ABSTRACT
Transabdominal ultrasound has been largely superseded by transvaginal scanning because of greater resolution and in many cases patient preference – as the need for a full bladder is avoided which saves time and may be more comfortable20. Whilst this may be the case in the context of infertility clinics, where women are used to having repeated scans, it was found that 20% of women who were undergoing routine screening declined a transvaginal scan after having first had a transabdominal scan19. Furthermore, the transabdominal approach is required for adolescent girls who are yet to commence sexual activity. The transvaginal approach may not always be acceptable for research studies; for example, in a populationbased survey, Michelmore et al.3 detected polycystic ovaries by transabdominal ultrasound in 33% of a population of young women.
