Testicular ultrasound

Testicular ultrasound is done to:

• Check a mass or pain in the testicles.
• Find or check on an infection or swelling of the testicles or epididymis.
• Check for twisting of the spermatic cord. This problem cuts off blood supply to the testicles (testicular torsion).
• Check to see if testicular cancer has come back.
• Find an undescended testicle.
• Check for fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele), fluid in the epididymis (spermatocele), blood in the scrotum (hematocele), or pus in the scrotum (pyocele).
• Guide a biopsy needle for a testicular biopsy. This may be done when testing for infertility.
• Check an injury to the genital area.

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 has reviewed the test. He or she may want to do more ultrasound views.

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.