Testicular & Scrotal Ultrasound Scan

What does a testes and scrotum ultrasound involve?

• Detailed report and images sent electronically
• 20 minute appointment
• Same day results
• No GP referral required

Please note:
We only scan patients over the age of 18 years.

Here at Ultrasound Plus, we are well known for our ultrasound imaging services, including scrotal and testicular scan procedures.

We can offer you testicular scans in our clinics. Get in touch today to make an appointment.

Scrotal ultrasound and testicular torsion ultrasound

Our ultrasound scans on the scrotum and testicles are painless, non-invasive ways to check for disorders with the testicles, scrotum, and epididymis (tubes surrounding the testicles). As part of the male reproductive system, these ultrasound images are only required for men and won’t cause scrotal or testicular pain. The scan is carried out using an ultrasound machine that uses high-frequency sound waves to gain a clear image of the inside of the body.

The service is available to patients over 18 years old, and, unlike other ultrasound scans, you will not need to drink lots of fluids or fast before this procedure; you simply need to wear loose-fitting clothing. This medical procedure will take images of testicular torsion and scrotal sac to discover any irregularities.

We recommend having a private testicular scan if you find an abnormal lump or mass in your testes, suspect you have testicular torsion (a twisted testicle), have testicular enlargement, are experiencing abnormal pain or swelling, or want to determine the cause of infertility.

This primary imaging method will help us determine if you have any medical abnormalities which need further treatment.

Common Lumps Found During Testicular Ultrasound

When it comes to testicular and scrotal ultrasounds, various common lumps can be discovered, including:

• Intratesticular cyst: Another fluid sac, but based inside the testes rather than the epididymis. Commonly benign.
• Hydrocoele: This is the extra fluid that builds up around the testicle, which may contain floating debris. This can happen due to your protein or cholesterol content. You will find this lump is benign, but you may need it removed if it is enlarged.
• Epididymal cyst: A harmless and common fluid-filled cyst.
• Epididymis: You can commonly feel the head of the epididymis, which feels like a lump.
• Varicoceles: When the blood vessels inside the scrotal sac become dilated, it can affect sperm quality as they increase the temperature inside the sac itself. This can cause fertility issues.
• Seminoma: A common form of testicular cancer. Seminoma is slow-growing and usually found in the testes, but it can spread to the lymph nodes.

How is an Ultrasound on Testicles performed?

For all of our testicular ultrasound services, you will need to lie down on an examination bed that can be electronically moved to the correct position. You may be asked to move to either side to get a more precise ultrasound of the scrotum.

Our sonographer will explain where you need to lie to get a good image of inside the body; we may also need to rearrange the way you are laid to optimise blood supply. Special preparation is taken to ensure the sound waves are being administered to the correct area.

We will then apply a water-based gel to the area we are examining and carrying out the ultrasound imaging on. This gel will act as a conductor between your body and the machine, providing a video on the monitor. Not only this, but the jelly eliminates any air pockets that can block the sound waves from reaching your body and giving a clear image of inside the body.

Our sonographer will move the transducer over the area until we produce images. You won’t feel any severe pain during this exam; however, you might feel discomfort, as we must apply pressure onto the transducer to produce clear pictures.

Once we have completed the ultrasound imaging, we will give you a tissue to wipe away the ultrasound gel and clean your skin. From this, we can look at the images we have taken and the surrounding tissues to determine what we can see and offer a diagnosis.