It might be challenging to achieve or maintain a sufficiently firm erection if you have erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatment options for ED include dietary changes, counseling, oral medicines, surgery, and erectile dysfunction injection, also referred to as intracavernosal injection therapy. Penile injection therapy is often an efficient and well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction, even though the idea of inserting a needle into your penis may make you shudder.
What is an Erectile Dysfunction Injection?
An erectile dysfunction injection is a straightforward answer to the condition.
The drug for erectile dysfunction injections is retrieved using a needle syringe from a standard vial. To maximize the medication’s impact and avoid interfering with nerves or blood vessels, the syringe is administered close to the midway of the penis. An erection is achieved 5 to 15 minutes after the injection, thanks to the medication’s ability to improve blood flow to the penis.
Overall, this is one of the ED drugs with the fastest-acting effects. Even widely used alternative therapies like Viagra may require you to wait 30 to 60 minutes to get an erection.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction Injections
The following three drug classes are typically utilized in penile injectable therapy:
- papaverine
- phentolamine
- Alprostadil or prostaglandin E1 (Caverject, Edex, MUSE)
There are times when only one drug is given. However, these drugs are frequently taken in combination. BiMix combines papaverine and phentolamine, and TriMix, which contains all three medications, are examples of combination drugs. QuadMix, which combines TriMix with atropine, may be recommended to anyone who finds TriMix unsuccessful.
These drugs all act by expanding the blood vessels in your penis and relaxing the smooth muscles of your penis. An erection results from increased circulation.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Your initial injection should be administered under supervision at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will demonstrate how to properly administer and perform the injections at home during the visit.
The first steps are washing your hands and gathering your materials in a spotless area. You’ll require:
- One vial of medicine
- One clean syringe
- two alcohol wipes
- One container for used needles
Use a container that has received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval wherever possible. Use a robust plastic container, such as an empty detergent bottle with a cap, if you don’t have access to one.
The head of your penis should be softly grasped between your thumb and forefinger and pulled straight out in front of you after the drug has been placed in the syringe. Before grabbing the head, pull the foreskin back if you haven’t been circumcised.
Choose a location for the injection that is midshaft on the right or left side of the penis. It’s crucial to remember that the injection can only be administered to the shaft’s sides. This prevents interference with the blood vessels at the top of the shaft and the urethra at the bottom.
Every time you inject, switch sides to prevent scar tissue formation. A visible blood vessel should always be avoided.
Use an alcohol wipe to clean the spot you’ve chosen. Give up control of your penis’ head and take the syringe in both hands.
Take off the syringe’s cap to check the dose and see whether there are any bubbles inside. Hold the needle between your thumb, index, and middle fingers with one hand as if you were going to hurl a dart.
Pull the penis head out again in front of you using the opposite hand. To avoid pulling any skin along the shaft, be cautious to grasp the head simply.
Slide the needle into the shaft after positioning it against the skin in the desired location. The plunger should be facing up at the 10 or 2 o’clock positions, and the needle should be slightly angled. So that your thumb or index finger can push the plunger, reposition your hand.
To immediately release all of the drugs, quickly push the plunger. Pull the needle straight out as soon as the syringe is empty. With your thumb on the other side of the shaft and your index finger, gently but firmly press down on the injection site. To prevent bleeding or bruising, continue doing this for two to three minutes.
To dispose of the syringe, place it in the sharps container.
What to Expect After the Injection
An erection should typically occur 5 to 15 minutes after injection. However, some men might require foreplay to get an erection. Depending on your general health and other conditions, the erection should last between 30 and 60 minutes.
Some claim that injections impact their ejaculatory function and penile sensation. However, rather than the injections themselves, these symptoms might be brought on by the underlying cause of ED.
The Risks and Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Injections
ED injections do not come without some risks. There is a slight chance of bleeding or bruising at the injection site, as with any injection.
You can prevent these symptoms if you exercise caution and adhere to your physician’s recommendations. The correct needle placement can help avoid short-term swelling and discomfort.
After injecting, some users also experience some minor soreness or pain.
Rarely, priapism may occur as an extended erection that happens before or after sexual stimulation. Try putting an ice pack on your penis to treat priapism. Taking a decongestant with phenylephrine may also be beneficial. But if the erection persists for more than four hours, get medical help immediately.
In the same way, consult a doctor immediately if you experience any pain or bleeding that persists for more than a few minutes following the injection.
Erectile Dysfunction Injection is a Prescription Drug
It’s crucial to remember that this condition might occasionally happen among young people. It could be time to contact a doctor if you are struggling with these issues frequently and for several weeks. With the help of professionals, you can cure erectile dysfunction.
Once your ED has been diagnosed, your doctor can give you a prescription for an injectable drug. Your doctor could advise you to try oral medication before moving on to injectable ones, depending on your circumstances.
Contact Aion NYC to get answers to all your erectile dysfunction injection questions.
