Vaginal ultrasound is one of the most common types of pelvic examinations performed today. The ultrasound probe is placed directly into the vagina for examination. The procedure is not painful, but some women may experience vaginal swelling. This is because the vaginal ultrasound probe is a foreign body and the vagina will react reflexively after it is inserted into the vagina, thus causing a swelling sensation. Under normal circumstances, a woman will not experience pain during a vaginal ultrasound, but if she has vaginitis, cervicitis or a vaginal laceration, she may experience a stinging sensation during the ultrasound. The pain is not caused by the stimulation of the vaginal ultrasound probe, but by the use of a disposable condom on top of the probe during the vaginal ultrasound procedure. In cases of vaginal inflammation, the condom contains chemicals that can irritate the mucous membrane of the skin and cause pain. The pain does not last long and will go away soon after the ultrasound examination. This is why vaginal ultrasound can be useful to help check for inflammation in the vagina. If pain occurs during the test, it is usually caused by vaginitis, but if no pain occurs, vaginal inflammation can be ruled out.