Testicular size and tissue
Assesses the size, contour and internal echotexture of each testicle and compares both sides.
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Book your scan
Book testicular scan — £219
Focused diagnostic ultrasound • Men’s health
Private testicular ultrasound scan
A discreet, radiation-free ultrasound assessment of both testicles and the scrotal contents for a lump, swelling, persistent discomfort, asymmetry, varicocele, hydrocele, cyst, inflammation, trauma-related change or follow-up of a known finding.
- No GP referral required
- Central London & St Albans
- Report and relevant images
A structured bilateral scrotal assessment
Both testicles
Epididymides
Blood flow
Scrotal fluid
Veins & varicocele
Lumps & cysts
Bilateral assessmentBoth testicles are compared
Doppler imagingBlood flow assessed when indicated
No radiationDiagnostic sound-wave imaging
Discreet appointmentConsent, dignity and privacy
Open 7 daysOnline booking availability
Quick answer
What can a testicular ultrasound show?
A testicular ultrasound examines both testes, epididymides, scrotal fluid and visible extratesticular structures. Doppler can assess blood flow and enlarged veins. The scan may help identify or characterise cysts, hydroceles, varicoceles, inflammation, trauma-related changes and suspicious focal lesions. It cannot confirm every diagnosis on its own, and concerning findings may require urgent GP or urology assessment, tumour-marker blood tests or other investigations.
What the scan assesses
A detailed ultrasound of the testes and scrotum
The examination is tailored to your symptoms, clinical history and any previous results. Both sides are assessed and compared, even when symptoms affect only one side.
Focal testicular lesions
Looks for visible intratesticular cystic or solid abnormalities and records their location and ultrasound features.
Epididymides
Reviews the epididymal heads and visible bodies and tails for enlargement, cysts, inflammation or focal change.
Blood flow with Doppler
Assesses and compares vascularity where clinically indicated, including in inflammation, trauma or other focal concerns.
Hydrocele and fluid
Identifies and estimates fluid around a testicle and assesses visible internal echoes or associated features.
Varicocele
Looks for dilated scrotal veins and reflux, sometimes using standing views and a gentle straining manoeuvre.
Extratesticular lumps
Helps localise whether a palpable abnormality is within the testicle or arises from adjacent scrotal structures.
Inflammation and infection
May show swelling and increased vascularity associated with epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis, interpreted with symptoms and tests.
Trauma and follow-up
Can assess visible haematoma, fluid, tissue disruption or a previously documented finding within the examination limits.
Important: ultrasound findings must be interpreted with your symptoms and clinical examination. A normal scan does not exclude every cause of scrotal pain, fertility difficulty or referred pain from the groin, abdomen, urinary tract, spine or musculoskeletal structures.
Reasons for the scan
When a testicular ultrasound may be appropriate
A focused scan can help investigate persistent or unexplained scrotal symptoms and distinguish a testicular abnormality from an extratesticular condition.
A new lump
A palpable testicular or scrotal lump, localised thickening or a change you have recently noticed.
Swelling or enlargement
One-sided or bilateral swelling, asymmetry or a change in testicular size, shape or texture.
Persistent discomfort
Ongoing ache, heaviness or tenderness that is not sudden and severe and has been clinically assessed where needed.
Varicocele concern
Visible or palpable veins, dragging discomfort, asymmetry or a fertility assessment that requires scrotal imaging.
Hydrocele or cyst
Suspected fluid around the testicle, an epididymal cyst or follow-up of a previously identified benign lesion.
Inflammation or trauma
Persistent swelling after infection, inflammation or injury when emergency assessment is not required.
Fertility assessment
Evaluation of testicular volume and varicocele as part of a wider male fertility work-up.
Known finding follow-up
Comparison of a documented testicular or extratesticular finding when follow-up imaging has been advised.
Before your appointment
How to prepare for a testicular ultrasound
No special fasting or bladder preparation is usually needed. Your booking confirmation remains the definitive instruction for your appointment.
No fasting required
You can usually eat, drink and take regular medication normally unless the clinic gives you different instructions.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting trousers and supportive underwear can make changing and the journey home more comfortable.
Bring relevant information
Bring previous reports, details of symptoms, operations, medication, urine tests, tumour markers or fertility investigations where available.
Tell us about tenderness
Explain where the pain or lump is located. The practitioner will adapt probe pressure and positioning as far as possible.
What happens
Your appointment step by step
The examination is external, private and performed with your consent. You can ask questions or request a pause at any point.
- 1
Clinical history and consent
The practitioner confirms your symptoms, relevant history, the side of concern and the examination plan before you undress from the waist down in privacy.
- 2
Ultrasound of both sides
You usually lie on your back. A towel or support may be used to position the scrotum, and warm water-based gel is applied to the skin.
- 3
Doppler and dynamic views
Blood flow is assessed where required. If a varicocele is suspected, you may be asked to stand or gently strain while additional measurements are taken.
- 4
Explanation and report
The main observations are usually explained after the scan. A written report and relevant images are then provided within the clinic’s stated reporting timeframe.
Safety information
Know when a routine scan is not enough
Ultrasound is valuable for persistent testicular symptoms, but urgent symptoms must follow an emergency pathway.
Sudden severe pain is an emergency
Go to A&E immediately for sudden severe testicular pain, particularly with swelling, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Testicular torsion can interrupt the blood supply and must not be delayed by waiting for a private routine scan.
A new testicular change needs prompt review
A painless enlargement, change in shape or texture, or persistent unexplained symptoms should be assessed promptly. A suspicious ultrasound finding requires urgent GP or urology follow-up.
Ultrasound does not replace laboratory tests
Urine testing, STI testing, tumour-marker blood tests or semen analysis may be required depending on whether infection, a suspicious lesion or fertility concern is being investigated.
Some symptoms need other imaging
Groin hernia, urinary tract disease, referred musculoskeletal pain or complex trauma may require a different scan, examination, CT, MRI or specialist assessment.
Why PrivateSono
Accessible private testicular ultrasound
Self-referral appointments are available at our Central London and St Albans clinics, with a structured bilateral assessment and clear written reporting.
View appointments — £219Self-referral
Book directly without waiting for a GP referral.
Both sides assessed
Bilateral comparison helps place the symptomatic side in context.
Doppler capability
Blood flow and scrotal veins are assessed where clinically appropriate.
Clear reporting
Receive a written ultrasound report with relevant images.
Two locations
Choose Central London or St Albans.
Seven-day access
Online availability may include weekday and weekend appointments.
Clinic locations
Testicular ultrasound in London and St Albans
Select your preferred clinic and available appointment through the online booking page.
Central London
27 Welbeck Street
London, W1G 8EN — close to the Harley Street and Marylebone medical district.
Book Central LondonSt Albans
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3HZ — conveniently located near the city centre and station.
Book St AlbansPatient questions
Testicular ultrasound FAQs
These answers explain the scan’s purpose, preparation, limitations and urgent safety advice.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377What does a testicular ultrasound scan assess?
The examination assesses both testicles, epididymides, scrotal fluid, visible extratesticular structures and blood flow using Doppler where clinically appropriate. It can help characterise lumps, cysts, hydroceles, varicoceles, inflammation, trauma-related change and suspicious focal lesions.
How much does a private testicular ultrasound scan cost?
The PrivateSono testicular ultrasound scan is listed at £219. Check the booking page for current availability before confirming your appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. PrivateSono accepts self-referrals. Please provide your symptoms, relevant medical history, medication, previous scans, fertility information and any recent urine or blood-test results where available.
How should I prepare for the scan?
No fasting or full bladder is usually required. Wear comfortable clothing and bring details of previous investigations. Follow any individual instructions provided in your booking confirmation.
Is a testicular ultrasound painful?
The scan is external and usually well tolerated. Gel is applied to the scrotal skin and a small probe is moved gently over the area. Pressure may feel uncomfortable if the scrotum is already tender.
Can ultrasound detect testicular cancer?
Ultrasound can identify and characterise a suspicious intratesticular lesion and is an important first-line test for a testicular lump. It cannot confirm or exclude every cancer by itself; concerning findings require urgent clinical and urology assessment, usually with tumour-marker blood tests and additional management.
Can the scan assess a varicocele or fertility concern?
Yes. The scan can assess testicular size and look for enlarged scrotal veins, often using Doppler and manoeuvres such as standing or straining. It does not measure sperm quality, so a semen analysis and clinical fertility assessment may also be required.
Can ultrasound show infection or inflammation?
Ultrasound can show features that support epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis, including swelling and increased blood flow. Symptoms, examination, urine tests and sexual-health testing may still be needed to identify the cause and guide treatment.
How long does the appointment take and when will I receive the results?
The scan commonly takes around 15 to 25 minutes, although it may take longer for complex findings or a detailed Doppler assessment. The main observations are usually explained after the examination, followed by a written report and relevant images within the clinic’s stated reporting timeframe.
When should testicular pain be treated as an emergency?
Sudden severe testicular pain, especially with swelling, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, can indicate testicular torsion. Do not wait for a routine private scan; go to A&E immediately or call 999 if you cannot reach emergency care safely.
Book online
Arrange your private testicular ultrasound scan
Choose Central London or St Albans and view current appointment times. The scan is listed at £219 and no GP referral is required.
Choose location and appointment
Call the booking team
For sudden severe testicular pain, go to A&E rather than booking a routine scan.
Private diagnostic ultrasound
Book a focused testicular and scrotal ultrasound assessment
Appointments in Central London and St Albans • £219 • Self-referral available