Penile injection therapy injection therapy for erectile dysfunction is often the best option for men to be able enjoy a normal sex life again, especially if they are experiencing issues in that aspect of their lives. Although they sound scary, penile injections have been found to have great benefits in men who needed them.   For example, 80% of men in clinical trials achieved firm erections.  Furthermore, dosage can be individualized by each patient’s need and can treat erectile dysfunction in men with a very broad range of medical conditions. Injections produce a safe predictable erections and is the only medication that will initiate an erection. 

How did penile injection therapy begin?

In 1977, a surgeon accidentally injected the drug Papaverine in the area near the penis of a patient while performing a bypass procedure.  This injection subsequently produced a prolonged, full rigid erection for 2 hours in an impotent patient.  In 1982, a French surgeon, Dr. Ronald Virag, formally noted that the pressure inside the penis increased after an injection of Papaverine, confirming the previous experiment.  In 1983, Dr. Giles Brindley, professor of Physiology at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, first reported that 11 impotent men were able to have intercourse following the injection.  And so penile injections were born. 

What is EDEX?

EDEX is the modern day penile injection.  The injection uses the active ingredient Alprostadil, a naturally occurring substance in the body to widen the blood vessels and increasing blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. This drug causes an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse in over 80% of men with erectile dysfunction, regardless of their age or the cause of their problem.  The erection happen 5-20 minutes after injection and can last for about an hour.

Are there side effects?

The most common side effect is mild to moderate dull ache.  This ache dissipates once the erection fades. Another side effect is a small bruise at site of injection, but this can usually be prevented. Rarely, scarring or plaque of the penis can occur.  Also rare is developing a curvature of the penis or a prolonged erection.

Who should not use penile injections?

Below is a list of men who would potentially benefit for penile injection therapy:

•                    Men who have conditions that might result in long-lasting erections

•                    Sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma

•                    Men with penile implants

•                    Men with severe penile curvature - Peyronie’s Disease

•                    Men who have been advised not to engage in sexual activity​