Testicular Ultrasound

Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your testicles. An ultrasound is a painless way to see what is going on inside your body. It allows doctors to differentiate between different types of tissue and to diagnose a range of medical conditions. At the Cedars-Sinai S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.

Before Your Exam

  • There is no preparation for this exam.
  • You will be asked to change into a gown.
  • If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
  • Please consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass any time you may have to wait.
  • Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

During Your Exam

  • Once in the exam room, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
  • You will be asked to lie flat on your back on the exam table.
  • The technologist will apply a warm gel to your testicles. The gel is similar to hair styling gel and allows sound waves to more readily travel from the machine into your body.
  • A transducer, a small device similar to a microphone, is placed over the area being examined.
  • There is no pain involved; however, you may feel mild pressure from the transducer.
  • Sound waves pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer. A television monitor shows images of your testicles as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals.
  • These moving images can be viewed immediately, recorded and/or photographed for physician review.
  • Occasionally, additional images may be needed following review by an imaging physician.
  • Your procedure will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

After Your Exam

  • Your study will be reviewed by a imaging physician and the results sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
  • If you have problems related to your procedure, please call 310-423-8000.
  • To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, or a copy of your report, please call 310-423-8000, option 2 or submit an online request.
For more information or to schedule an appointment