Men’s combined ultrasound • London & St Albans
Private abdominal, urinary tract and testicular ultrasound scan
A comprehensive, radiation-free ultrasound assessment of the upper abdominal organs, kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate, testes and scrotal contents for men aged 18 and over. One combined appointment provides clinically relevant measurements, Doppler assessment where appropriate and a structured written report.
- No GP referral required
- Abdomen, urinary tract, prostate and testes
- London and St Albans clinics
- Written report and images
Direct answer
What does this combined men’s ultrasound assess?
This appointment combines an upper abdominal scan, a urinary tract and prostate scan, and a dedicated testicular ultrasound. It commonly assesses the liver, gallbladder, visible bile ducts, pancreas where technically accessible, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta, urinary bladder, prostate, both testes, epididymides and surrounding scrotal tissues.
The examination can demonstrate visible structural changes such as gallstones, fatty liver appearances, kidney cysts or obstruction, bladder wall changes, prostate enlargement, testicular or epididymal cysts, hydroceles, varicoceles, inflammation-related change and focal scrotal lesions. Colour and spectral Doppler may be used to assess blood flow where clinically relevant.
One combined adult appointment covering the abdomen, urinary tract, prostate and testes, with clinically relevant measurements, saved images and a structured written report. It does not replace emergency assessment, CT, MRI, cystoscopy, blood tests, semen analysis or specialist urology review when these are indicated.
- Typical durationApproximately 40–60 minutes
- PreparationSix-hour fast plus a full bladder
- TechniqueExternal ultrasound with Doppler as required
- AgeMen aged 18 and over
Scan coverage
Which organs and structures are examined?
The exact views depend on your symptoms, clinical history, bladder filling and technical accessibility on the day.
Liver
Size, contour and echotexture, including visible fatty change, cysts, focal lesions and signs of biliary obstruction or chronic liver disease.
Gallbladder and bile ducts
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, visible inflammation-related change and dilatation of the common or intrahepatic bile ducts.
Pancreas and spleen
The visible pancreas and spleen are assessed for size, contour, echotexture, duct dilatation, cystic change or focal abnormalities. Bowel gas can limit pancreatic views.
Kidneys and urinary tract
Kidney size and cortical appearance, with assessment for hydronephrosis, visible stones, cysts, scarring and focal masses. Normal ureters are not usually visible throughout.
Urinary bladder
Bladder filling, wall appearance, visible stones, debris, diverticula or masses, with pre- and post-void measurements when clinically appropriate.
Prostate
Transabdominal assessment through a full bladder, including estimated prostate dimensions and volume. This is not a transrectal examination.
Testes
Both testes are compared for size, echotexture and visible focal lesions. Any palpable area of concern is assessed directly where possible.
Epididymides and scrotal tissues
Assessment for epididymal cysts, inflammation-related changes, hydrocele, scrotal wall abnormalities and other extra-testicular findings.
Testicular blood flow and veins
Colour Doppler may compare testicular vascularity and assess enlarged scrotal veins or a suspected varicocele, including dynamic manoeuvres where appropriate.
Reasons to book
When might this combined scan be useful?
- Generalised or recurrent abdominal discomfort, bloating or upper abdominal pain
- Flank, kidney-region or lower-back pain
- Blood in the urine, recurrent urinary infections or lower urinary tract symptoms
- Difficulty starting urine, weak flow, frequency, urgency or incomplete emptying
- A painless testicular lump, scrotal swelling or a change in testicular size
- Persistent or recurrent testicular discomfort that has already been clinically assessed as non-emergency
- Known cysts, stones, fatty liver, prostate enlargement, hydrocele or varicocele requiring follow-up
- A relevant family history or clinician request for a broad men’s structural ultrasound review
Before your appointment
How to prepare for the combined scan
Preparation helps visualise the gallbladder, upper abdominal organs, urinary bladder and prostate. Follow your booking confirmation if it differs from the general guidance below.
Fast for six hours
Do not eat for approximately six hours before the scan. Avoid milk and fizzy drinks during the fasting period unless the clinic advises otherwise.
Drink still water
Clear still water is generally allowed. Avoid carbonated drinks, which can increase bowel gas and reduce image quality.
Arrive with a full bladder
Drink about one litre of non-fizzy water before the appointment and do not empty your bladder. The exact timing will be confirmed when you book.
Medication and access needs
Take essential medicines with water. Contact us if you have diabetes, fluid restriction, a catheter, limited mobility, cannot safely fast or wish to request a practitioner or chaperone of a particular gender.
During the appointment
What happens during the ultrasound?
The examination is performed externally and adapted to your symptoms and clinical history.
- 1
Clinical discussion and consent
The practitioner confirms your symptoms, medical history, previous tests and the areas of concern. The testicular examination is explained and consent is confirmed before this intimate part of the scan.
- 2
Upper abdominal assessment
Gel is applied to the abdomen and the probe is moved across the upper abdomen and flanks. You may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly to improve views.
- 3
Urinary tract and prostate assessment
The kidneys, full bladder and prostate are assessed. You may then be asked to empty your bladder so residual urine can be measured when clinically relevant.
- 4
Testicular and Doppler assessment
Each testis and epididymis is examined using a high-frequency probe, usually while you lie on your back. Doppler may be used to compare blood flow or assess scrotal veins.
- 5
Explanation and report
The main observations can usually be discussed after the examination. A structured report and relevant images are then prepared with recommendations where appropriate.
