Testicular Ultrasound

Ultrasound of Testes

Test Overview

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 an illustration of the male reproductive system.

A small hand-held 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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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