Penile Doppler ultrasound
Penile Doppler ultrasound is a specialist diagnostic examination assessing blood flow in the vessels of the penis — the deep arteries and veins. It is performed with a pharmacologically induced erection, which allows haemodynamics to be assessed under conditions close to a physiological erection. The examination helps establish the vascular cause of erectile dysfunction — arterial or venous. This is an invasive procedure requiring medical qualification.
Reception: Mon–Fri 9:00–20:00. Gdańsk, ul. Toruńska 15.
| Type of examination | Doppler, pharmacological erection |
| Invasiveness | injection into the corpora cavernosa |
| Duration | approx. 60–90 minutes |
| Result | discussed by the doctor after the exam |
| Doctors | Krukowski · Gondek · Abbazov |
| Price | price list → |
evaluation of arterial and venous flow in the penis
differentiating arterial vs venous disorders
the entire examination under a urologist's care
Krukowski, MD, PhD · Gondek, MD · Abazzov, MD
What does penile Doppler ultrasound involve?
Penile Doppler examination with a pharmacologically induced erection assesses blood flow in the deep vessels of the penis — the cavernous arteries — using Doppler ultrasonography. Because penile haemodynamics change during an erection, the examination requires an erection to be induced beforehand with a vasoactive drug administered by the doctor as an injection into the corpora cavernosa.
Doppler flow assessment allows the doctor to differentiate whether erectile dysfunction has an arterial basis (insufficient blood inflow), a venous basis (abnormal outflow — so-called venous leak) or is mixed. It is one of the key examinations in the andrological diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, particularly before any surgical treatment.
Penile Doppler ultrasound with a pharmacologically induced erection is an invasive procedure — it involves injecting a drug into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The most serious complication is priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours), requiring immediate medical intervention. For this reason the examination is performed exclusively under the direct supervision of a doctor who has an agent available to reverse the drug's action. Other possible adverse effects: pain or haematoma at the injection site, transient dizziness or a drop in blood pressure. Before the examination the doctor discusses all risks and obtains the patient's written consent.
Indications for the examination
Penile Doppler ultrasound may be ordered by a urologist or andrologist in cases of:
- erectile dysfunction (ED) — particularly where a vascular cause is suspected,
- diagnostics before interventional or surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction,
- Peyronie's disease (fibrous plaque, penile curvature) — assessment of accompanying vascular changes,
- assessment of penile vessels after trauma or surgery in the pelvic region,
- a history of priapism — assessment of possible vascular consequences.
Indications and qualification for the examination are assessed by a urologist during a urological consultation.
How is the examination performed?
The doctor takes a medical history, assesses indications and any contraindications, and explains the course of the examination and its risks, including the risk of priapism. The patient gives written consent.
The doctor performs a baseline ultrasound of the penis — assessing the structure of the corpora cavernosa and the vessels under resting conditions.
The doctor administers a vasoactive drug by injection into the corpus cavernosum. Waiting for the erection usually takes 10–15 minutes. Throughout this time the patient remains under the doctor's care.
The doctor measures blood flow in the cavernous arteries using the Doppler method — assessing systolic and diastolic flow and the resistance index. Based on the results, the cause of erectile dysfunction is differentiated.
After the examination the doctor monitors the patient. If needed, an agent is administered to reverse the erection. The result and clinical conclusions are discussed with the patient immediately after the examination.
How to prepare for the examination
- Attend fasting or at least 2 hours after a light meal — alcohol should be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours beforehand.
- Inform the doctor about all medications you take — particularly anticoagulants, nitrates and blood pressure medication.
- Inform the doctor about coexisting conditions: heart disease, diabetes, Peyronie's disease, previous surgery of the penis or pelvis.
- Plan your time: the examination including waiting and observation takes approximately 60–90 minutes.
- Do not travel alone unless the doctor advises otherwise — because of possible dizziness after the injection.
Detailed preparation instructions are provided by the doctor or by reception when booking the examination.
Doctors performing penile Doppler ultrasound
Availability is shown in the clinic calendar on ZnanyLekarz or by phone at +48 600 006 913.
Urologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction and conditions of the penis and scrotum. Performs urological ultrasound examinations, including penile Doppler. Provides andrology and urology consultations.
Urologist performing urological ultrasound examinations at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, including specialist examinations of the genitourinary system.
Urologist and andrologist on the clinic team. Provides urological and andrological consultations, erectile dysfunction diagnostics and qualification for examinations and procedures.
Penile Doppler ultrasound Gdańsk — book your urological diagnostics
Erectile dysfunction diagnostics · Krukowski, MD, PhD · Gondek, MD · Abazzov, MD
Gdańsk, ul. Toruńska 15 · Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00
Frequently asked questions — penile Doppler ultrasound Gdańsk
What are the risks of penile Doppler ultrasound?
The main risk is priapism — a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours, requiring immediate medical intervention. For this reason the examination takes place exclusively under the supervision of a doctor who has a reversal agent available. Other possible adverse effects are: pain or haematoma at the injection site, a transient drop in blood pressure or dizziness. The doctor discusses the risks before the examination and obtains written consent.
How long does the penile Doppler examination take?
The whole examination — from the baseline assessment at rest, through the injection and waiting for the erection, to the Doppler measurements and post-examination observation — takes approximately 60–90 minutes. Plan this time for your visit.
Which doctor performs this examination?
The examination is performed by the clinic's urologists: Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD, Jakub Gondek, MD and Artur Abazzov, MD. Because of the nature of the examination, the appointment is arranged individually — call +48 600 006 913 or check availability in the clinic calendar →
What can the doctor assess from a penile Doppler?
The examination allows assessment of blood flow in the cavernous arteries of the penis during an erection. The doctor can differentiate whether erectile dysfunction has an arterial basis (insufficient inflow), a venous basis (abnormal outflow) or is mixed. The results are relevant when planning further treatment.
Is a urological consultation needed before the examination?
Yes — penile Doppler examination requires medical qualification. The urologist assesses indications, takes a medical history, rules out contraindications and explains the course and risks. The consultation can be booked as a separate visit or combined with the examination depending on appointment availability.
Does the penile Doppler examination hurt?
The injection into the corpora cavernosa may be noticeable — the degree of discomfort is individual. A fine needle is used and the technique minimises discomfort. The doctor explains what to expect during the procedure.
How much does penile Doppler ultrasound cost in Gdańsk?
The current price is available in the urology price list or by phone at +48 600 006 913.
Urology — related examinations and services
Qualification for urological diagnostics and treatment.
Details →Assessment of the testes and scrotum.
Details →Transrectal assessment of prostate size and structure.
Details →Prices for urological examinations and consultations.
Price list →Book the examination by phone or online.
Contact →Penile Doppler ultrasound Gdańsk — erectile dysfunction diagnostics
Jakub Krukowski, MD, PhD · Jakub Gondek, MD · Artur Abazzov, MD · Gdańsk, ul. Toruńska 15
The examination requires urological qualification · Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00
Penile Doppler ultrasound with a pharmacologically induced erection is an invasive diagnostic procedure performed exclusively by a doctor on the basis of individual indications and after the patient has given consent. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. Diagnostic outcomes and examination results are individual. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, ul. Toruńska 15 lok. AU1, Gdańsk, Poland. Tel.: +48 600 006 913.