Penile Doppler Ultrasound: Technique and Its Importance in Urology

Doppler ultrasound is a procedure that uses the Doppler effect to produce moving images of the body fluids, the tissues, and their relative speeds to the transmitter. Let’s review the role of Penile Doppler Ultrasound.

What is Penile Doppler Ultrasound?

This is a technique used to predict the response of the ED (Erectile Dysfunction) to vasodilation medications that enhance blood flow to a person’s penis. Moreover, it helps the urologist in determining and documenting if you have an outflow or inflow type of erectile dysfunction. There are several causes of erectile dysfunction. Some diseases like arteriosclerosis also referred to as plaque in the blood vessels, diabetes, and high blood pressure exert their damaging effects on the blood vessels all over the body, including the penis. During the process, the doctor ultrasounds the entire penis.

What diseases can be detected?

Penile ultrasound plays a crucial role in detecting and treating diseases concerning the penis. By the Doppler ultrasound of the penis, some pathologies that can be detected have been discussed below:

1. Evaluation of erectile dysfunction: Penile Doppler ultrasound helps assess the blood flow to the penis during an erection. It can determine if there are any vascular issues contributing to ED. By using Doppler technology, which measures the speed and direction of blood flow, it can identify any abnormalities in the penile arteries or veins that may be causing or contributing to erectile problems.

2. Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease: Penile Doppler ultrasound can aid in the diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease by visualizing the plaques or scar tissue within the penis. It can provide information about the plaques’ location, size, and extent, which can help guide treatment decisions.

3. Assessment of priapism: Priapism is a persistent, painful erection that can occur without sexual stimulation. Penile Doppler ultrasound can help differentiate between the two types of priapism: ischemic (low-flow) and non-ischemic (high-flow). It can identify any abnormal shunting or increased blood flow in the penis, which can guide appropriate management strategies.

4) Penile cancer

With an ultrasound of the penis, penile cancer can be detected. The results also help doctors determine the extent of cancer so that they can determine the treatment plan.

Procedure

This test will be performed when you are lying on your back on an examining room table. Using a very small needle, a penile injection of a vasodilator agent named papaverine will be performed. This helps to relax the erectile muscle in the penis and dilate the penile arteries. This results in an increase in blood flow to the penis and give the individual an erection. You will experience only a bit of insect bite sensation with this injection. The blood flow will be measured in the penile artery on both sides of the individual’s penis using a small ultrasound probe positioned along the shaft of the penis. During this portion of this procedure, there is no pain involved.

When the male genitals show abnormal symptoms, for a timely examination and treatment, you must visit a reputable medical facility.

Find the Diagnostic Centre in Bangalore for the best service.