Which type of ultrasound is commonly used to assess the female reproductive system?

Endovaginal ultrasound is commonly used to assess the female reproductive system due to its ability to provide detailed images of pelvic structures, including the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues, from a close anatomical perspective. This technique allows for high-resolution imaging and is particularly effective in evaluating conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and the endometrium's health.

The endovaginal approach offers significant advantages over other methods by reducing the distance the sound waves must travel, which enhances image clarity. This is especially important in gynecological applications where subtle pathologies may be present and can be missed with less invasive approaches.

While transabdominal ultrasound can also be used to assess the female reproductive system, it is generally less specific than endovaginal ultrasound for detailed evaluations. Transthoracic ultrasound is not applicable in this context as it primarily assesses thoracic structures, and transrectal ultrasound is typically utilized for evaluating the prostate in male patients rather than female reproductive organs.