Testicular Ultrasound Scans

Testicular Ultrasound Scans

Patient Information

Department of Radiology

• Author ID: ST 
• Leaflet Ref: X-Ray 008
• Version: 5
• Leaflet Title: Testicular Ultrasound Scans
• Date Produced: May 2025
• Expiry Date: May 2027

Introduction

If this information does not answer your questions, please contact the X-ray Department where your call can be directed to a Sonographer or Radiographer who will be pleased to help you:

Department of Radiology, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, at:

Royal Albert Edward Infirmary

Wigan Lane Wigan

WN1 2NN

Telephone 0300 707 2397

Leigh Infirmary 

The Avenue 

Leigh

WN7 1HS

Telephone 0300 707 2725

              0300 707 8729

Thomas Linacre Centre

Parsons Walk Wigan

WN1 1RU

Telephone 0300 707 8560

Wrightington Hospital

Hall Lane

Appley Bridge

Wrightington

WN6 9EP

Telephone 0300 707 8560

What is a testicular ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan obtains a picture of the inside of the body without the use of X-rays. It is a very safe technique, using high frequency sound waves.

It is used to help diagnose disease. These scans are performed in X-ray by a Sonographer who is a highly skilled health care professional who performs all types of ultrasound imaging or by a Radiologist (specialist X-ray Doctor).

How does it work?

An ultrasound scan is a way of producing detailed pictures of the body using sound waves. The sound waves are at a pitch that is too high to be heard by the human ear. A computer converts the information into a moving picture that is displayed on a monitor.

The testes and scrotum can be examined for any abnormalities.

Is it safe?

Ultrasound is considered to be a harmless method of investigating the body. There are no known side-effects from diagnostic ultrasound scanning.

What are the benefits of having ultrasound?

This examination will help us make the correct diagnosis so you will be able to be given the correct treatment.

How long will the scan take?

Each examination is different – the time taken to perform the procedure varies from approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

What should I expect?

No special preparation is necessary.

The person performing the scan will tell you what to do and will help you if you have any difficulties.

If you have any anxiety about the procedure, please discuss this with the staff performing the examination.

You will be asked to take off your trousers and underwear and be given a sheet to cover you. You will be given privacy to do this.

The examination room is usually slightly darkened. The scanning machine and screen on which the images will appear, will be beside the bed. The machine makes a slight humming noise.

Usually only one person performs the test. There will usually be a female health care assistant / chaperone also present in the scan room. If you would prefer a male chaperone, please contact us prior to your appointment and we will endeavour to arrange this for you wherever possible.

During the test

You will be made comfortable on a couch.

The probe is moved very gently over the scrotum. Ultrasound gel is applied to the scan probe to make this as comfortable as possible. By moving the probe in various directions, the testes and all structures within the scrotum are displayed on the screen. Whilst the probe is moved, you may experience some minor discomfort, but it is not a painful procedure.

After the test

If you are having the ultrasound examination as an outpatient, you will be able to return home immediately providing that no other tests are required. You may eat, drink and resume normal activities as soon as you wish.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any questions, doubts or worries, just ask. The Ultrasound staff want to make you feel as relaxed as possible. This makes the scan easier for you and means that we get better pictures to aid your diagnosis.

We sometimes have junior medical staff and trainees in our department. Trainees and junior staff may be present at the time of your examination. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, please inform the ultrasound staff at the time of your appointment. This will not affect your care or treatment in any way.

When will I get the results?

Sometime the person performing the examination will be able to tell you the results, but in all cases a full report will be sent to the doctor who requested the test.

Normally you can expect to receive the complete results of your scan when you next see the doctor who sent you for the examination.

After your examination, the Radiologist or Sonographer who performed the scan will study the pictures taken during your examination. A report is then prepared, and this is sent to your doctor who asked for the examination. The report is normally sent out the day following the examination.

What to do if you need ambulance transport

If you need an ambulance / transport, you should ask your General Practitioner (GP) Surgery to arrange it. You will need to give them at least three working days’ notice. Please note that hospital transport is provided on medical need only.

If you cannot attend your appointment, please contact the Ultrasound Department at the Hospital where you have been given an appointment so that we can offer your appointment to somebody else.

We will be glad to offer you an alternative appointment and will try our best to accommodate you at a date and time suitable to you.

Please allow plenty of time to park your car and bring change for the parking machine.