TRANSABDOMINAL VERSUS TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIES IN A POPULATION OF RANDOMLY SELECTED WOMEN

A study was conducted which compared transvaginal and transabdominal u ltrasound in determining the prevalence of polycystic ovaries in a pop ulation of women. Women, chosen randomly from electoral rolls, were se nt a letter inviting them to take part in a study determing the presen ce of polycystic ovaries. A transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scan was performed on day 5-9 of their menstrual cycles. A total of 1 87 women (mean age 33 years) took part in the study. The prevalence of polycystic ovaries was 21% (40/187) by transabdominal ultrasound and 27% (36/134) by transvaginal ultrasound. No differences existed betwee n women with polycystic and normal ovaries with respect to uterine siz e and endometrial thickness. Mean ovarian volume was larger in women w ith polycystic ovaries irrespective of the use of hormonal contracepti on or breast feeding. There was no difference in the prevalence of pol ycystic ovaries diagnosed by transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound in the group of randomly selected women. However, almost 20% of the w omen declined a transvaginal ultrasound examination.