After the scan
Results, limitations and possible next steps
Ultrasound is highly useful for structural assessment, but a normal scan cannot exclude every abdominal, urinary, prostate or testicular condition.
What the report may describe
Organ measurements, gallstones, fatty liver appearances, cysts, urinary obstruction, bladder residual volume, estimated prostate volume, testicular lesions, epididymal findings, hydrocele, varicocele and blood-flow observations.
Important limitations
Bowel gas, body habitus, incomplete bladder filling and lesion location can reduce visibility. Ultrasound does not fully assess the stomach, bowel, ureters, prostate cancer risk or every cause of haematuria, abdominal pain or scrotal symptoms.
Possible recommendations
Depending on the findings, the report may advise GP or urology review, urine or blood tests, PSA testing, tumour markers, CT, MRI, cystoscopy, repeat ultrasound or urgent specialist assessment.
Choosing the correct service
What is included—and what may require another test?
This is a broad combined ultrasound service, but it does not replace every abdominal, urological or men’s-health investigation.
Included
Upper abdominal organs, both kidneys, urinary bladder, transabdominal prostate assessment, both testes, epididymides, scrotal tissues and Doppler evaluation where clinically appropriate.
Not routinely included
Renal artery Doppler, detailed bowel mapping, liver elastography, penile ultrasound, semen analysis, transrectal prostate ultrasound, hernia protocol, pelvic-floor assessment or biopsy.
Another test may be better
CT, MRI, MRCP, cystoscopy, blood or urine tests, PSA assessment, semen analysis or specialist examination may be required for stones, haematuria, prostate cancer risk, infertility, complex masses or persistent unexplained symptoms.
Online booking
Book an abdominal, urinary tract and testicular ultrasound
Choose your preferred clinic and appointment time using the secure PrivateSono booking page.
- Central London or St Albans
- Self-referral accepted for adults
- Written report and relevant images
- Preparation instructions sent with booking
Ready to book?
Select the service, clinic and available time on the booking page.
Open secure booking — £499 Call the booking teamBooking link: https://privatesono.com/book-a-scan/?service=abdominal-urinary-tract-and-testicular-ultrasound-scan
Why PrivateSono
Three clinically focused scans in one appointment
A patient-focused private service combining abdominal, urinary and testicular imaging with relevant measurements, documented limitations and practical recommendations.
Check appointment availabilityExperienced practitioners
Assessment by ultrasound professionals working within their clinical scope and professional registration.
One combined appointment
Abdominal organs, urinary tract, prostate and testes assessed together rather than booking three standard scans separately.
Privacy and dignity
The intimate examination is explained in advance, with consent, appropriate draping and chaperone arrangements according to clinic policy.
Clinician-ready report
Structured findings, relevant measurements, images, limitations and recommendations for onward care.
Clinic locations
Private men’s combined ultrasound near you
Choose Central London or St Albans when booking. Availability varies by date and practitioner.
Patient questions
Abdominal, urinary tract and testicular ultrasound FAQs
These answers provide general booking and preparation guidance. Your booking confirmation and individual clinical advice take priority.
What is an abdominal, urinary tract and testicular ultrasound scan?
It is a combined external ultrasound examination for adult men. It assesses the upper abdominal organs, kidneys, urinary bladder and prostate, followed by a dedicated scrotal ultrasound of both testes, epididymides and surrounding tissues, with Doppler assessment of testicular blood flow where appropriate.
Which organs are included in this combined scan?
The examination commonly includes the liver, gallbladder, visible bile ducts, pancreas where accessible, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta, urinary bladder, prostate, both testes, epididymides and scrotal contents. The exact views depend on your symptoms and technical accessibility.
How should I prepare for the appointment?
You will usually be asked not to eat for six hours before the scan and to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Clear still water and essential medicines are generally permitted. No separate preparation is normally needed for the testicular part, but follow the exact instructions in your booking confirmation.
How long does the combined scan take?
A combined abdominal, urinary tract and testicular ultrasound commonly takes around 40 to 60 minutes. It may take longer if additional views, bladder filling, post-void measurements or detailed Doppler assessment are required.
Can this scan assess the prostate?
Yes. The prostate is assessed transabdominally through a full bladder, with an estimated volume and visible structural observations. This is not the same as a transrectal ultrasound and cannot diagnose or exclude prostate cancer.
Can ultrasound diagnose testicular cancer?
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for a testicular lump and can identify whether a visible lesion is within or outside the testis. Imaging findings may be suspicious, but diagnosis and management require clinical assessment and may involve blood tests, urgent urology referral and further treatment.
Is colour Doppler included in the testicular scan?
Colour and spectral Doppler may be used when clinically appropriate to compare blood flow in the testes and assess vascularity in an area of concern. A routine private appointment must not delay emergency assessment when testicular torsion is suspected.
What if I have sudden severe testicular pain?
Sudden severe testicular pain, especially with swelling, nausea, vomiting or a high-riding testicle, requires immediate assessment in an emergency department because testicular torsion is time-critical. Do not wait for a routine ultrasound appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. PrivateSono accepts self-referrals for adults. Bring previous imaging, relevant blood or urine results, operation details, medication and any specialist letters so the examination can be tailored to your history.
When will I receive my results?
The practitioner can usually explain the main observations after the examination. A structured written report with relevant images is then provided for you to share with your GP, urologist or other healthcare professional.
Private men’s diagnostic ultrasound
Book your combined abdominal, urinary tract and testicular scan
One appointment, three clinically focused ultrasound assessments and a structured written report.