Testicular Ultrasound
A testicular ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to obtain images of the inside of the testicles. This procedure allows the visualization of both the contents of the scrotal sac as well as the epididymis and the vas deferens.
General Description
A testicular ultrasound, also called scrotal ultrasound, is a diagnostic procedure that allows for the creation of images of the interior of the testicles by using sound waves. A device or manual probe known as a transducer is used; this probe is moved over the scrotum and emits sound waves that bounce off the internal tissues, producing an echo that is received by the transducer and sent to a computer to be transformed into the images displayed on the screen.
In a testicular ultrasound, the contents of the scrotal sac and adjacent structures, such as the epididymis (the tube that collects sperm) or the vas deferens (which transports semen from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts), can be observed.
The testicular Doppler ultrasound is a specific type of ultrasound used to assess blood flow and the structure of the scrotal vessels, which cannot be seen in a standard ultrasound. For this, the transducer directs ultrasound waves at the red blood cells circulating through the bloodstream.
When is it indicated?
A testicular ultrasound is usually indicated in the following cases:
- Lumps or swelling in the scrotum are detected.
- Pain in the area is felt.
- There are changes in the size of the scrotum.
- Problems with erection or fertility are experienced.
- Trauma or injury to the genital area has occurred.
Thus, the ultrasound helps identify and locate any disorders or abnormalities in the testicular area, such as cysts, tumors, cancer, infections, inflammations, vascular problems, obstructions, torsions, fluid accumulation, hernias, or calcifications, among others.
Additionally, the ultrasound is used to guide the needle during a testicular biopsy (which involves the extraction of testicular tissue for microscopic examination) and to monitor the condition and progression of the testicles after a pathology or illness in the area.
How is it performed?
The patient must lie on their back on an examination table. The specialist applies a special gel on the scrotum, which allows the sound waves to move between the skin and the transducer, while also eliminating air pockets that could block the sound waves and interfere with the quality of the image. The technician gently presses the transducer against the skin and moves it over the testicular area, while the images are displayed in real-time on the monitor.
Risks
Testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive and completely harmless procedure, as the ultrasound waves used do not pose any risk to the patient, nor do they have any side effects. However, it is possible to develop an allergy to the gel used, although this occurs only in very rare cases.
What to expect from a testicular ultrasound
Before the procedure, the patient must remove all clothing from the lower body and wear the gown provided. They must then lie on their back on the table, with their legs apart, and a cloth or adhesive strips will be placed to cover the thighs and penis. To improve visibility, the scrotal sac is slightly raised with the use of a rolled towel or small pillow.
The gel applied is harmless, although a slight cold sensation may be felt. While the technician moves the transducer over the scrotal area, the patient must remain as still as possible, although they may be asked to change position or hold their breath. The transducer moves in different directions to obtain images from various perspectives. Once the procedure is complete, any remaining gel will be wiped off the skin.
The test usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. It is completely painless, although a slight pressure may be felt when the transducer is applied, and if testicular pain is present, the discomfort may increase. It is an outpatient procedure that requires no hospitalization or follow-up care. The patient can resume their normal routine immediately. Results will be explained during a follow-up consultation in a few days.
Specialties that request testicular ultrasound
Testicular ultrasound is used as a diagnostic and monitoring method in various specialties, commonly in family and community medicine, internal medicine, urology, assisted reproduction, and oncology.
How to prepare
No special preparation is required before undergoing a testicular ultrasound; there is no need to fast, nor is anesthesia or sedation necessary. However, if a biopsy or other invasive procedure is to be performed during the ultrasound, it is likely that a consent form will need to be signed.
