A penis ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the penis. This safe procedure helps diagnose various conditions affecting penile health without radiation exposure.
Reasons for a Penis Ultrasound
Doctors frequently recommend a penis ultrasound when patients experience specific symptoms or clinical signs related to penile health. Persistent erectile dysfunction (ED), characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, is a common reason for this test, especially when oral medications have not been effective. A noticeable bend or curvature in the penis, often associated with pain during erection, also prompts an ultrasound examination. The presence of palpable lumps, hard areas, swelling, or unexplained pain in the penile region can indicate a need for this diagnostic tool. Physical trauma or injury to the penis is another significant reason for an ultrasound, allowing for evaluation of potential internal damage.
Conditions Detected by an Ultrasound
A penis ultrasound can help identify several medical conditions. For instance, Peyronie’s disease is diagnosed by locating and measuring fibrous scar tissue or plaques within the tunica albuginea, which can cause penile curvature and pain. The ultrasound also detects blood flow abnormalities contributing to erectile dysfunction, such as insufficient arterial inflow or excessive venous outflow. Beyond these, the imaging can reveal blockages like thrombosis, other forms of scar tissue (fibrosis), and the presence of cysts or tumors. A Doppler ultrasound assesses blood flow by measuring velocity in the penile arteries and veins, helping differentiate between low-flow (ischemic) and high-flow (non-ischemic) priapism, a prolonged erection, which guides immediate treatment.
The Penis Ultrasound Procedure
No special preparation is needed for a penis ultrasound, though patients may be advised to avoid erectile dysfunction medications for a day or two before the test. The procedure involves lying on an examination table, where a technologist or radiologist applies a warm, water-based gel to the penis. A small handheld device called a transducer is then moved gently over the penis to capture images using sound waves.
For a Doppler ultrasound, a small needle is used to inject a vasodilator medicine, such as prostaglandin E1 or papaverine, into the base or side of the penis. This injection temporarily induces an erection, allowing for dynamic assessment of blood flow, and may cause a mild, brief discomfort often described as an insect bite sensation. The entire scan takes about 20 to 40 minutes, and while the injection may cause temporary mild discomfort, the ultrasound itself is not painful.
Understanding the Results and Next Steps
Following the penis ultrasound, a radiologist, a doctor specializing in medical imaging, will interpret the captured images and compile a detailed report. This report is then sent to the patient’s referring physician, typically a urologist. During a follow-up appointment, the physician will discuss the findings from the ultrasound and explain what they mean for the patient’s condition. Based on these results, the doctor will outline the next steps, which could involve various treatment options tailored to the diagnosis or recommendations for further testing.