Transvaginal vs. abdominal pelvic ultrasound can sound intimidating, but they’re simply two different ways to look at the same area: your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding organs. In this article, we explain why your doctor might choose one over the other, what each probe looks like, how the exam actually feels, and which details each type of scan can see more clearly so you know exactly what to expect before your appointment.

When you’re trying to get pregnant — especially if you’re going through fertility treatment or IVF — an ultrasound stops being “that thing pregnant women do at 12 weeks” and becomes a constant part of the journey.