This examination is used to identify varicocele, cysts and lumps.
Ultrasound scan of the testicles and the scrotum
Testicular ultrasound scan lasts from several to 30 minutes and is performed by a urologist or an andrologist. The ultrasound scan of the scrotum is completely safe, so it can be performed repeatedly. This is an important examination in the diagnostics of male fertility, which often has a major impact on the treatment and consequently on whether a man can become a father.
InviMed specialists know perfectly well what to pay attention to when performing an ultrasound scan of the scrotum, the testicles, the epididymides and the spermatic cords. They point not only to lesions, but also to possible consequences for male fertility.
If you feel or notice any disturbing symptoms, but also if you and your partner have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a long time, make an appointment for a urological or andrological testicular consultation with an ultrasound at the selected InviMed clinic.
What is testicular ultrasound scan?
A testicular ultrasound scan is a non-invasive and painless imaging examination, which is used to assess the morphology and vascularization of the testicles, the epididymides and the spermatic cords. The examination of the scrotum allows to determine the occurrence of pathological lesions, such as varicocele, cysts, or small tumours. In addition, ultrasound scan of the scrotum is performed when there is a suspicion of a torsion of the testis or testicular appendix.
Testicular ultrasound scan- what is it?
Testicular ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging method that uses ultrasound to obtain a detailed visualisation of the scrotal sac section. Before starting the examination, the doctor applies a gel to the scrotum, which makes it easier to move the head of the ultrasound scanner and has a positive effect on the quality of the image displayed on the screen.
Testicular ultrasound can is performed using a so-called linear probe, which generates ultrasound waves at a much higher frequency than those used in "traditional" abdominal ultrasound, and thus allows for a very clear image with much more detail.
If the patient has had other organ tests performed beforehand, he should take the results and all his medical records (e.g. hospital discharge summary report) with him.
Preparation for an ultrasound scan of the scrotum and the testicles
The testicular ultrasound scan can be performed at any time, without any preparation. It is enough to thoroughly wash the scrotum and the pubic area, and inform the physician about all symptoms and ailments that may affect the course of the examination (e.g. testicular pain and open wounds on the scrotum sac).
Indications for testicular ultrasound scan
The ultrasound scan of the testicles should be performed after any, even seemingly insignificant, change in the appearance of the organ. Redness in the scrotum, swelling, reduction or enlargement of the testicles and the presence of nodules may indicate a disease process requiring treatment.
Ultrasound scan is also indicated in the following cases:
- a history of testicular injury;
- suspected variocele, testicular hydrocele or testicular tumor;
- ailments in the pubic area (scrotal pain, discomfort);
- suspicion of inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism (when a testicle does not descend into the scrotum), abscess or haematoma of the testicle, micro-calcification, underdevelopment of the testicle, torsion of the testis or inflammation of the epididymis/the testicle;
- the need to perform a testicular biopsy when symptoms indicate infertility or testicular cancer;
- the need to obtain an image of post-traumatic lesions within the scrotum (when a detailed description is necessary);
- the presence of tumors located around the scrotum - during the ultrasound examination, their location can be determined and their form (liquid, mixed or solid) can be determined;
- monitoring the condition of the scrotum after surgery;
- observation of the progress of treatment - testicular ultrasound is the only examination that allows to keep track of changes in the organs of the scrotum that occur as a result of a specific therapy.
If it is necessary to assess the blood flow in the vessels, the patient can use the so-called Doppler ultrasound. This examination is used in the diagnostics of testicular blood circulation disorders.
Testicular ultrasound scan result
The result of the ultrasound examination has the form of a description, which is accompanied by photographs showing the diagnosis made.
The normal volume of 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 one; from a medical point of view, this fact does not matter much.
Testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive examination which can detect pathological lesions at a very early stage of their progression in just a few minutes. There are no contraindications for scrotal sac ultrasound and the examination can be repeated many times without fear of side effects.