Introduction
An ultrasound examination can be necessary and useful in many parts of the body for the diagnosis of diseases and does not involve any risk of radiation. In the field of urology, ultrasound of the testis is often performed to detect diseases of the testis and is the most important diagnostic procedure in the examination of the testis. The examination can be used to assess unusual structures such as cysts or bleeding or, in the case of small children, the descensus of the testicles.
General information about ultrasound
An ultrasound device is a diagnostic tool that works without harmful radiation and is completely painless for the person affected. The ultrasound head sends and receives sound waves with which an image can be projected onto a monitor. Especially when examining the testicles, a radiation-free examination is very important, as otherwise the radiation could damage the sperm or even lead to infertility. With an ultrasound examination, structures, vessels and tissue can be well assessed. You can read more information on this topic here: Ultrasound
When will the examination take place?
With the help of ultrasound, different structures within the testis can be made visible on a monitor. The examining doctor knows exactly which structures should be located where. If a structure that is unusual for the testis appears on the monitor, this can be an indication of the presence of different diseases.
For example, an ultrasound examination of the testis can make tumors or fluid-filled cysts clearly visible and is therefore performed if they are suspected. But the extent of bleeding or injuries can also be assessed well with the help of the examination. Thus all structures located in the scrotum can be checked for intactness.
Problems with blood circulation (e.g. in the context of testicular torsion) can also be detected with an ultrasound device. In children whose testicles are not correctly formed or whose testicles have not completely migrated into the scrotum (undescended testicles), the ultrasound examination can provide clarity about the existing clinical picture. There are many different indications, which is why an ultrasound examination of the testicles can be useful.
If the desire for a child is not fulfilled, the examination can help to exclude that anatomical causes are responsible for infertility. Special attention is paid to the size of the testicles. If the testicles are very small (so-called cryptorchidism), a hormonal disorder may be present which may explain the unfulfilled desire for a child.
The blood supply to the testes should also be examined. If the blood supply is abnormal, the circulatory disorder may be responsible for the problems. Special attention should be paid to the presence of varicose veins within the testicles.
These occur in about 20% of all men and can also be a reason for the unfulfilled desire for children. Inflammations, which can also be visualized by ultrasound, are a further indication and possible cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children. Studies also indicate that an unfulfilled desire for children is associated with an increased risk of developing a testicular tumor. In this case the testicles should be examined for a tumor.
