Using An Ultrasound To Assess Penis Health

Using an Ultrasound to Assess Penis Health

Taking steps to maintain good penis health pays off. A healthier penis not only looks better but it is more likely to maintain its function - just as taking care of the body helps it to fulfill its functions more fully. Of course, sometimes even conscientious practitioners of appropriate penis health develop issues that require a doctor's assistance. Assessing exactly what the issue is or what might be causing it may require a doctor to conduct tests or use equipment. And, although this may be a surprise to many men, sometimes a doctor may need to have an ultrasound scan done on a man's penis.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography and typically just called an ultrasound, is a medical test that utilizes high frequency sound waves. These sound waves can provide a doctor with a picture of the inside of the body. The technology is kind of similar to that which is used in sonar and radar in military operations.

Although ultrasound is most often associated in the public mind with pregnancy, where it is used to allow a doctor to get a good look at the fetus and how it is developing, it is often used for other purposes. Basically, if a doctor needs a visual of a person's internal organs (bladder, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, etc.), he may want to use an ultrasound.

Why ultrasound a penis?

Some men may wonder why a penis might need an ultrasound? Or if the doctor needs a look inside, why doesn't he just use an x-ray?

In terms of an x-ray, that's of limited use when it comes to the penis. X-rays are very good for looking at bones, but the penis doesn't really have bones - so an ultrasound is a better bet.

As to why an ultrasound might be needed, there could be several reasons. A man who is battling erectile dysfunction, for example, might benefit from an ultrasound, as this would enable the doctor to better assess the blood flow in the penis, as well as how that blood flow gets "trapped" for an erection.

An ultrasound may also be useful when a man presents with Peyronie's disease (an excessively curved penis), as a way of determining the location and extent of plaque build-up, or to examine a man suffering from priapism. It can also detect the presence of penile stones or a fracture and pinpoint the presence of unwanted tissue masses.

Is it safe?

Ultrasounds are considered a safe procedure. There is no radiation involved, as opposed to x-rays and some other procedures.

Frequently for a penile ultrasound, an injection will be given to induce an erection. This may in some cases cause pain or light bruising at the site of the injection.

Using an ultrasound to assess penis health can enable a doctor to better pinpoint problems and devise appropriate treatment strategies.

Of course, maintaining excellent penis health requires more than paying a visit to an ultrasound machine. Men can daily support their penis health by applying a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). There are many crèmes available, so be sure to locate one which contains both L-arginine and L-carnitine. The former is an amino acid which plays role in the creation of nitric oxide. In turn, nitric oxide helps penile blood vessels expand to accommodate increased blood flows. L-carnitine has neuroprotective capabilities, which are valuable for helping maintain an appropriate level of penis sensitivity - something which can easily be lost when the penis is handled too aggressively.