A penile doppler is an ultrasound that is used as part of an investigation to evaluate the circulation in and out of the penis during erection as well as assess the structural tissue of the penis. A penile doppler can be used to evaluate many conditions affecting the penis, including erectile dysfunction, plaques (such as those caused by Peyronie’s disease) fibrosis, lumps and also cancer.

In a penile doppler ultrasound, the sound waves bounce off circulating red blood cells. A change in pitch signals the movement of blood.

Blood flow is critical for a man’s erections. When a man is sexually stimulated, the arteries in his penis widen and the penis fills with blood. This blood is what gives the penis the firmness it needs for sex. Veins in the penis constrict, holding the blood in. When the stimulation stops, or when the man ejaculates, the veins widen again and allow blood to flow back into the body.

Many men with erectile dysfunction have problems with this blood flow. The arteries might not widen enough for sufficient blood to flow in. Or, the veins might not constrict enough to keep the blood from flowing out. Both situations can lead to weak erections.

The test will be performed while you are lying on your back on the examining room table. The test begins with an injection of medicine, which causes an erection by widening arteries and increasing blood flow. From there, a doctor moves a small device called a transducer over against the skin of the penis. The transducer sends data to a computer so that the doctor can tell how fast blood is flowing in and out.

A penile doppler ultrasound is non-invasive and the test itself shouldn’t hurt.

Should there be any abnormal findings in your penile doppler ultrasound appointment, your doctor will inform you about this. You will be given further instructions and information about options that are appropriate for you.

For more information please contact us to book a consultation.