Wales' first consultant-led ultrasound clinic

Groin & Hernia Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales

Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.

★★★★★ 4.9 from 376 Google reviews
Same-week appointments Immediate results explained HIW regulated
From £ 260
All-inclusive private
groin & hernia scan
Immediate results Same-week No referral

What's included

  • Consultant Radiologist scan — results explained immediately
  • Written report within 24-48 hours
  • Digital scan images
  • Onward referral if needed
  • No GP referral required
What we examine

Groin & inguinal region

A dynamic scan of the groin (with cough and Valsalva straining) — the gold standard for hernia assessment.

Inguinal canal

Dynamic assessment for hernia.

Inguinal hernia

Direct and indirect types.

Femoral canal

Femoral hernia (more common in women).

Lymph nodes

Reactive vs suspicious.

Vascular structures

Femoral artery/vein, varices.

Adductor tendons

Groin strains.

Conjoint tendon

Sportsman's groin injury.

Hip joint (limited view)

Quick screen if pain present.

Common reasons people book

Reasons to book a groin scan

Bulge or lump in the groin
Groin pain (one or both sides)
Pain when coughing or straining
Heavy or dragging sensation
Suspected hernia
Groin lymph node enlargement
Sports-related groin injury
Persistent groin discomfort
Conditions detected

What we can identify

Groin ultrasound combines hernia assessment with full soft-tissue evaluation.

Inguinal hernia

Most common type. Direct vs indirect.

Femoral hernia

More common in women — higher complication risk.

Lymphadenopathy

Reactive vs suspicious nodes.

Adductor tendinopathy

'Groin strain' — common in football.

Sportsman's groin

Conjoint tendon & pubic bone changes.

Lipoma of the cord

Common benign finding, mimics hernia.

If a hernia is found and surgery is recommended, we can refer to a hernia surgeon.

Before your scan

Preparation

No preparation needed

How to prepare

Wear loose clothing or come ready to undress to your underwear.
Eat and drink normally no fasting required.
Take usual medications no need to stop anything.
Be prepared to stand for dynamic hernia assessment.

Hernias often only appear when standing or straining. We assess in both lying and standing positions, and ask you to cough or strain (Valsalva).

A same-sex chaperone is always available. The scan is performed with dignity.

What to expect

Your appointment, step by step

1

Arrive

Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.

2

Meet your consultant

Brief chat about your symptoms and history. Ask any questions.

3

The scan (30 mins)

Lie on your back with warm gel applied to the groin — you may also stand so any hernia can be checked dynamically. The consultant explains findings as they scan.

4

Immediate results

Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.

★★★★★

Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.

Verified Google review · Same-week ultrasound at Acorn
Pricing

Transparent, all-inclusive

One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.

Single or both

Groin & hernia scan

From £260
  • One side £260, both sides £360
  • Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
  • Same-week appointment
  • No GP referral required
Book scan
Save more

2 area scan

£360
  • Two body areas scanned in one visit
  • e.g. groin plus the hip or lower abdomen
  • Save £160 vs two separate scans
  • Same-week appointment
Book bundle
Best value

3 area scan

£399
  • Three body areas scanned in one visit
  • Add which areas in your booking notes
  • Save £381 vs three separate scans
  • Same-week appointment
Book 3-area scan

Booking a two or three-area scan? Please add which areas you'd like scanned in your booking notes. Not all practitioners scan every area, so our reception may call to confirm and make sure the right consultant is on for your appointment.

All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.

Hernia-specific scan?

If you have a known or suspected hernia and want just that assessed, our targeted hernia scan focuses on the inguinal canal with dynamic straining.

Watch & prepare

See what a groin & hernia ultrasound involves

Our patient information video walks you through how to prepare, what happens during the scan and what to expect afterwards. About 2 minutes long.

The video covers how the scan is performed, what it feels like and how to prepare.

Where to find us

Our Penarth clinic

Penarth Clinic

13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD

10 minutes from Cardiff city centre · Free street parking

Get directions →

Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.

FAQ

Common questions about groin & hernia ultrasound

How much does a private groin ultrasound cost?

£260 for one side, £360 for both.

Can ultrasound diagnose a hernia?

Yes — dynamic ultrasound (with straining) is the gold-standard non-surgical test for groin hernias. Can detect hernias that are not always palpable.

Do I need to stand up for the scan?

Yes — we scan both lying and standing because some hernias only show when upright.

Do I need a GP referral?

No — self-refer.

How quickly can I be seen?

Most appointments within 48-72 hours.

Why are there different prices for male and female?

Same price — £260 each. The scan codes are different because the anatomy assessed differs slightly (e.g. round ligament in women, spermatic cord in men).

How long does the scan take?

About 30 minutes per side.

Is the scan painful?

No — gentle probe pressure with gel.

Is ultrasound safe?

Yes — no radiation.

What if surgery is needed?

If a hernia is symptomatic and growing, surgical repair may be recommended. We can refer to a hernia surgeon.

Will I get a written report?

Yes — immediate verbal results plus written report in 24-48 hours.

Where do I go?

Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff.

Get the answers you need.

Self-refer for a private groin and hernia ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.