Asalamualikum
Are Transvaginal Ultrasounds allowed in Islam, for an unmarried virgin woman?
What is a Transvaginal ultrasound?
A transvaginal ultrasound, also called an endovaginal ultrasound, is a type of pelvic ultrasound used by doctors to examine female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.
“Transvaginal” means “through the vagina.” This is an internal examination.
Unlike a regular abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, where the ultrasound wand (transducer) rests on the outside of the pelvis, this procedure involves your doctor or a technician inserting an ultrasound probe about 2 or 3 inches into your vaginal canal.
What happens during a transvaginal ultrasound?
Your doctor covers the ultrasound wand with a condom and lubricating gel, and then inserts it into your vagina.
Jazakumallahukhair for your time.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
We appreciate your question on transvaginal ultrasound. Every day we hear of new and fascinating medical procedures coming into practice. Sometimes we become so impressed with the latest “cutting edge” developments that, in our excitement, we don’t even stop to ask if there is anything wrong with it. We just want to try some new technology even if it is completely contrary to modesty. Unfortunately, some medical professionals see an opportunity in this and it is not uncommon for doctors to perform procedures just to rack up a medical bill.
Since this procedure is of such a sensitive nature, barring life or death emergencies, it is imperative that the patient first consult with an upright muslim doctor to determine whether there is any benefit in it for her condition. Only if the doctor deems the procedure necessary for her treatment will it be allowed for both virgins and non-virgins alike.[i] The patient must seek out a female doctor for any treatment that involves exposing her satr (portions of the body which are fardh to conceal).[ii] Going to a male doctor will be a last resort.[iii] It will not be permissible to have this procedure done as a formality for none medical reasons such as applying for a job or a school.[iv] [v]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Nadeem Moulana
Student Darul Iftaa
Kentucky, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
[i] الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 233)
(قَوْلُهُ يَشْتَدُّ) أَيْ يَزِيدُ فِي ذَاتِهِ، وَقَوْلُهُ أَوْ يَمْتَدُّ: أَيْ يَطُولُ زَمَنُهُ، وَكَذَا لَوْ كَانَ صَحِيحًا خَافَ حُدُوثَ مَرَضٍ كَمَا فِي الْقُهُسْتَانِيِّ، وَهُوَ مَعْلُومٌ مِنْ قَوْلِ الْمُصَنِّفِ أَوْ بَرْدٍ (قَوْلُهُ بِغَلَبَةِ ظَنٍّ) أَيْ عَنْ أَمَارَةٍ أَوْ تَجْرِبَةٍ شَرْحُ الْمُنْيَةِ (قَوْلُهُ أَوْ قَوْلِ حَاذِقٍ مُسْلِمٍ) أَيْ إخْبَارِ طَبِيبٍ حَاذِقٍ مُسْلِمٍ غَيْرِ ظَاهِرِ الْفِسْقِ، وَقِيلَ عَدَالَتُهُ شَرْطٌ شَرْحُ الْمُنْيَةِ
[ii] الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (6/ 371)
وَيَنْبَغِي أَنْ يُعَلِّمَ امْرَأَةً تُدَاوِيهَا لِأَنَّ نَظَرَ الْجِنْسِ إلَى الْجِنْسِ أَخَفُّ
[iii] فتاوى قاضيخان (3/ 250)
امرأة أصابتها قرحة في موضع العورة لا يحل للرجل أن ينظر إليها و لكن يعلم امرأة لتداويها فإن لم يجدوا امرأة تداويها و لا امرأة تتعلم ذلك إذا علمت و خيف عليها البلاء و الوجع و الهلاك فإنه يستر منها كل شيء إلا موضع تلك القرحة ثم يداويها الرجل و يغض بصره ما استطاع إلا عن ذلك الموضع
[iv] فتاوی محمودیہ (19/243) #9260
[v] الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (6/ 370)
إذْ الضَّرُورَاتُ تَتَقَدَّرُ بِقَدْرِهَا