Testicular ultrasound: what it is, when it is done and what it is for 2026

An ultrasound consists of a medical examination in which different high-frequency sound waves are used in order to capture different live images from inside the body, and thus the medical specialist can see whether or not there are any problems with organs, tissues and vessels, without the need to carry out a more invasive test.

In the case of testicular ultrasound, it is a diagnostic test in which images of both the testicles and the surrounding tissues (present in the scrotum) are obtained to visualize whether there are - or not - certain problems related to them.

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What is testicular ultrasound and how is it done?

The testicles are the main female reproductive organs, which produce testosterone, an important male sex hormone when it comes to producing sperm and red blood cells, maintaining sexual desire and also contributing to the maintenance of bones and muscles; and they also produce sperm, essential for fertility.

The testicles are located inside the scrotum, which consists of a fleshy bag of tissue that hangs under the penis, and, in turn, remain outside the body, since normal body temperature usually very negatively affects normal sperm production and sperm health.

In the case of ultrasound or ultrasound, it is an absolutely and totally safe procedure, which stands out above all for being non-invasive and painless. It uses a series of high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs inside the body.

To do this, ultrasound uses a transducer or wave, and converts energy from one form to another, emitting sound waves as they move through the body. Then, the transducer receives these sound waves as they bounce off the organs in a series of echoes, and the computer - or computer - processes these echoes into images so they can be viewed through a video monitor.

Because normal and abnormal tissue transmit different types of echoes, this noninvasive test is ideal for distinguishing between a benign condition, a collection of fluid around the testicle, or a solid mass (which could indicate the suspected presence of a malignant tumor).

In short, a testicular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce different images of both the testicles and the tissue surrounding them, which offers the possibility of taking detailed images of the testicles themselves, their blood vessels and also the scrotum.

How a testicular ultrasound is done

In most cases, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor's clinic (usually a urologist or androurologist), and usually takes no more than 30 minutes.

To carry it out, the patient must lie face up on a stretcher or examination table. The doctor will apply a warm, water-based gel to the scrotum and press a small device (transducer) against the scrotum. Then, you will begin to move it across the skin. Although it does not hurt, you may feel some pressure.

The sound waves pass from the skin, through the transducer, and the internal images of the testicles will begin to be seen on the screen or monitor. The doctor may be able to assess them at the time, as he performs the test, but more commonly he will review them carefully later.

Depending on what the doctor finds, it is possible to order a new follow-up exam, new additional imaging tests (such as an MRI), or if the ultrasound shows the existence of a solid mass, recommend a biopsy or surgery.

When is a testicular ultrasound done and what is it for?

The main objective of the test is to study and investigate a wide variety of problems related to the testicles or scrotum, in addition to all the tissues and parts that make it up. In the presence of inflammation, pain or injury, the doctor may recommend carrying out this procedure.

Specifically, the test can be carried out before:

• Testicular torsion. It consists of a serious and extremely painful condition in which the spermatic cord, which supplies blood to the testicle, becomes twisted. It must be treated immediately, since if not, the blood supply may end up being cut off, causing the death of the testicular tissue.
• Epididymitis. This is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is the tightly coiled tube behind the testicle where sperm are stored and transported. When it becomes inflamed it can cause fluid to accumulate around the testicle. It is usually caused by an infection.
• Presence of a lump. If a doctor suspects that a man may have testicular cancer, this ultrasound is one of the first tests carried out, as it is useful to find out whether or not the lump is likely to be cancerous.

As we see, we are faced with a safe and effective diagnostic test, of tremendous utility for both the doctor and the patient themselves.