Testicular Doppler Ultrasound
Author : Professor Mahmoud Fawzy Ghaly
• Updated at: Jun 09, 2024 •
Ultrasound imaging uses high frequency soundwaves to make images of internal structures. Doppler uses the reflection of soundwaves caused by moving objects like red blood cells. A testicular Doppler ultrasound thus both shows the internal structures of the scrotum mainly the testicles and the blood flow to and from it.
High frequency sound waves are completely safe and use no harmful radiation waves
Testicular Doppler Ultrasound
A testicular Doppler Ultrasound is an easy diagnostic imaging procedure that takes no longer than 20-30 minutes. The patient will lay back on the exam table, The doctor will lift the penis towards the abdomen and cover the scrotum with an ultrasound gel (high frequency soundwaves have a difficult time traveling through air) this allows visualizing the internal organs on the monitor screen, and enhances the connection between the scrotum skin and transducer.
Why do a testicular Doppler Ultrasound?
A doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic tool. A testicular Doppler ultrasound can also be called a scrotal duplex.
The scrotal area is very vascular and most testicular/scrotal conditions manifest in similar symptoms; pain, redness, erectile dysfunction. So, if your doctor feels or suspects something and can’t be sure as to what exactly it is, he will ask for a testicular doppler ultrasound.
The Doppler ultrasound usually confirms or excludes any of the following;
Doppler ultrasound is mainly a diagnostic test and it is also known as a scrotal duplex. If you have similar symptoms that could accompany different diseases a doppler ultrasound can give answers to what the disease is and how it can be treated accordingly.
- Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates out of place, twisting the spermatic cord impairing the blood flow to the testicles.
- Identify tumors or cysts in the scrotum, testes or epididymis (a coiled tube-like structure that stores and transports sperm from the testes).
- Visualize varicoceles (these are varicose veins where the blood flowing away from the penis stagnates)
- Diagnose undescended testicles.
- identify other sources for testicular pain
How can patients prepare for a doppler ultrasound?
Since a testicular doppler ultrasound is not a procedure that requires anesthesia so there are no prior preparations such as fasting needed. It is however important to realize that the groin area will be exposed to do the test and if you are self-conscious or uncomfortable notify your doctor! A small talk and procedure explanation can do wonders. Bedaya Hospital has an expert team of andrologists that will guide you through the steps of the procedure, set you at ease, give you an accurate diagnosis and set up a treatment plan. If the diagnosis made could be improved by lifestyle changes, we have an excellent team of nutritionists that can set up a diet plan and refer you to a suitable exercising coach.
Duplex x-rays may also help the doctor detect injuries to the arteries or to monitor certain treatments of the veins and arteries over time thus seeing how a given treatment or surgical procedure has benefitted the patient’s condition or not, if necessary adjustments are made to the treatment plan.
