Conditions

Intracavernosal Injections Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Intracavernosal injections involve injecting a small volume of a vasodilator medication into the spongy tissue of the penis. The medication causes dilation of the penile arteries and tissue resulting in an increase blood flow to the penis. The medication should work within a few minutes and the erection should last for 30-60 minutes.

Penis Injection sites

The medication can be kept in the fridge for 3 months. Adequate dosage will take time to ascertain, you will be given a test dose in rooms, you can then increase the dose by 2 units at a time until an adequate response is established.

Precautions

You must rotate the injection site and should not inject more than once every second day. In the event the medication does not work, you should never give yourself a ‘top up dose’.

Side effects
  • Scarring which appears as curvature or a lump
  • Discomfort and bruising
  • Blood in your urine if you inject into the wrong place
  • A priapism – a priapism is a prolonged erection lasting more than 2 hours
Injecting
  • Wash your hands and ensure the surface you are injecting into is clean
  • Using an alcohol swab, clean the top of the vial
  • Draw out the medication using a clean needle as instructed
  • Stretch out the penis entirely and also check for any ‘lumps and bumps’ indicating scarring. If you suspect scarring, do not inject and contact us
  • Retract the foreskin, if you have one
  • Swab the site you intend to inject – the site chosen Should be ‘9-10 o’clock’ or 2-3 o’clock’
  • Rest the needle on the site you have cleaned
  • Inject at a 90-degree angle in a continuous motion
  • Withdraw the needle and apply pressure for 5 minutes

In the event of a Priapism:

  • A priapism is an erection lasting more than 2 hours. If the erection remains after following the below instructions, you must present to an emergency department to have the blood drained.
  • Take Sudafed as prescribed and wait 30 minutes, if the erection remains, take another dose
  • Try exercising – walking / jogging
  • Use ice or a cold compress

© 2019-2022 Thyer Urology | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Website design: WebInjection