Penile Doppler in Alexandria, VA
What is a Penile Doppler?
A penile doppler is a routine ultrasound procedure used to analyze blood flow to the penis.
The penile doppler is most commonly used to diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) and evaluate your response to vasodilation medication that enhances blood flow to the penis.
You don’t have to live with erectile dysfunction. For men in Northern Virginia and Maryland, the urologists with Potomac Urology are here to help. Give us a call at (703) 680-2111 to see if a penile doppler could be right for you. We have urology clinics in Fairfax, Manassas, Alexandria, Woodbridge, and National Harbor.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is an ongoing inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient to engage in satisfactory sexual activity. The main role of penile doppler imaging is to differentiate between vascular and nonvascular causes of ED.
ED is a common medical disorder that:
- primarily affects men older than 40 years old
- is strongly related to age
- has a high prevalence
ED may have a significant impact on quality of life and penile ultrasound imaging can help get you the answers you deserve.
Why Do Urologists Use a Penile Doppler ?
A penile doppler :
- Examines the blood flow to the penis
- Examines whether there is curvature or scarring
- Examines the effectiveness of intracavernosal injection (ICI) medications
If you come to get help for ED, a provider may prescribe medicine. A penile doppler can help us determine which medications would be effective. It would be wasteful and inconvenient to you to try ineffective therapies if a penile doppler could predict their failure up front.
How is a Penile Doppler Performed?
- First, you should refrain from taking any erection medication prior to imaging.
- The imaging procedure is performed while you are lying on your back on the examining room table.
- After a visit with your provider, a medicine is injected into the penis with a tiny needle to help induce an erection within minutes
- This medicine will help to dilate your penile arteries and result in an increase in the blood flow to your penis
- Most men say the injection feels like a small insect bite
- Your provider will assess the erection and perform the imaging
- An ultrasound wand is then used to determine how much blood is flowing through the penis and through each artery and vein
- If curvature of the penis is present, this is measured
- Your provider will discuss the findings and talk you through the images on the screen
- If the erection lasts beyond the completion of the test, you may require injection a small amount of medication to prevent a prolonged erection
- You are released by your provider and asked to refrain from any sexual activity for the rest of the day
Possible Side-Effects of a Penile Doppler
Before the imaging, you and your provider may discuss any concerns or potential side effects to determine if a penile doppler is right for you.
Some risks of a penile doppler may include:
- A painful injection
- Small area of bruising at injection site
- Feeling lightheaded after procedure
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
Penile Doppler and Cardiovascular Health
As ED is a common and early symptom of those with cardiovascular disease, an abnormal penile doppler may be the first test in identifying underlying cardiovascular disease. Your physician will discuss whether there are findings on your ultrasound that would prompt a consultation with a cardiologist.
Schedule a Penile Doppler Consultation Today
If you think a penile doppler may be right for you, contact Potomac Urology today to schedule a consultation in Fairfax, Manassas, Alexandria, Woodbridge, and National Harbor. Give us a call at (703) 680-2111 to get started.