General Ultrasound
Scrotal & Testicular Ultrasound
A detailed examination of the testes, the epididymes and the surrounding structures, including blood flow. The right test for a lump, a swelling, or ongoing discomfort, and the only imaging test that reliably characterises a testicular lump.
- Duration
- 15–20 minutes
- Price
- €150, report included
Before you book
If you have sudden, severe testicular pain, particularly with swelling, nausea or pain that woke you from sleep, do not book a scan. Go to an emergency department now. Testicular torsion cuts off the blood supply and must be treated within hours to save the testicle.
About this scan
What this scan involves
The testes sit outside the body and just under the skin, which makes them close to ideal for ultrasound. A high-frequency probe resolves them in fine detail, and Doppler shows the blood supply, so a scan can distinguish between conditions that feel identical from the outside.
Most lumps are not cancer
The majority of scrotal lumps turn out to be cysts, varicoceles, hydroceles or epididymal swellings, all benign and often needing no treatment. That said, a lump within the testicle itself always needs assessing, and ultrasound is the test that tells the difference between a lump on the testicle and a lump in it.
Please do not put it off
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between fifteen and forty-five, and it is among the most treatable when caught early. Embarrassment is the main reason men delay. The examination is quick, a chaperone is available, and the staff performing it do this every week.
What varicoceles and fertility have to do with it
A varicocele is a collection of enlarged veins, common on the left, often felt as a bag of worms. Many cause no trouble at all, but they are found more frequently in men being investigated for fertility problems, which is why a scrotal scan often forms part of that work-up.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- Both testes: size, texture and any lesion within them
- Both epididymes
- Blood flow to each testis, by Doppler
- Varicoceles, including with straining
- Hydroceles and other fluid collections
- Cysts and other benign swellings
- The inguinal region, where a hernia is suspected
What's included
€150, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A chaperone, on request, arranged when you book or asked for on the day
- A written report by a consultant radiologist
- Urgent findings telephoned to you and your GP on the day
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Testicular lump or swelling
- Scrotal pain
- Suspected varicocele or hydrocele
- Fertility investigation
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
No preparation is needed: eat, drink and take medication as normal. Wear something you can undress from the waist down easily. Tell us when you book if you would like a chaperone, so one is arranged in advance.
During the scan
You undress from the waist down in private and lie on the couch, with a towel placed to cover you and support the scrotum. The sonographer applies warm gel and examines each side in turn with a small probe, then repeats with Doppler to assess blood flow. You may be asked to strain or stand briefly, which shows a varicocele that is invisible lying down. It is not painful, though an already tender area can be uncomfortable. Allow fifteen to twenty minutes.
After your scan
You dress in private and can go straight back to your day with no after-effects. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent. Anything urgent is telephoned the same day.
How to prepare
No preparation required. A chaperone is available on request and can be arranged when you book.
Book your Scrotal & Testicular Ultrasound
€150 including the consultant report, 15–20 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
I have sudden severe pain. Should I book?
No. Go to an emergency department immediately. Sudden severe testicular pain can be torsion, which is a surgical emergency and needs treating within hours.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself, and many men do. If your GP has examined you and given a referral letter, bring it.
Can I have a chaperone?
Yes, always, and at no charge. Ask when you book or on the day. You may also bring somebody with you.
Will it hurt?
The scan itself does not hurt. If the area is already painful, the pressure of the probe can be uncomfortable; tell the sonographer and they will adjust.
I found a lump but it does not hurt. Does that mean it is fine?
No. Painless lumps still need assessing, and a painless lump in the testicle is exactly the presentation that should be scanned promptly. Please do not wait for it to hurt.
Also consider
Other general ultrasound scans
20 minutes
Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Examines both kidneys, the ureters where visible, and the bladder before and after voiding.
€140 · 20 minutes
15 minutes
Soft Tissue Ultrasound (Lump & Bump)
Characterises lumps and swellings anywhere in the superficial soft tissues.
€145 · 15 minutes
30–45 minutes
Doppler Ultrasound
Measures blood flow through arteries and veins, including carotid, peripheral arterial and renal studies.
€180 · 30–45 minutes