A urethral ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed images of the urethra. This tube carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The technique is non-invasive and does not involve radiation, making it a safe method for examining the structure and function of the urinary tract. It provides a clear picture of the urethral walls and surrounding tissues to help medical professionals assess for abnormalities.
Reasons for a Urethral Ultrasound
A physician may recommend a urethral ultrasound when a patient experiences specific urinary symptoms that require investigation. These symptoms often include difficulty starting or maintaining a stream of urine, a condition known as urinary hesitancy. Other common reasons are a weak urine flow, the inability to completely empty the bladder, or urinary incontinence. Patients experiencing pain during urination or persistent discomfort in the pelvic region might also undergo this test, as well as to investigate suspected injuries to the urethra. An ultrasound can also help identify an obstruction if there is difficulty inserting a catheter.
The Urethral Ultrasound Procedure
Before the procedure, you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder, which can involve drinking a specific amount of water within a couple of hours of your appointment. This helps to create a clearer image of the bladder and urethra. A sonographer, a specialist trained in ultrasound technology, will explain the process and ask you to lie down on an examination table.
The sonographer will apply a water-based gel to the skin over the area being examined. This gel helps transmit the sound waves from a small, handheld device called a transducer into the body. The transducer is gently moved across the skin to capture images from different angles. The scan is painless and takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete.
For female patients, the transducer is often placed on the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, or a specialized probe may be gently placed just inside the urethral opening. For male patients, the transducer is positioned along the underside of the penis and on the perineum to visualize the urethra. After the initial images are taken, you may be asked to empty your bladder, and a second set of images will be taken to see how well the bladder has emptied.
Conditions Diagnosed with a Urethral Ultrasound
A urethral ultrasound is effective in identifying several medical conditions. One of the most common findings is a urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra that can obstruct urine flow. The images can show the precise location and length of the narrowed segment, which is important for planning treatment. The procedure can also detect urethral diverticula, which are small pouches that form along the urethra and can trap urine. Other abnormalities, such as cysts, abscesses, stones within the urethra, or tumors can also be clearly visualized.
Understanding Your Results
After the scan is finished, you can resume your normal activities immediately. The sonographer who performs the test is not the one who interprets the results. The images are sent to a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing conditions using medical imaging, who will analyze them and compile a formal report.
This report is sent to your referring doctor, who will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. Your doctor will explain what the results mean in the context of your specific symptoms and medical history. Based on the diagnosis, they will outline the next steps, which could involve further testing or developing a treatment plan.