Ultrasound of the testicle

introduction

An ultrasound examination can be necessary and useful in diagnosing diseases in many parts of the body and does not involve any risk of radiation. The ultrasound of the testicle is often performed in the field of urology in order to be able to determine diseases of the testicle and is the most important diagnostic procedure in the examination of the testicle.
The examination can be used to assess unusual structures such as cysts or bleeding or, in small children, the sagging of the testicles.

General information about ultrasound

An ultrasound device is a diagnostic tool that without harmful radiation and is completely painless for the person concerned. The ultrasound head sends and receives sound waves that can be used to project an image onto a monitor.
Especially when examining the testicle, a radiation-free examination is very important, as the radiation will otherwise damage the sperm or even cause it infertility could lead.
With an ultrasound scan you can Structures, vessels and tissues be judged well.

You can read more information on this topic here: Ultrasonic

When will the examination be carried out?

With the help of the ultrasound, different structures within the testicle can be made visible on a monitor. The examining doctor knows exactly which structures should be where. If now one for the testicle unusual structure appears on the monitor, this can be an indication of the presence of various diseases.

So can an ultrasound scan of the testicle Tumors or filled with liquid Cysts make it clearly visible and is therefore carried out if there is any suspicion of this. But also the extent of Bleeding or injury can be assessed well with the help of the examination. In this way, all structures in the scrotum can be checked for integrity. Blood circulation problems (e.g. as part of a Testicular torsion) can also be detected with an ultrasound device. In children whose testicles are not properly formed or whose testicles are not completely migrated into the scrotum are (Undescended testicles), the ultrasound examination can provide clarity about the clinical picture.

Ultrasound for an unfulfilled desire to have children

There are many different indications, which is why an ultrasound examination of the testicle can be useful. If the desire to have children is unfulfilled, the examination can help rule out that anatomical causes are responsible for infertility.
Special attention is paid to the size of the testicles. With very small testicles (so-called cryptorchidism), a hormonal disorder may be present, which can explain the unfulfilled desire to have children. The blood supply to the testicle should also be examined. If the blood supply is abnormal, the circulatory disorder can be responsible for the problem. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of varicose veins within the testicle. These occur in around 20% of all men and can also be a reason for the unfulfilled desire to have children. Inflammations, which can also be shown in the ultrasound, are another indication and possible cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children.
Studies also suggest that if the desire to have children is not fulfilled, there is an increased risk of developing a testicular tumor. In this case, the testicles should also be examined for a tumor.

Read more about this under: Male infertility

procedure

An ultrasound scan of the testicle is similar to most ultrasound scans of the rest of the body. In most cases, a Specialist in urology, radiology or if necessary, a pediatrician (for children) will examine the testicles with an ultrasound machine. For this, the person to be examined has to undress the testicle and get on an examination couch. In order for the ultrasound machine to work, a clear one becomes Gel on the ultrasound head upset. Then the testicle can be examined. In order to be able to fully assess the structures, the ultrasound head is also held at other surrounding areas. Depending on the clinical picture, a certain amount of pressure can be exerted on the testicles. However, if at all, this should at most be perceived as uncomfortable, and as a rule it is not painful. The entire investigation usually takes time a maximum of 30 minutes. Depending on the indication, the examination can only take a few minutes.

After the investigation takes place a final conversation with the examining doctor, in which he usually explains the observations of the ultrasound and still images that were recorded during the examination. If the examination took place in the hospital, an examination report is usually sent to the treating family doctor or urologist, in which he is informed of the results of the examination and suggestions on how to proceed.

Is the investigation harmful?

The ultrasound examination of the testicle is considered to be harmless. An ultrasound examination works without the use of harmful radiation by sound waves alone. These penetrate structures of different densities in different ways and are partially reflected back to the ultrasound head. Sensitive structures of the testicle can be damaged by the ultrasonic waves not be harmed. Also the Semen production and the sperm is done through an ultrasound scan unaffected. Besides, the investigation is not painful, can at most be perceived as uncomfortable by the pressure exerted with the ultrasound head.

costs

The costs incurred for an ultrasound examination of the testicle are usually from the health insurance accepted. However, this only applies if there are complaints or another reason for conducting the investigation.
A Medical check-up, which examined the testicle for a tumor so far not provided. Those affected would have to pay the costs for a purely prophylactic examination themselves. In order to be sure which examinations are covered by the respective health insurance company, it is worth contacting the individual insurer.

The attending physician can bill the examination according to the current status of the "Fee Ordinance for Doctors (GOÄ)". However, the amount of the invoice that is incurred for the ultrasound examination can vary. So it depends on which and how many structures have been examined. An examination of the blood flow in the testicles can also be billed. In general, the ultrasound examination of the testicle can cost between 50 and 150 €. How high the individual bill is depends largely on the question at hand.