Treatment Educations – Penile Doppler Ultrasound
Your doctor has ordered a diagnostic procedure for you called a penile Doppler Ultrasound. This test measures the blood flow in the penis and can find problems, such as cancer, cysts, scarring or plaque inside the penis. You will also have an injection of medicine into the penis to help increase blood flow.
Preparation
- There is no special preparation required.
- You can wear whatever you like to the hospital, then you will change into the gown before the procedure.
- You may eat and drink as you normally do the day of the test.
- Do not take Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra during the 24 hours before the procedure, If you are taking a low dose of blood thinners, you may continue to take these as you normally do.
During the procedure
- We will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions.
- You will lie on your back. The doctor will measure the blood flow in your penis.
- The doctor will inject a small amount of medicine (alprostadil) into the side of the penis. This medicine will increase the blood flow to the penis and may cause an erection,
After the procedure, you may continue with your normal activities.
This injection does not work for every patient; however, if it works, it is designed to give you a full erection that will last 1 to 1.5 hours. If your doctor feels that the injection is the right treatment for you, the doctor will teach you about penile injection therapy.
Complications
- You will have some hematoma on the injected site on your penis.
- If your erection lasts more than 2 hours, the doctor will inject the medicine in your penis.
Written by Dr. Niti Navanimitkul, M.D.
Penile Prosthesis Surgeon, Sexual Dysfunction Specialist, Water Vapor Therapy Specialist and Urologist
