A testicular ultrasound, also known as a scrotal ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of the testicles and surrounding structures within the scrotum. It is a safe and common diagnostic tool that does not involve ionizing radiation. Its primary function is to help a healthcare provider visually assess the internal anatomy to identify the source of symptoms or characterize an abnormality. This examination is often ordered to provide clarity on a particular symptom.
Reasons for the Examination
A physician typically requests a testicular ultrasound to investigate specific symptoms or abnormalities discovered during a physical examination. A common reason is the evaluation of acute pain or swelling in the scrotal area. The ultrasound can quickly differentiate between conditions like testicular torsion (a twisted spermatic cord cutting off blood flow) and epididymitis (inflammation usually caused by infection).
The technology is also effective for characterizing lumps or masses. The scan determines if a mass is solid (raising concern for a tumor) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst or a hydrocele, which is a fluid collection around the testicle). Furthermore, the ultrasound checks for varicoceles (enlarged veins that can affect fertility) and assesses the structural integrity of the testicle following trauma.
How to Prepare for the Appointment
Preparing for this diagnostic test is simple, as it requires no fasting or specific dietary instructions. Patients should continue to take any prescribed medications as normal unless instructed otherwise by the ordering physician.
The most practical preparation involves wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and may be given a gown. Ensure you bring necessary identification, insurance information, and the physician’s referral paperwork for a smooth check-in process.
The Step-by-Step Procedure
The examination is usually performed by a specialized technologist, called a sonographer, in a dimly lit room. You will lie on your back on an examination table, and the sonographer will place a towel roll between your legs to gently support and elevate the scrotum. This positioning helps ensure that the testicles remain still and accessible for imaging.
The sonographer applies a clear, water-based gel to the scrotal skin, which acts as a conductor to transmit the sound waves from the transducer into the body. This gel may feel slightly cool, though it is sometimes warmed beforehand for comfort. The transducer, a small, handheld device, is then gently pressed against the skin and moved across the area to capture images from different angles.
You may feel mild pressure as the transducer moves, but the procedure is generally not painful unless the area is already tender. During the scan, the sonographer uses Doppler technology, which employs color imaging to assess blood flow within the testicles and surrounding vessels. This is particularly useful for evaluating conditions like testicular torsion and inflammation. The entire process typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Interpreting the Findings and Follow-Up
Once the images are captured, the sonographer cleans the gel from the skin, and you can dress and resume normal activities immediately. There is no recovery period, and the sonographer will not provide a diagnosis or discuss the results. Their role is solely to acquire high-quality images for interpretation.
The collected images are sent to a radiologist, a medical doctor specialized in interpreting diagnostic imaging tests, who analyzes the detailed pictures. The radiologist prepares a comprehensive written report, which is sent back to the physician who originally ordered the test. This process usually takes a few days to a week.
You must schedule a follow-up appointment with your ordering physician to discuss the final interpretation and any recommended next steps. Findings may include normal anatomy, benign issues like simple cysts or hydroceles, or conditions such as suspected tumors or torsion that require urgent follow-up. The ordering physician integrates the ultrasound findings with your clinical history to determine the appropriate treatment plan.