Testes imaging can pick up a wide range of testicular disorders, including:

• Scrotal hernias
• Abscesses, infection, or inflammation around the testes or epididymis
• Cysts and tumours
• Injury
• Swollen veins
• Fluid buildup
• Testicular size abnormalities

If a condition is identified through the ultrasound scan, your specialist can give you treatment advice, whether this means further testing or investigation, medication to treat an infection or inflammation, or surgical intervention.

Diagnostic imaging poses no known risks.

The scan itself is entirely harmless, although it is possible that you may experience some anxiety over the results if they show that you have a testicular condition.

There are many benefits to scrotal imaging. Not only does it help us identify what’s causing your scrotal discomfort, but it’s painless, only minimally-invasive (if biopsy procedures are involved), and radiation-free.

If you’re concerned about your scrotum, it’s certainly a good idea to consider testicular imaging. And, of course, you can always talk through any questions or concerns you may have with our skilled team.

You should request a scrotal ultrasound if you notice changes to your testes or scrotal area.

These changes can include:

• A lump, however small
• Pain or discomfort
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• One testicle now looks different from the other
• One testicle feels firmer than the other

Although lumps and swellings in the scrotum are usually non-cancerous, you shouldn’t ignore them.

The scrotal ultrasound is painless and non-invasive. During the scan, you’ll lie on your back and the clinician will use a water-based gel on your testicles.

They then move a handheld scanner over your testicles.

The scanner projects images of what’s going on inside your scrotum onto a screen, and a doctor analyses what the images tell them.

You should get the results quickly, although further tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

We urge you not to be embarrassed or anxious about your scan, and the good news is that there is very little preparation required for a scrotal ultrasound.

It’s recommended that you wear loose and comfortable clothing and that you take off any jewellery.

If you’re asked to wear a gown for the procedure, you’ll need to take your clothing off underneath.

You can, of course, bring someone into the screening area with you, should you feel like you need reassurance during the exam.