I only had them early in each of my two pregnancies, so no medical issues like fibroids or cysts or anything. Just normal routine scans. My ob/gyn office had both male and female doctors and techs that I saw interchangeably, I honestly don't remember who did these exams.

I, like others, found them awkward and uncomfortable but not painful. Less painful than a pap spear for sure, and far less painful than an IUD insertion. The physical sensation during insertion is akin to a dildo (but a lot less fun), then there's some pressure as they press around for the view they want. It always feels weird to mix up a very clinical procedure with a physical act that is normally associated with intimacy, also like having a breast exam, but that's all mental. Physically it really wasn't bad.

I had one at the ER due to a burst ovarian cyst and it was fine--some pressure but nothing awful. I was more worried about what they were seeing but the tech, a woman, was very reassuring.

I have always found them uncomfortable because I have large fibroids and adenomyosis, but my experience is likely not typical.

My sister calls it a "dildo cam," which made me laugh the first time I had it done and she told me that. Ive had a few more since, and while its not my favorite thing in the world, it's ok. Probably more awkward than anything and that was on me, the techs have always been nothing but pros.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's more comfortable than a speculum but less comfortable than a dildo

OMG this made me spew my drink. Its very true though, lol.

It's spot on but I find it a lot like a dildo and i've never felt discomfort with the pressure. It's just pressure. That said, I don't have anything exciting going on in the pelvic region.

Anonymous wrote:It was uncomfortable for me when they were moving it around like a joystick trying to find both ovaries.

Took awhile because I was, ahem, very constipated and there was a lot of pressing on my stomach while moving the wand all around to try to make the ovaries come to the front or whatever.

OMG, “like a joystick “ captures it exactly!

I have had a few. Most were not painful at all. One was, when the tech could not find an ovary and got very aggressive (like moving the wand in kooky directions/angles). She wound up calling in her supervisor, who found it, so perhaps she was just inexperienced?

Make sure to drink enough water in advance (NOT coffee—which is a diuretic).

I had lots of these during IVF. So much more comfortable than a speculum if you ask me!

The only time it was uncomfortable was after menopause, when I was very dry. But it still wasn’t bad. Before that - easy peasy.

Anonymous wrote:It's more comfortable than a speculum but less comfortable than a dildo

+1 - spot on! I’ve had so many going through IVF and countless transfers. Easier than a Pap smear but similar setup (draped).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Always female techs. I found it very uncomfortable. It doesn't just go in and sit there quietly- there is a lot of pressure and pushing as they try to get the image they need and they'll describe it as "just a little pressure" but frankly it's much closer to pain. I know the techs are trying to be kind but it's not a fun procedure and I dread them. They sometimes have to do multiple rounds of full bladder and not, and that sucks, too.

Nonsense. No pain whatsoever. You're scare mongering on purpose. Shame on you.

Shame on YOU for telling someone she didn't' feel pain. That's what male doctors do - tell us we don't feel pain when we do. You hadn't considered it felt differently to someone else than you???? Yikes.

It was uncomfortable for me when they were moving it around like a joystick trying to find both ovaries.

Took awhile because I was, ahem, very constipated and there was a lot of pressing on my stomach while moving the wand all around to try to make the ovaries come to the front or whatever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Always female techs. I found it very uncomfortable. It doesn't just go in and sit there quietly- there is a lot of pressure and pushing as they try to get the image they need and they'll describe it as "just a little pressure" but frankly it's much closer to pain. I know the techs are trying to be kind but it's not a fun procedure and I dread them. They sometimes have to do multiple rounds of full bladder and not, and that sucks, too.

Nonsense. No pain whatsoever. You're scare mongering on purpose. Shame on you.

NP here. I’ve had pain with pelvic ultrasounds. Everybody is different. And each ultrasound tech has a different technique (I’ve had many pelvic ultrasounds). PP is not “scare mongering” she is just sharing her experience.

It feels like having a dildo shoved into your vagina.

And yes there’s a drape but honestly at most it covers thigh fat rather than anything about your vagina.