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A small handheld device called a transducer is passed back and forth over the scrotum. The device sends the sound waves to the computer, which turns them into a picture. This picture is shown on a video screen. The picture produced by ultrasound is called a sonogram, echogram, or scan. Pictures or videos of the ultrasound images may be saved.
Check for fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele, Opens dialog), fluid in the epididymis (spermatocele), blood in the scrotum (hematocele), or pus in the scrotum (pyocele).
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
Information about Testicular Ultrasound
A testicular ultrasound is done at a doctor's office or hospital.
Before the test, you'll need to take off all your clothes from the waist down. You will put on a gown. You'll be asked to lie on your back on a padded table. Folded towels will be used to cover the penis and lift the scrotum. A gel (such as K-Y Jelly) will be spread on your scrotum. This is used for the transducer, which is pressed against your skin and moved across your scrotum many times.
You will need to lie very still during the ultrasound scan. You may be asked to take a breath and hold it for several seconds during the scan.
When the test is finished, the gel is removed from your skin. You may be asked to wait until the radiologist, Opens dialog has reviewed the test. He or she may want to do more ultrasound views.
How long the test takes
The test takes about 20 minutes.
Most people don't feel pain during the test. If your scrotum hurts already from an injury or illness, the slight pressure from the transducer may be somewhat painful. You will not hear or feel the sound waves.
There are no known risks from having this test.
Testicular ultrasound
Normal:
The testicles are normal in shape and size. They are in the normal position.
There is no sign of a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) lump in the testicles.
There is no twisting of the spermatic cord. This twisting (testicular torsion, Opens dialog) cuts off blood supply to the testicles.
There is no sign of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele, Opens dialog), blood in the scrotum (hematocele), fluid in the epididymis (spermatocele), or pus in the scrotum (pyocele).
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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