If your healthcare specialist has requested for an MRI scan (penile imaging) of your penis, this will be because they want to investigate further. You may be requested penile imaging because you have a lump, you are experiencing pain, you may have an abnormal curvature of the penis or you may suffer from erectile dysfunction. An MRI is an imaging machine that captures detailed images of the body. It does not involve radiation or X-rays.

Penile imaging is a non-invasive and painless procedure that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the penis. The procedure is safe and does not involve any radiation exposure. During the procedure, you will lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You may be given a contrast dye to help highlight certain areas of the penis.

Do I need to prepare for penile imaging?

While there’s typically no need for any special preparation, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period of time before the test. Additionally, you’ll need to remove any metal objects from your body, as these can interfere with the MRI. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on what to expect and how to prepare.

What happens before the penile imaging scan?

To get the best images of your penis, you may be required to have an injection of Caverject, using a very small needle, into the base of the penis prior to the scan. Caverject is a drug called a prostaglandin E1 or ‘alprostadil’. The drug induces an erection, which improves the quality of the images, making any problems easier to see.

What happens after the test?

After the test, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities right away. Your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment. It’s important to follow up with your doctor to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the results of the test.

For more information, please contact us to book for your consultation.