Testicular ultrasound or sonogram is a procedure in which sound waves are reflected against the scrotum in order to obtain an image of the testicles. This produces an image of the epididymis, which is the long, tightly coiled tube that lies behind the testicles and is responsible for collecting the sperm, and the vas deferens, which is the tube that connects the testicles to the prostate gland.
Testicular ultrasound is conducted to detect problems like an undescended testicle, twisting of the spermatic cord that could possibly obstruct the supply of blood to the testicles, inflammation, and infection of the epididymis and the testicles. This test may also be conducted to check for accumulation of fluid or blood in the scrotum or the epididymis, growth of a malignant mass of cells in the testicles, and the resurgence of testicular cancer. In certain cases this test may also be necessary for guiding a biopsy needle into the testicles during an infertility test.
No special preparation is required before the test is conducted. You need to talk to your doctor if you have recently had any other biopsy or ultrasound test done, or if you have recently sustained an injury around your genitals and are still in pain. You will also be required to fill in a consent form before the test is conducted. Just before the test is conducted, you will be asked to take off your clothes waist downwards and put on a cloak.
The medical assistant will apply a lubricating gel over the scrotum. Then the radiologist will start moving the transducer, which is a small handheld instrument, across your scrotum back and forth. This sends in sound waves that are reflected back and transmitted as signals to a computer, which are then converted into visual images, called an echogram, sonogram or simply, scan. During the test, you would be required to sit very still and sometimes hold your breath for a few seconds too. You may experience a mild pressure or pain on the testicles if you have recently been injured in the area. These images reveal any structural abnormality or cancerous growth in the testicles and can also be recorded for future reference. The entire procedure may take up to half an hour. Once the test is done, the gel is wiped away from the scrotum and your test results are analyzed by your doctor.