Scrotal ultrasound is an imaging test that looks at the scrotum. The scrotum is the flesh-covered sac that hangs between the legs at the base of the penis and contains the testicles VSports手机版.
The testicles are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone V体育安卓版. They are located in the scrotum, along with other small organs, blood vessels, and a small tube called the vas deferens.
V体育安卓版 - How the Test is Performed
You will lie on your back with your legs spread. The health care provider drapes a cloth across your thighs under the scrotum or applies wide strips of adhesive tape to the area V体育ios版. The scrotal sac will be slightly raised with the testicles lying side by side.
A clear gel is applied to the scrotal sac to help transmit the sound waves VSports最新版本. A handheld probe (the ultrasound transducer) is then moved over the scrotum by the technologist. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves. These waves reflect off areas in the scrotum to create a picture.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test.
How the Test will Feel (VSports)
There is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet V体育平台登录.
Why the Test is Performed
A testicle ultrasound is done to:
- Help determine why one or both testicles have become larger or smaller
- Look at a mass or lump in one or both of the testicles
- Find the reason for pain in the testicles
- Show how blood flows through the testicles
Normal Results
The testicles and other areas in the scrotum appear normal.
"V体育安卓版" What Abnormal Results Mean
Possible causes of abnormal results include:
- Collection of very small veins, called a varicocele
- Infection or abscess
- Noncancerous (benign) V体育平台登录 - cyst
- Twisting of the testicle that blocks blood flow, called testicular torsion
- Testicular tumor
- Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)
"VSports在线直播" Risks
There are no known risks. You will not be exposed to radiation with this test. V体育官网入口.
Considerations
In certain cases, Doppler ultrasound may help identify blood flow inside the scrotum VSports在线直播. This method can be helpful in cases of testicular torsion because blood flow to the twisted testicle may be reduced.
Alternative Names (VSports在线直播)
Testicular ultrasound; Testicular sonogram
References (V体育安卓版)
Gilbert BR, Fulgham PF V体育2025版. Urinary tract imaging: basic principles of urologic ultrasonography. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 4.
Owen CA. Scrotum. In: Hagen-Ansert SL, ed. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography. 9th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 23.
Sommers D, Winter T. The scrotum. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 20.
Review Date 4/6/2024 (V体育平台登录)
Updated by: Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.