In some men who fail oral medications for erectile dysfunction or in patients where other medications are contraindicated, penile injections may be prescribed.
Although the procedure sounds painful, the needle is very small and most people do not find that the injection hurts. The medication that is used is much stronger than oral medications and has a higher success rate of achieving an erection. The first injection will be performed in the office.
Risks of self injections include infection, penile pain, possible scarring and penile curvature.
Preparing for Injections
Wash your hands with soap and water and prepare the medication. Find an injection site on one side of your penis in a place without visible veins. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Hold the penis on stretch so the skin is taut.
Injecting the Medication
Rest your penis against your inner thigh and pull it gently toward your knee. Hold the syringe between your thumb and fingers like you are holding a pen. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular) to the shaft. This should go in quickly and easily. If it doesn't, stop and try a new location. Move your thumb to the plunger, press down the medication and count to five. Remove the needle and dispose of it safely.
Next Steps
Apply pressure to the injection site to prevent swelling and bruising. You should have an erection in 10-15 minutes. Foreplay may help. Your erection should last long enough for sexual activity and sometimes longer
When to Call Your Doctor
- You have an erection longer than 3 hours
- Bleeding or bruising
- Severe pain
What to do if injections aren't working?
If injections are not creatining an erection strong enough for penetration, or you want a permanent solution, you may want to talk to your urologist about a penile implant.
