Overview
Ultrasound imaging of the scrotum uses sound waves to produce pictures of a man’s testicles and surrounding tissues. It is the primary method used to help evaluate disorders of the testicles, epididymis (a tube immediately next to a testicle that collects sperm) and scrotum. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.
Ultrasound uses sound frequency to produce images which are viewed on a monitor. Physicians frequently use ultrasound in the office setting to view internal organs for to assess whether or not any abnormality/disease exists. Ultrasound of the scrotum is the primary method used to evaluate disorders of the testicles and the surrounding tissues.
What to expect during the Testicular Doppler Ultrasound
The patient lies on his back on an exam table. A rolled towel is placed between the patients legs to support the scrotum. The penis is lifted up onto the abdomen and covered. A gel that enhances transducer contact with the skin is placed on the scrotum and the ultrasound transducer is positioned gently onto the scrotum. As the transducer is moved over the scrotum, images are created, viewed, and interpreted by the physician. The exam takes approximately 15-30 minutes.