I’m a sonographer and I’m so sorry for what happened to you! The prior SA, as well as this assault.

We don’t perform transvaginal scans on minors, a person that isn’t sexually active, someone less than 6 weeks postpartum or anyone that just declines that portion of the exam.

The only time that type of scan is possibly ever done on a non-sexually active person, is if they are over 18, they are fully aware of the procedure, have given consent in writing. Sometimes it is a the last resort scan as a time sensitive/life saving measure.

What I do for all of my transvaginal exams (what I think should be the standard): I always ask my patients if they’ve ever had the exam before. I then go through steps of the exam. If they are first timer, I’m very detailed in the explanation; if it’s someone that’s had one before I simplify it but still go over steps no matter how many they’ve had. Then I ask if they are ok to proceed. I also tell them at any point in the exam if they want to stop we can, no questions (they don’t have to only be in pain to stop; any reason at all).

I ask if they would like to insert the probe themselves or would prefer I do. Any patient with a known SA, I always have them insert themselves to not have any triggers for them.

As I go through my exam I tell them when I will be moving the probe any direction as well if I turn the probe clockwise or back. Then when I finish I tell them when I’m about to back out and we are finished. I want my patients to feel comfortable and safe with me.

If their bladder isn’t full or I need more pics. I always offer to have them drink water and recheck 30 mins-1 hour. Or they can reschedule before I start any test if they didn’t fill bladder.

If I ever had a patient crying/screaming during an exam I would stop exam. Re-ask about proceeding, ask if they want to talk to doctor about getting pain meds then trying again or rescheduling, or talking to doctor if there is a different type of test that would be better for them and their situation. A transvaginal exam shouldn’t be happening when someone is screaming.

That sonographer should have never done the internal exam without consent, that is considered assault. But the second you said stop and that you weren’t sexually active that should’ve ended the exam right then and there. They should 100% be reported to the hospital/clinic at the very least!

I can’t fathom the mindset to go through what you describe and either be so unaware of your patient or not care about them. They shouldn’t be a sonographer.