[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Pelvis · Male](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) › Dorsal veins of penis

[Cardiovascular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/cardiovascular-system/) · [Pelvis · Male](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/)

# Dorsal veins of penis

The dorsal veins of the penis run along its top surface and drain its blood; in erection their outflow is squeezed, which helps keep the blood in.

Official name: Deep dorsal vein of penis; superficial dorsal veins of penis

[See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&variant=male&select=dorsal_veins_penis&side=r)

Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.

## What it is

The superficial dorsal vein, under the skin, drains to the veins of the groin; the deep dorsal vein, in the midline under the deep fascia, passes under the pubic symphysis into the prostatic venous plexus.

## What it does

Drain blood from the penis; in erection their outflow is compressed, which helps keep the blood in.

## Key points

- The deep dorsal vein enters the [pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) through the gap below the pubic symphysis, above the [perineal membrane](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/perineal-membrane/), and joins the prostatic venous plexus
- The dorsal vein complex is tied early in radical prostatectomy, since it is the main source of bleeding
- Superficial dorsal vein thrombosis (penile Mondor disease): a tender cord along the dorsum, often after vigorous sex, usually settling by itself

## Key facts

**Drains**
Superficial dorsal vein: penile skin and prepuce; deep dorsal vein (under Buck fascia): glans and corpora through circumflex and emissary veins

**Into**
Superficial: external pudendal vein to the [great saphenous vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/great-saphenous-vein/); deep: under the pubic symphysis into the prostatic venous plexus (dorsal vein complex)

## Relations

**Lateral**
Dorsal arteries and then dorsal nerves on each side of the deep dorsal vein

**Superficial**
Buck fascia over the deep vein; the superficial vein lies above it in the dartos, under the [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/)

**Behind**
Suspensory ligament of the penis and the [pubic symphysis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pubic-symphysis/), under which the deep vein passes

## How to find it

The superficial dorsal vein is often visible under the skin of the dorsum; the deep vein is found in the midline under Buck fascia at surgery or on Doppler ultrasound.

## On imaging

Not seen on radiographs. Ultrasound shows the deep dorsal vein in the midline under Buck fascia, between the dorsal arteries; the superficial dorsal vein lies above that fascia. Classic finding: superficial dorsal vein thrombosis (penile Mondor disease), a firm, non-compressible cord with no Doppler flow. In erectile dysfunction, persistent diastolic flow on Doppler suggests venous leak.

## Common problems

- Erectile dysfunction, often linked to blood-vessel disease (diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure).
- Penile fracture: a tear of the tough coat of an erect penis; an emergency.

## How it is diagnosed

Examination; Doppler ultrasound when needed.

## Treatment

- The deep dorsal vein complex is controlled early in a radical prostatectomy to limit bleeding.

## Clinical notes

- Rupture of a dorsal vein can mimic penile fracture (sudden swelling and bruising) but the tunica albuginea is intact
- Surgery to tie the deep dorsal vein for venous leak has largely been abandoned because results do not last

## Related conditions

- [Erectile dysfunction](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/erectile-dysfunction/)
- [Priapism](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/priapism/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where does the deep dorsal vein of the penis drain?

Under the pubic symphysis, above the perineal membrane, into the prostatic venous plexus (dorsal vein complex).

## Where does the superficial dorsal vein of the penis drain?

Via the external pudendal vein to the great saphenous vein.

## What is penile Mondor disease?

Superficial dorsal vein thrombosis: a tender cord along the dorsum, often after vigorous sex, usually settling by itself.

## How can rupture of a dorsal vein of the penis be distinguished from penile fracture?

It mimics fracture with sudden swelling and bruising, but the tunica albuginea is intact.

[Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/deep-dorsal-vein-of-penis-superficial-dorsal-veins-of-penis/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
vena dorsalis profunda penis; venae dorsales superficiales penis

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Vena dorsal profunda del pene; venas dorsales superficiales del pene

**English (TA2)**
Deep dorsal vein of penis; superficial dorsal veins of penis

## Related

- [Dorsal artery of penis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsal-artery-of-penis/)
- [Pubic symphysis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pubic-symphysis/)

Sources: [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Penis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482236/).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-dorsal-vein-of-penis-superficial-dorsal-veins-of-penis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-dorsal-vein-of-penis-superficial-dorsal-veins-of-penis/