Overview
If your doctor has recommended a scrotum USG, you may wonder what it involves, why it is needed and what the results mean. This safe and painless test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the scrotum. It is commonly performed to evaluate pain, swelling, lumps, injury or suspected infection. The test also plays an important role in investigating male infertility. By helping doctors accurately diagnose conditions, it guides effective treatment. Overall, scrotal ultrasound is a vital, non-invasive tool for assessing male reproductive health and scrotal problems.
What Is Scrotum USG?
Scrotum USG is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the scrotum and its contents. It allows doctors to examine in detail the testicles, epididymis (the tube that transports and stores sperm), spermatic cord, blood vessels and the scrotal walls.
The main advantage of scrotum USG is its safety. It involves no radiation and is completely painless. The test is widely available at diagnostic centres and hospitals across India.
Why Is Scrotum USG Recommended?
Doctors recommend scrotum USG for various reasons, from routine evaluation to urgent diagnosis. Common indications include:
- Scrotal pain: Whether acute (sudden, severe) or chronic (ongoing), unexplained pain or pain not responding to treatment.
- Swelling or lump: Any palpable mass, enlargement or change in scrotal size or shape that requires investigation.
- Suspected infection: To diagnose epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) or orchitis (inflammation of the testicle).
- Trauma or injury: After blunt trauma, sports injuries or accidents, to check for rupture, bleeding (haematoma) or other damage.
- Infertility evaluation: To detect varicocele or other structural problems that may affect sperm production.
What Conditions Can Scrotum USG Detect?
Scrotum USG can identify a wide range of conditions by visualising tissue structure, fluid collections, masses and blood flow patterns. Some of the most common findings include:
- Varicocele: Enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum.
- Hydrocele: A fluid-filled sac around the testicle, causing painless swelling.
- Epididymal cyst or spermatocele: Small, benign fluid-filled cysts near the testicle.
- Epididymitis and orchitis: Inflammation or infection of the epididymis or testicle, often causing pain, swelling and tenderness.
- Undescended testis (cryptorchidism): One or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum, usually diagnosed in infants and children. USG scrotum helps identify the undescended testis, assess its size and structure and guide management.
- Testicular torsion: Colour Doppler ultrasound shows reduced or absent blood flow to the affected testicle due to twisting of the spermatic cord.
- Testicular tumours: Solid masses that may be benign or malignant.
- Testicular trauma: Rupture, haematoma (blood collection), fracture or damage to testicular structure after injury.
- Inguinal hernia: Protrusion of abdominal contents, such as intestine, into the scrotum.
- Testicular microlithiasis: Small calcium deposits within the testicle.
How Is The Scrotum USG Procedure Performed?
Understanding what happens during a scrotum USG can help you feel more relaxed and prepared. Here is what to expect:
- You will lie on your back on an examination table and expose the scrotal area. A towel or drape is used to maintain modesty.
- The sonographer or radiologist applies a clear, water-based gel to the scrotum. This gel helps the ultrasound waves pass through the skin and improves image quality.
- A small handheld device called a transducer is gently moved over the scrotum. It sends sound waves that bounce off tissues and create real-time images on a screen.
- If your doctor suspects a varicocele, you may be asked to perform a Valsalva manoeuvre (bear down as if having a bowel movement) to see if the veins enlarge.
- After the scan, the gel is wiped off and you can dress and resume normal activities immediately.
How Much Does Scrotum USG Cost In India?
The cost of a scrotum USG is generally affordable, ranging from INR 765 to INR 2,100. Prices vary depending on the city, type of centre (government hospital, private hospital or diagnostic lab), and whether colour Doppler is included.
Government and teaching hospitals usually charge less, while premium private hospitals and high-end diagnostic centres may charge more. Costs can also increase if the scan is done urgently, after hours or as part of a larger fertility or urology evaluation.
What Will Your Scrotum USG Report Show?
A scrotum USG report includes several key sections that help your doctor understand your scrotal health:
- Patient and exam details: Your name, age, date of scan, indication (reason for the test) and type of ultrasound performed.
- Testicular findings: Size, shape, position and internal texture (echotexture) of both testicles; presence or absence of masses, cysts or calcifications.
- Epididymal findings: Appearance and size of the epididymis on both sides; any cysts, inflammation or swelling.
- Spermatic cord and blood vessels: Thickness, vascularity and any dilation or tortuosity (as seen in varicocele); colour Doppler assesses blood flow patterns.
- Scrotal wall and surrounding structures: Any fluid collections (hydrocele, haematocele), thickening, hernias or abnormalities.
- Impression/Conclusion: The radiologist’s summary and interpretation, such as "normal study," "varicocele detected," or "suspicious mass requiring further evaluation."
How Do You Prepare For A Scrotum USG?
Scrotum USG requires minimal to no preparation, making it a convenient and hassle-free test:
- Most centres do not require fasting, a special diet or changes to medications before the test.
- Wear comfortable, loosely fitting clothes that are easy to remove.
- Inform the staff if you have any skin conditions, recent surgery or sensitivity in the scrotal area.
- Bring any previous imaging reports or test results if available, as these help the radiologist compare findings over time.
Is Scrotum USG Safe And Painless?
Scrotum USG is completely safe as it uses sound waves, not radiation and has no known risks or side effects. It is suitable for people of all ages, including children and adolescents.
The test is painless. You may feel the coolness of the gel and gentle pressure from the transducer, but no pain or discomfort. In cases of acute scrotal pain or swelling, positioning or pressure may cause brief discomfort, but the sonographer will work carefully and adjust as needed to minimise it.
Final Thoughts
Scrotum USG is a valuable, safe and painless diagnostic tool that allows doctors to evaluate a wide range of scrotal and testicular conditions, from infections and injuries to infertility-related issues and suspected tumours. By using sound waves, it creates detailed images of the scrotum, testicles and surrounding structures, often providing clear answers without more invasive procedures.
If your doctor has advised a scrotum USG, there is no need to worry. The test is straightforward, entirely safe and provides essential information to guide your care and support your reproductive health.
Table of Contents
- What Is Scrotum USG?
- Why Is Scrotum USG Recommended?
- What Conditions Can Scrotum USG Detect?
- How Is The Scrotum USG Procedure Performed?
- How Much Does Scrotum USG Cost In India?
- What Will Your Scrotum USG Report Show?
- How Do You Prepare For A Scrotum USG?
- Is Scrotum USG Safe And Painless?
- Final Thoughts
Common Questions Asked
Can scrotum USG detect fertility issues in men?
Yes, scrotum USG can help identify structural problems such as varicocele, epididymal cysts or testicular abnormalities that may affect sperm production and contribute to infertility.
Can scrotum USG detect early testicular cancer?
Scrotum USG can reveal solid masses or abnormal growths in the testicles, helping in early detection of testicular tumours. However, further evaluation, such as blood tests or biopsy, may be required for confirmation.
Is Doppler ultrasound always needed with scrotum USG?
Not always. Colour Doppler is specifically used to assess blood flow, which is crucial in conditions like testicular torsion, varicocele or inflammation. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary.
Can scrotum USG detect problems in children?
Yes, scrotum USG is safe for children and can diagnose issues like undescended testicles, hydrocele or congenital anomalies early, aiding timely treatment.
How often should scrotum USG be done?
Routine screening is not required unless you have symptoms or a predisposing condition. Repeated scans may be recommended if monitoring an existing condition, such as varicocele, hydrocele or follow-up after surgery.
Can scrotum USG miss any conditions?
While highly accurate, scrotum USG may not detect very small lesions or certain functional problems. Sometimes, additional tests like MRI, blood work or biopsy are needed for a complete assessment.