Testicular Ultrasound: How It Is Done

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How It Is Done

A testicular ultrasound is usually done by an ultrasound technologist. It is done in an ultrasound room in a doctor's office or hospital.

You will need to remove all your clothes from the waist down and put on a gown before the test. You will be asked to lie on your back on a padded examination table. Folded towels will be used to cover the penis and lift the scrotum. A gel (such as K-Y Jelly) will be spread on your scrotum for the transducer. The transducer is pressed against your skin and moved across your scrotum many times.

You will need to lie very still during the ultrasound scan. You may be asked to take a breath and hold it for several seconds during the scanning. Testicular ultrasound takes about 20 minutes.

When the test is finished, the gel is removed from your skin. You may be asked to wait until the radiologist has reviewed the information. The radiologist may want to do additional ultrasound views.

Last updated:	March 12, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer