Kidney Ultrasound and Urinalysis for Urological Issues - Urology

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Kidney ultrasound and urinalysis?


Hello Doctor: I previously visited a urologist due to right-sided lower back pain (in the area of the right kidney) and was diagnosed with a varicocele in the right testicle.
The doctor arranged for a kidney ultrasound and urinalysis, both of which came back normal.
Therefore, it was suspected that the varicocele might be the cause.
However, I have still been experiencing lower back pain and testicular discomfort over the past few days.
I found online that resting while lying down can alleviate varicocele symptoms, but even after sleeping and getting up, I still feel lower back pain and testicular discomfort.
Do you have any further recommendations for tests or evaluations? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Andrew, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/21

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: A scrotal ultrasound can be performed.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/06/21

More Info


When it comes to understanding kidney ultrasound and urinalysis in the context of urological issues, it is essential to grasp the purpose and significance of these diagnostic tools. Kidney ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and surrounding structures. It is particularly useful for evaluating kidney size, shape, and the presence of abnormalities such as hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup), cysts, or tumors. Urinalysis, on the other hand, involves analyzing urine samples to detect various conditions, including infections, blood, protein, and other substances that may indicate underlying health issues.

In your case, the initial symptoms of right-sided lower back pain and discomfort in the right testicle led to a kidney ultrasound and urinalysis. The results indicated no significant abnormalities, which suggests that the kidneys are functioning well and are not the source of your pain. However, the persistent discomfort you are experiencing could be related to other factors, such as the previously diagnosed varicocele (enlarged veins within the scrotum) or other urological conditions.

Varicocele can indeed cause discomfort and pain in the testicular area and may also lead to referred pain in the lower back. It is important to note that while lying down can alleviate some symptoms associated with varicocele, it may not completely resolve the discomfort, especially if there are other underlying issues contributing to your symptoms.
Given that your ultrasound and urinalysis did not reveal any significant kidney issues, it may be beneficial to explore further evaluations related to the varicocele. This could include a Doppler ultrasound specifically focused on the scrotal area to assess blood flow and determine if the varicocele is contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, if the pain persists, consulting with a urologist for a comprehensive evaluation may be warranted. They may consider other diagnostic tests or imaging studies to rule out any other potential causes of your discomfort.

In summary, while kidney ultrasound and urinalysis are valuable tools for diagnosing urological issues, they may not always provide a complete picture of the underlying causes of symptoms. In your case, since the initial tests were normal, it is essential to consider other potential sources of discomfort, such as the varicocele. Continued communication with your healthcare provider and possibly seeking further specialized evaluations will be crucial in addressing your ongoing symptoms effectively.

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