Transvaginal ultrasound scans should not cause any significant discomfort and they are much easier to tolerate than smear tests. Transvaginal scans cannot be performed on women who have never been sexually active and in these women transabdominal scans are preferable. In women who developed vaginal dryness after menopause, transvaginal examinations may be more uncomfortable. In order to minimise discomfort application of a lubrication gel containing local anaesthetic may make the examination easier to tolerate. Alternatively, local application of hormone oestrogen in the form of vaginal tablets or cream for one to two weeks prior to the examination may also be helpful.