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I am interested in more information on impotence injectable medication.
(more FAQs below)


One of the options available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is the self-injection of medication into the penis. This often sounds scary to the patient and not particularly appealing. However, in reality, the technique does not involve a traditional syringe and does not hurt. Often when the reality is explained to the patients, they are willing to consider this highly popular and effective technique.

Generally the medication is delivered to the penis using a device that is similar to the ones used by diabetics. A disposable syringe is placed on the injector, the device is placed against the side of the penis, and a button is pressed. A spring then pushes a very thin needle into the penis and, at the same time, pushes the medication into the penis.

Men normally agree that the "injection" does not hurt. Most describe it as either painless or as if they have been flicked with a rubber band. The injection is extremely quick and uses a very fine needle (usually a 29 or 30 gauge). Additionally, since the side of the penis does not include many pain receptors, there is little sensation.

The three most common medications that are used for injections are: papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1. All three act by relaxing the smooth muscles and causing the artery to dilate. This activates the trapping mechanism. Prostaglandin E1 received FDA approval in 1996 for erectile dysfunction treatment. It is currently marketed and available in prescription plans under two brand names, Caverject Impulse and Edex.

The different medications have different characteristics. The papaverine and phentolamine come in a liquid, do not need to be refrigerated, and have the least discomfort associated with them. Prostaglandin E1 usually is a powder that is mixed with a fluid prior to use. (This is due to the fact that it is stable as a powder at room temperature, but not as a liquid.) The prostaglandin E1 can cause some ache. The ache is not medically concerning but it can be uncomfortable. However, in most cases the discomfort is short lived. Discomfort is experienced by approximately 20% of the patients and is most commonly found in the patients who have neurological erectile dysfunction such as diabetes or post radical prostatectomy.

The two main potential complications from the injections are the development of scar tissue and the possibility of a prolonged erection. This risk is significantly minimized when you are seeing a physician who is very experienced with this treatment option and the appropriate dosing levels. Also the risk of scarring is greatly reduced if the penis is compressed for five minutes after the injection and the site of the injection is varied.

Penile injections were developed approximately 30 years ago and were the second method developed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The first treatment method was surgical and involved the insertion of a penile prosthesis.

Experience suggests that many men are successfully treated with injectable medication. Their erections are often much stronger and more reliable than those from the oral medications. In some ways the injection is a more spontaneous solution for treating impotence since it can be used right before a sexual encounter. With foreplay and the medication, the individual gets a good strong erection. Additionally and importantly, some studies suggest that men who use the injections on a regular basis have a high likelihood of seeing an improvement in their spontaneous erection.