Does penile injection really work for erectile dysfunction?

Penile injection is a treatment for erectile dysfunction in which medication is administered directly into the penis to help achieve an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects men, impacting the ability to maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse. It can happen for several reasons, including psychological issues, chronic diseases, or hormonal factors. For many men, penile injection may be a therapeutic option when other approaches are not enough. In this content, we explain what penile injection is, how it is used, its effects, and important considerations for those who are thinking about this treatment option. Enjoy the read!

What is penile injection for erectile dysfunction?

Injection therapy for sexual impotence is a treatment that uses medications to induce an erection. The medication is administered directly into the corpora cavernosa of the penis, which are structures responsible for erection. This approach may be especially useful for patients who do not respond well to oral medications or who have contraindications to these treatments.

Does penile injection work?

Penile injection for erectile dysfunction can be effective for many men with the condition. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Health Review reports that most patients achieve satisfactory erections after the medication is administered.

How is penile injection applied?

Patients who undergo intracavernosal injection therapy should follow the instructions provided by the urologist who prescribes the medication. Penile injection is usually applied 5 to 20 minutes before sexual activity so there is time for the effect to begin, according to medical guidance. It is often recommended to inject the medication on the side of the base of the penis, avoiding the upper area where nerves and blood vessels pass, as well as the lower area where the urethra is located, and avoiding direct contact with veins.

After the full injection is administered, the patient should press the injection site for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

It is important to be careful with how often injections are used: in general, patients are advised to keep at least a 48-hour interval between applications and to use it no more than three times per week. To reduce the risk of issues such as fibrosis in penile tissue, patients are also advised to alternate sides of application. For example, one application on the right side and the next, after 48 hours, on the left side. If a couple has a very active sex life and intercourse is very frequent, intracavernosal therapy may not meet expectations.

Does penile injection hurt?

Pain can vary from patient to patient. In general, discomfort is minimal and can be compared to the feeling of a needle prick. Using proper techniques and choosing the right injection site may help reduce pain.

How long does the effect last?

The effect may begin within 5 to 20 minutes after application and may last from 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on the medication used and the individual response.

Side effects and complications

A study from the American Society of Andrology and the European Academy of Andrology, conducted with 209 men, reports that 43.1% discontinued treatment because they did not notice the effectiveness of penile injection. The same study also reports that side effects led 5.5% of patients to discontinue medication due to local pain at the injection site and prolonged erection.

Read also: Erection problems: medications, injections, or surgery?

Where to buy penile injection

Penile injection medications may be purchased at standard pharmacies or compounding pharmacies, depending on the type. Prostaglandin may be available at regular pharmacies. Phentolamine, papaverine, and atropine—or compounded mixes—may only be available at compounding pharmacies and require a prescription.

What if penile injection does not improve erectile dysfunction?

Penile injection often works, but if the patient does not notice improvement in erection, the doctor may combine it with other treatments. It is essential to share what is happening so the urologist can evaluate whether a medication mix is appropriate.

Talk to Dr. Paulo and find out whether penile injection is right for you

If you are considering penile injection as a solution for erectile dysfunction, it is essential to have a complete evaluation with a qualified urologist. Dr. Paulo Egydio has more than 20 years of experience in urology and can provide a detailed assessment of your individual needs, as well as guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan. Schedule a pre-assessment to discuss your options and find the most effective approach to restore your quality of life. Read more: 12 ways to make your erection harder Medication-induced erectile dysfunction: available treatments 5 best male libido supplements according to studies Sexologist or urologist: which specialist should you see first? Penis pump and penile injections