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Testicular Ultrasound
A testicular
ultrasound (sonogram) is a test that uses reflected
sound waves to produce a picture of the
testicles and
scrotum. An ultrasound can show the long, tightly
coiled tube that lies behind each testicle and collects sperm (epididymis) and
the tube (vas deferens) that connects the testicles to the
prostate gland. The ultrasound does not use
X-rays or other types of radiation. See a picture of
the male reproductive system
.
A small handheld instrument called a transducer is passed back and forth over the scrotum. The transducer sends the sound waves to the computer which converts them into a picture that is displayed on a video monitor. The picture produced by ultrasound is called a sonogram, echogram, or scan. Pictures or videos of the ultrasound images may be saved as a permanent record.
Why It Is Done
Testicular ultrasound is done to:
- Evaluate a mass or pain in the testicles.
- Identify and monitor infection or inflammation of the testicles or epididymis.
- Identify twisting of the spermatic cord cutting off blood supply to the testicles (testicular torsion).
- Monitor for recurrence of testicular cancer.
- Locate an undescended testicle.
- Identify fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele), fluid in the epididymis (spermatocele), blood in the scrotum (hematocele), or pus in the scrotum (pyocele).
- Guide a biopsy needle for testicular biopsy when testing for infertility.
- Evaluate an injury to the genital area.
How To Prepare
No special preparation is needed for a testicular ultrasound.
If you are having a biopsy or another test during the ultrasound, you may need to sign a consent form.
Talk
to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its
risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you
understand the importance of this test, fill out the
medical test information form
(What is a PDF document?)
.
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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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Afraid you might have testicular cancer? Don't guess -- see a doctor.
