Get to Know About Scrotal Ultrasound

Scrotal ultrasound is a diagnostic test for visual insight into the scrotum, which is a men’s genital part containing testicles, epididymis and other tissues. The scrotal sac is present in the lower hanging abdomen between the legs. Testicles are the male reproductive organ responsible for releasing sex hormones and sperm. Epididymis refers to a highly coiled tube-like structure that collects sperm and hormones from testicles and helps pass them outside the body. 

Gear yourself before you go for a scrotum ultrasound!!

4 main things to consider before you go for scrotal ultrasound:

1. 1. Loose clothing
2. 2. Stay calm 
3. 3. Inform your doctor about torsional pain or any testicular discomfort before the scan
4. 4. No need to stop eating or drinking 
5.  

For scrotum scanning, the patient does not need to stop eating or drinking. This diagnostic test does not require any specific diet to follow. Important to note is that you must be calm throughout the procedure and inform your doctor about torsional pain or testicular issue beforehand. Make sure you wear loose-fitted clothes, which are easy to change because, in the ultrasound room, you will be asked to undress from the lower abdomen. 

Scrotal Ultrasound- a Procedure

After entering the ultrasound room, the patient is asked to do the following things:

1. 1. Lay down: The patient is asked to lie down straight on his back, legs apart. 
2. 2. Apply tape or drape cloth: Laboratory practitioners will stick tape or drape a cloth over the thighs of the patient below the scrotal sacs.
3. 3. The scrotum is raised slightly: The scrotal sac will be elevated slightly to get the target area exposed for a scan. 
4. 4. Gel applied: A water-based ultrasound gel is applied to the portion that needs to be scanned. 
5. 5. Transducer: For ultrasound of the scrotum, practitioners use high-frequency linear transducers pressed over the scrotum.
6. 6. The transducer is a handheld ultrasound machine that emits ultrasonic waves on the target region of the body and receives back the reflected radiations. 
7. 7. These signals are analysed and transmitted to the computer workstation to produce images. 
8. 8. The diagnostic personnel interpret the results and prepare a readable report for the doctor.
9.  

Why did my doctor ask for a scrotal ultrasound?

The scrotum ultrasound scanning technique is used to evaluate various testicular anomalies, disorders related to epididymis and problems in the tissue layers of the scrotum. 

The scrotum ultrasound is done to:

1. 1. Detects any underlying trauma in the scrotal sac.
2. 2. Check the location and state of the cyst, whether it is a solid mass or dissolvable.
3. 3. To detect the reason behind the infertility of that patient.
4. 4. To track the site of undescended testis.
5. 5. To determine the cause of swelling, pain in testicles, or any other inflammation causing discomfort to the person.
6.  

What did the scrotal ultrasound report say??

The reports of scrotal ultrasound are prepared by the laboratory practitioner (radiologist) after analysing the resulting ultrasound images. These reports are transferred to the doctor for further treatment. Abnormalities in scrotal ultrasound may include the following:

• 1. Testicular infection
• 2. Tumour in testicles
• 3. Testicular torsion
• 4. Cyst in the scrotal sac
• 5. Fluid surrounding the testicles – hydrocele
• 6. Varicocele
• 7. Cyst filled with fluid present in testicular ducts – spermatocele
•  

Cost of a Single Scrotal Ultrasound

Undergoing scrotal ultrasound is not a costly test, you will be charged around 1500 to 2000 in a normal laboratory. You can have a look at the below given table just to get an idea of charges for scrotal ultrasound in different cities in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the scrotum, and where is it located?

The scrotum is a men’s genital part containing testicles, epididymis and other tissues. The scrotal sac is present in the lower hanging abdomen between the legs.

Q2. What are the testicles and epididymis?

Testicles: It is the male reproductive organ responsible for releasing sex hormones and sperm present in the scrotal sac in the lower abdomen in between the legs.

The epididymis is a highly coiled tube-like structure that collects sperm and hormones from testicles and helps pass them outside the body. 

Q3. Are there any specific preparations required before going for the scrotal ultrasound?

3 main things to consider before you go for scrotal ultrasound:

1. 1. Loose clothing
2. 2. Stay calm 
3. 3. Inform your doctor about torsional pain or any testicular discomfort before the scan
4. 4. No need to stop eating or drinking 
5.  

Q4. What can I expect during the scrotal ultrasound?

After entering the ultrasound room, the patient is asked to do the following things:

1. 1. Lay down straight on your back with your legs apart. 
2. 2. Apply tape or drape cloth over the thighs of the patient below the scrotal sacs.
3. 3. The scrotum is raised slightly to expose the target area for a scan. 
4. 4. A water-based gel is applied to the scrotal area that needs to be scanned. 
5. 5. High-frequency linear transducers are pressed over the scrotum.
6. 6. The transducer is a handheld ultrasound machine that emits ultrasonic waves on the target region of the body and receives back the reflected radiations. 
7. 7. These signals are analysed and transmitted to the computer workstation to produce images. 
8. 8. The diagnostic personnel interpret the results and prepare a readable report for the doctor.
9.  

Q5. Which scrotal abnormalities are detected in scrotal ultrasound reports?

Abnormalities in scrotal ultrasound may include the following:

• 1. Testicular infection
• 2. Tumour in testicles
• 3. Testicular torsion
• 4. Cyst in the scrotal sac
• 5. Fluid surrounding the testicles also known as hydrocele
• 6. Varicocele
• 7. Cyst filled with fluid present in testicular ducts refers to spermatocele.
•  

Q6. Is it safe to undergo scrotal ultrasound?

Yes, undergoing a scrotum ultrasound is safe. Ultrasound imaging involves ultrasonic sound waves in which the patient is not exposed to harmful ionising radiation. But make sure you carry out the procedure under the guidance of trained medical professionals.

Q7. How much will I be charged for a single scrotal ultrasound?

In Delhi, the average cost of single scrotum ultrasound is ₹2000, and in other metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, the scrotal ultrasound will cost around ₹2500. 

The table below shows the cost of a single scrotal ultrasound.

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