

    A radiological alternative to myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids where preservation of the uterus is wanted.

  • IVF cycle planning

    The antral follicle count and cavity assessment feed directly into stimulation dose and cycle design.

  • Endometriosis excision (lap)

    Laparoscopic excision by a specialist endometriosis centre when disease is confirmed and symptomatic.

  • Structured gynae follow-up

    Interval TV ultrasound at six weeks or three months for equivocal cysts or postmenopausal findings.

  • MDT review

    Complex or IOTA-suspicious findings are taken to the gynae-oncology MDT — the decision is theirs, not the scan alone.

Our vetted London network

A small panel of clinics, we picked them.

Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

Selection criteria

How we choose every clinic in our network.

A modern London gynaecology ultrasound room with a current-generation scanner
Consultant gynaecology
  • Consultant gynaecologists or accredited sonographers accredited by the British Society of Gynaecological Imaging

  • IOTA descriptors used for every ovarian mass

  • Same-day report, with images available for onward review

  • Onward hysteroscopy, gynae-oncology MDT or endometriosis-centre pathway if significant disease is found

Red flags

When a transvaginal scan finding needs urgent gynaecology.

Ultrasound is exceptionally safe — the practical points are which findings need a fast onward pathway, and which do not.

  • Postmenopausal bleed + thick endometrium

    Any bleeding after the menopause with an endometrium above 4 mm needs urgent gynaecology — a two-week-wait referral.

  • Complex ovarian cyst (IOTA M-rules)

    Solid components, four or more papillary projections, ascites or strong Doppler flow — any single M-rule mandates specialist review.

  • Ovarian mass with ascites

    A pelvic mass with free fluid is an ovarian-cancer pathway until proven otherwise.

  • Suspected ectopic pregnancy

    Positive pregnancy test with an empty uterus, or an adnexal mass — an emergency early-pregnancy unit assessment.

  • Persistent intermenstrual bleeding

    Bleeding between periods that does not settle over three cycles warrants cavity assessment and biopsy.

  • Recurrent miscarriage with cavity anomaly

    Three or more losses with a septate or arcuate uterus is a recurrent-miscarriage-clinic referral.

  • Deep infiltrating endometriosis

    Sonographic features of DIE need referral to a specialist endometriosis centre — not managed in general gynae alone.

  • Post-menopausal ovarian mass

    Any new ovarian mass after the menopause is significant. IOTA classification and MDT review, not watchful waiting.

  • Recurrent post-menopausal bleeding

    A second episode of PMB after a normal first work-up needs re-referral — the threshold is deliberately low.

Reading your report

A transvaginal ultrasound report can look intimidating. It isn’t.

Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.

A consultant gynaecologist reviewing transvaginal ultrasound images on a clinical workstation at a UK private clinic

A quiet reminder

The report is written for your gynaecologist, not for you — and that’s normal.

If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and cycle context

    Your details, the reason for the scan, the date of your last period and any hormonal treatment that shapes interpretation.

  2. 02 Technique

    Transvaginal, empty bladder, with Doppler

    Route (TV, or TV + TA), whether colour Doppler was used, and the probe frequency.

  3. 03 Findings

    Uterus, endometrium, ovaries, adnexa

    Uterine size and position, endometrial thickness, both ovaries with volume and antral follicle count, and any adnexal finding described with IOTA descriptors.

  4. 04 Impression

    The conclusion: read this first

    Normal, benign, or IOTA-suspicious — with the concrete next step in one line.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about transvaginal ultrasound.

Quick answers on comfort, bladder preparation, safety in pregnancy, timing in the cycle, chaperones and the difference from a pelvic scan.

  • Is a transvaginal ultrasound painful?

    Uncomfortable at most, not painful. The probe is slimmer than a speculum, single-use-sheathed and warm-lubricated. You can ask the sonographer to stop at any point.

  • Do I need a full bladder?

    No — the opposite. A transvaginal scan is performed with an empty bladder, so you will be asked to go before you come through. If a transabdominal scan is added, that portion is done with a full bladder first.

  • Is a transvaginal scan safe in early pregnancy?

    Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and a transvaginal probe is the standard first-line test for early-pregnancy viability, dating and location from around six weeks.

  • Can I have a transvaginal ultrasound during my period?

    You can, but if the referral is for endometrial thickness or a polyp, the scan is more informative in the first ten days of the cycle when the endometrium is thinnest.

  • Do I need a chaperone?

    A chaperone is offered as standard for every intimate ultrasound and you are welcome to bring your own. If you would prefer the scan not to go ahead without one, say so at booking.

  • What is the difference between transvaginal and pelvic ultrasound?

    A pelvic (transabdominal) ultrasound scans through the lower abdominal wall with a full bladder — a wide overview. A transvaginal ultrasound places the probe close to the uterus and ovaries and is materially sharper for the pelvic organs themselves.

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In practice, in London

Why private vaginal ultrasound moves differently in London

With vaginal ultrasound, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. The NHS route for vaginal ultrasound is thorough, but the queue is real. Most patients we speak with have been told to expect anywhere from a handful of weeks to several months, depending on their local trust and how the referral is graded. Going private in London usually collapses that window to a matter of days — often the same week if the diary allows. It isn’t about jumping a queue so much as buying time back while you still have the flexibility to plan around it.

A typical private booking for vaginal ultrasound in London starts with a consultant conversation — sometimes in person on Harley Street or Marylebone, sometimes on video if that suits better. Any imaging or diagnostics happen at a nearby CQC-registered facility, and reports usually land within 24 to 72 hours. The whole loop, from first call to written report, is often done inside a fortnight. For vaginal ultrasound specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.

Honesty about expectations is part of the job. A private vaginal ultrasound appointment in London won’t change the underlying medicine — the guidelines, the consultants, and the equipment are largely the same as on the NHS. What it changes is speed, continuity, and the amount of time you get to actually talk through the findings. Everyone we route to is GMC-registered and works within CQC-regulated facilities.

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