Ultrasound

Scrotal

Ultrasound is the primary method of evaluating the scrotum and its contents. It is not painful and is performed by male technologists. It is useful in evaluating the following conditions:

• Characterization of palpable testicular masses
• Detecting torsion of the testis, a condition where the testicle twists, causing its blood supply to be cut off, which may result in the testis having to be surgically removed
• Inflammation of the epididymi, structures which carry sperm out of the testes
• Detection of varicocoele, a condition where dilated veins form around the testes, which may result in infertility
• Identification of hydrocoele, where fluid collects around the testis, causing the scrotum to swell