Penile Injections for Erectile Dysfunction
Penile Injections for Erectile Dysfunction
Many men with erectile dysfunction find self injecting prostaglandin-E (PGE) works well for them. This medication is also known as alprostadil. A tiny needle is used to inject a small amount of the medication into the shaft of the penis. Within minutes, the medication causes the penis to get firm and erect long enough for enjoyable sex.
A generic form of the medication is available that has a limited shelf life and should be refrigerated. A form of the medication that does not have to be refrigerated is available called Edex.
Many men with erectile dysfunction find self injecting prostaglandin-E (PGE) works well for them. This medication is also known as alprostadil. A tiny needle is used to inject a small amount of the medication into the shaft of the penis. Within minutes, the medication causes the penis to get firm and erect long enough for enjoyable sex.
A generic form of the medication is available that has a limited shelf life and should be refrigerated. A form of the medication that does not have to be refrigerated is available called Edex.
Pros: Works very well in most men causing very firm erection.
Cons: Must inject each time, erections can be uncomfortable especially the first few times, generic version has limited shelf life.
How To Perform a Penile Injection for Erection
It is natural to be nervous about self injections, but you can become proficient with a little practice.
Following are simple steps to properly give yourself an injection:
It is natural to be nervous about self injections, but you can become proficient with a little practice.
Following are simple steps to properly give yourself an injection:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Prepare the PGE using the directions provided.
- You may stand or sit to give yourself the injection-- whatever position is easiest.
- Identify the injection site on one side of the penis away from the top, bottom or head. You should also avoid any visible veins.
- Use alcohol (either an alcohol prep pad or cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol) to cleanse the skin at the injection site.
- Pull the penis to one side so the shaft skin is taut, resting it against your inner thigh stretched slightly toward your knee. Avoid twisting or rotating the shaft.
- Insert the needle directly into the side of the shaft (at a 90 degree angle). Inject the prescribed amount of medication into the penis by pressing down on the plunger slowly over 4-5 seconds.
- Retract the syringe, dispose of it safely and immediately place direct pressure on the injection site to prevent the small amount of bruising that can occur.
- You may now stand up, massage the penis a bit, explore in foreplay. You should gain an erection within 10-20 minutes. It should last long enough for sex and probably longer.
- The first few times you self inject, your penis may ache. This will improve after repeated use.
- You may feel a mild burning sensation during the injection, but not severe pain. Stop the injection if this occurs.
- Be sure to select an injection site on the side of your penis. The medication will not work if injected elsewhere.
- Rotate injection sites to minimize the risk of scarring.
- Seek medical attention if the erection lasts more than 4-5 hours.
- Generally, you should not use an injection more than once per day.
Seek Medical Attention If:
- You develop an erection lasting longer than 4-5 hours.
- You develop significant bleeding or bruising.
- You develop severe pain.
- You develop curvature of the penis or scarring.
