Are Transvaginal Ultrasounds Withheld From Non‐Sexually Active Adults? An Online Survey of Current Practices and Opinions of Australasian Sonographers

ABSTRACT Introduction Transvaginal ultrasound ( TVUS ) is the gold standard in gynaecological imaging; however, practices of withholding TVUS from non‐sexually active ( NSA ) people have been observed. This study aimed to assess the practices and opinions of Australasian sonographers regarding TVUS for NSA adults. Methods Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were eligible to partake in an online survey. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlations using Fisher's exact tests. Qualitative responses were coded and grouped into themes by the authors. Results Responses from 139 participants were included. Half of the respondents (51.5%) routinely offered a TVUS irrespective of sexual history, while 26.2% would never offer TVUS to NSA patients. For practices with specific protocols for NSA patients, 30.0% stipulated that TVUS should not be offered to NSA patients. When asked whether TVUS should be the gynaecological imaging method of choice, opinions were significantly different depending on the patient's sexual history ([Sexually active: Yes = 80.3%, No = 2.4% vs. NSA : Yes = 29.9%, No = 26.0%] [ p < 0.001]). Patient Consent , Patient Tolerance , Culture and Religion , Inappropriate for Virgins , Right to Quality Imaging , and LGBTQIA + Community , were themes revealed to influence sonographers' opinions. Conclusion Sonographic practices for performing TVUS examinations differed based on a patient's sexual history, and were influenced by consent, tolerance, culture, religion, and virginity. Some stated patient consent as the deciding factor for a TVUS , while others would not offer TVUS to NSA patients. There was a desire for more clarity in guidelines to support sonographers' practice decisions.