Penile Doppler ultrasound
penile Doppler · penile duplex ultrasound · penile ultrasound · erectile dysfunction ultrasound
The doctor uses ultrasound to look at the blood vessels of the penis and how blood flows through them. Often an erection is brought on with medicine for this.
For erection problems, curvature, hard lumps, or after an injury.
⏱ Duration: usually 30 to 60 minutes including waiting for the erection; the report is usually ready right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. You can eat and drink.
- Hygiene. A normal shower the evening before or in the morning.
- Erection medicines. Do not take them on your own the day before, unless your doctor said otherwise.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past tests and urologist reports
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You undress below the waist and lie on your back
- First, the doctor checks the vessels at rest
- Usually a small injection of medicine is given at the base of the penis to cause an erection
- After a few minutes, the doctor checks blood flow again
- The doctor measures the blood speed in the vessels
- Before you leave, they check that the erection has gone down
What you'll feel
- A thin needle prick, with brief pain
- The erection from the medicine usually lasts a while and goes away by itself
- It may feel awkward. It is a routine medical test, and the doctor is discreet
Afterwards
- Do not leave until the erection goes down. This is standard
- The report is usually ready right away
- Go over the results with a urologist
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The erection lasts more than 4 hours or is very painful: go to hospital right away or call emergency services
- Strong swelling or a large bruise at the injection site
Common questions
Does the injection hurt?
The needle is very thin, and the prick is quick. Most men say it is bearable.
What if nerves stop the erection?
The doctor can add a little more medicine or wait. Everyone gets nervous.