My Penis Stuff

Examples

Caverject (alprostadil), Pavabid (papaverine hydrochloride), Regitine (phentolamine mesylate)

Some doctors have these three medications mixed together by a pharmacist. This preparation is often called Trimix.

You inject this medication into the side of the penis with a tiny needle. The shots usually are not very painful, but you may find the thought of injecting yourself uncomfortable. Less commonly, these medications also may be available in an auto-injector in which the needle is hidden, making them easier to use. You can adjust the dose of medication to create an erection that lasts the desired length of time.

Your doctor may give you a trial use of this medication while you are in the office. This allows the doctor to see how well the medication works for you, see whether you can use it properly, and check for adverse reactions, such as a painfully long-lasting erection (priapism) or an allergic reaction.

What To Think About

When investigating injections for erection problems, it is important to include your partner in your decision.

These medications are less likely to be effective for men in whom blood flow into or out of the penis is severely impaired.

They may cause problems for men with severe mental illness or for those who would have difficulty giving the injection. If you have vision problems, your partner can learn to give you the injections. Make sure your partner is comfortable with helping you and with using injections.

These medications can be used by men who are taking medication to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants, such as warfarin [for example, Coumadin]).

Medications that are injected into the penis can be given no more than every other day. Excessive use may cause scarring.

Some men may find the idea of self-injections unpleasant, or they may find self-injections difficult to do. The use of an auto-injector, in which the needle is hidden, may make the shots easier for some men to use.

Couples trying to have children may prefer injections over a vacuum device, because the vacuum device blocks ejaculation.

Up to 60% of men stop using the medications. Reasons include:

• Partner relationship issues (being able to have erections doesn’t solve relationship problems).
• The mechanical nature of the process, which interferes with spontaneity.
• Fear and discomfort about giving an injection into the penis.
• Concern about effects of long-term use.
• Development of tolerance to the medication (which rarely happens).
• Development of scar tissue.