Use of a Uterine Sound

The Purpose of a Uterine Sound
-
Insures that you can pass through the internal os
-
Informs the direction and pathway through the os up to the fundus
-
Measures the depth/distance from the external os to the fundus
-
Is appropriate for IUD placement not <5.5 cm. 10 cm or more in some cases
-
Tells you where to set the flange so you don't waste the IUD
Which one?
-
Usually 4mm (occasionally 3mm)
-
Metal sound - can be bent to mimic uterine flexion
-
Plastic sound - may be less likely to perforate
-
Endometrial sampler - thinner diameter

Hand Skills
-
Avoid momentum
-
Hold it like a pencil or dart
-
Use Wrist action - not elbow; not shoulder
-
Brace fingertips on speculum to achieve control of force while advancing the sound
Safety Tips
-
Don’t push hard at internal os
-
Do not force
-
Slow progression through the internal os
-
Once you have passed through the internal os, stop....and then, intentionally proceed to the fundus
To download a PDF version of this page, click here.