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Testicle ultrasound - Risks

Alternative Names

Scrotal ultrasound; Testicular sonogram

What the risks are:

There are no known risks. You will not be exposed to ionizing radiation with this test. Ionizing radiation procedures such as x-ray carry a small cancer risk and may damage sperm, but this test does not.

Special considerations:

In certain cases, Doppler ultrasound may help identify blood flow inside the scrotum. For example, Doppler ultrasound is very helpful in cases of testicular torsion, because blood flow to the twisted testicle may be reduced.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/3/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Berman L. The male reproductive system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 44.

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