Hiya Emily, sorry I can't answer for questions, 1,3 & 4 but I can definitely say a big fat yes to the painful ultrasound!
The first vaginal one I had really, really hurt and had me squirming on the table - it showed I had a cyst on both my left and right ovaries. I had a follow-up scan later, but this time I was able to have my bladder full enough so wasn't internal (left cyst 'resolved', right one still very much there and diagnosed as an endometrioma).
After this diagnosis I went to see a specialist - he wanted his own scan and again it was vaginal. Thankfully this one didn't hurt as much, in fact was just 'uncomfortable' so I'm guessing a lot of it is to do with the sonographer and their skills - the first guy I had was apparently quite experienced, just rough as guts it seems!
edited to correct spelling - damn monday mornings!
Edited by AngieBabe