Ultrasound of the testes and scrotum
With ultrasound of the testes and scrotum, the presence of varicocele, cysts and nodules can be detected.
An ultrasound examination of the testicles takes between a dozen and 30 minutes and is carried out by a urologist or andrologist. The ultrasound examination of the scrotum is completely safe, so it can be performed repeatedly. It is an important test in the diagnosis of male fertility, which often has a fundamental impact on treatment and, ultimately, on whether a man will be able to become a father.
The specialists at Invimed know exactly what to look out for when carrying out ultrasound examinations of the scrotum, testes, epididymides and spermatic cord. They pay attention not only to the changes, but also to the possible consequences for male fertility.
Consultation with testicular ultrasound at Invimed
If you are experiencing or have noticed worrying symptoms, but also if you and your partner have been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby for a long time, make an appointment for a urological or andrological consultation with testicular ultrasound at the Invimed clinic of your choice.
What is a testicular ultrasound?
Testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless imaging examination to assess the structure and vascularisation of the testes, epididymides and spermatic cord. Examination of the scrotal sac allows the detection of pathological changes such as seminal varices, cysts and nodules. In addition, ultrasound of the scrotum is used when a torsion of the testicle or its adnexa is suspected.
Testicular ultrasound - what does it involve?
Ultrasound examination of the testes is an imaging diagnostic method that uses ultrasound to obtain a detailed visualisation of a cross-section of the scrotal sac. Prior to the examination, the doctor applies a gel to the scrotum, which facilitates the movement of the ultrasound transducer and has a beneficial effect on the quality of the image displayed on the monitor screen.
Testicular ultrasound is carried out using a so-called linear probe, which generates ultrasound waves at a much higher frequency than the instruments used in 'traditional' abdominal organ ultrasound, and thus allows for a very clear image with much more detail.
Preparation for scrotal and testicular ultrasound
An ultrasound examination of the testes can be performed at any time, without any preparation. It is sufficient to wash the scrotum and intimate area thoroughly, and to inform the doctor of any symptoms or complaints that may affect the examination (e.g. testicular pain and open sores on the scrotal sac).
Bring the results of previous examinations with you
If the patient has had other tests on the organ previously, he or she should take the results of these tests and all medical records in his or her possession (e.g. hospital information sheet) with them.
Course of testicular ultrasound
- During the ultrasound examination of the testicles, the man assumes a supine position, unless the doctor wants to check for first-stage varicocele (the ultrasound examination should then be performed in a standing position, on held breath, as the nodules are faintly palpable).
- After placing the gel on the scrotum, the specialist moves the head of the ultrasound camera over the healthy testicle to assess the size, echostructure and vascularisation of the testicle and epididymis.
- The doctor then examines the testicle where there are worrying changes in appearance or other symptoms suggesting the need for a diagnostic test (e.g. pain).
- Although testicular ultrasound is a painless examination, the low temperature of the gel combined with the pressure of the ultrasound machine head on the scrotal sac can cause discomfort. Symptoms that may hinder the examination, namely the presence of open wounds on the scrotum or increased testicular pain, are a separate concern.
- During the ultrasound, the doctor records the relevant images in the camera's memory to be printed out and added to the study description. Finally, the patient can wipe off the gel and get dressed.
Indications for testicular ultrasound examination
An ultrasound examination of the testicles should be performed after the occurrence of any, even seemingly minor, change in the appearance of the organ. Redness within the scrotum, swelling, reduction or enlargement of the testicles and the presence of nodules may be indicative of a disease process that requires treatment.
Indications for ultrasound are also:
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a history of testicular trauma;
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suspected varicocele, hydrocele or testicular tumour;
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complaints in the intimate area (scrotal pain, discomfort);
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suspected inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism (failure of the testicle to descend into the scrotal sac), testicular abscess or haematoma, microcalcifications, testicular underdevelopment, testicular torsion or inflammation of the epididymis/testicle;
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the need for a testicular biopsy when symptoms indicate infertility or testicular cancer;
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the need to obtain an image of post-traumatic lesions in the scrotum (when a detailed description is necessary);
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the presence of tumours located around the scrotum - during the ultrasound examination their location can be determined, as well as their form (fluid, mixed or solid);
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monitoring the condition of the scrotum after surgery;
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observing the progress of treatment - testicular ultrasound is the only examination with which it is possible to follow the changes in the scrotal organs that occur as a result of a specific therapy.
Testicular ultrasound result
The result of the ultrasound examination is in the form of a description, accompanied by photographs showing the diagnosis made.
The normal volume of the testicles in an adult male is between 15 and 25 ml, while their longitudinal dimension should be between 4.5 and 5.1 cm. In most men, one of the testicles is slightly smaller than the other - from a medical point of view, this fact is of little significance.
Ultrasound of the testes is a non-invasive examination that can detect pathological changes at a very early stage in just a few minutes. There are no contraindications to performing an ultrasound of the scrotal sac, and the examination itself can be repeated several times without fear of side effects.
The cost of the urology consultation should be added to the cost of the ultrasound.
Male urology procedures in Gdynia
Surgical treatment of a frenulum, frenulum lengthening of the foreskin, removal of lesions, puncture and evisceration of a hydrocele of the testis. Each of these procedures can take as little as 30 minutes. The Invimed Gdynia clinic offers surgical treatment as part of one-day urological surgery.
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Medical consultation of the article: Maciej Jarosz, MD, specialist in urology and andrology. Graduate of the Medical University of Gdansk. At the Invimed clinic in Gdynia, he provides urological and andrological consultations and performs numerous procedures in the field of male urology.