Specialist penile Doppler ultrasound for the assessment of erectile dysfunction and penile vascular function — performed and reported by Consultant Radiologists.
Erectile dysfunction means difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It is common and can have several causes, including medication, hormonal conditions, diabetes, psychological factors and problems with blood flow.
A penile doppler ultrasound is a specialist investigation used to assess the blood supply to the penis. It can help identify whether erectile dysfunction is related to reduced arterial inflow or difficulty retaining blood within the erectile tissues. It is usually performed when a more detailed vascular assessment is clinically appropriate, rather than as a routine first test for every patient with erectile dysfunction.
| Duration | 20 – 30 minutes |
| Radiation | None |
| Injection | Yes |
| Referral | Urologist or andrologist |
| Locations | Spire & Nuffield Bristol |
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch. Ultrasound gel is applied and an initial scan is performed. A small injection of medication is then given into the side of the penis. This temporarily increases blood flow and produces an erection or partial erection, allowing the blood vessels to be assessed accurately.
Further ultrasound measurements are taken over approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The scan assesses:
The test uses ultrasound and does not involve radiation.
Is the injection painful? The needle is very small. Most patients experience only brief discomfort or a sharp scratch. You may also experience temporary aching, flushing, dizziness or bruising. Occasionally, the erection lasts longer than expected. An erection lasting four hours or more requires urgent medical assessment, as prolonged erection can damage the erectile tissue.
The scan may help identify:
The findings must be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other investigations. Anxiety, pain, medication response and the examination environment can affect the results, so the scan does not always provide a definitive explanation on its own.
Erectile dysfunction that has not responded as expected to treatment.
Suspected vascular erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction following pelvic surgery or trauma.
Peyronie’s disease or penile curvature.
Younger patients in whom a specific vascular problem is suspected.
Consideration of specialist surgical or vascular treatment.
The examination should usually be requested by a urologist, andrologist or another clinician experienced in erectile dysfunction.
A specialist radiology report will be issued to the referring clinician. They will explain the findings and discuss any appropriate treatment or further investigation.
Important information: Penile doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic examination. It is not shockwave therapy and is not itself a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Patients taking anticoagulants or medicines that affect bleeding should inform the clinic before the appointment. Medication should not be stopped unless advised by the referring clinician.
This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice. Seek urgent medical help if you develop a painful erection lasting four hours or longer after the examination.