What You Should Know About Injections to Treat ED
Pills like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis aren’t the only way to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition to “penis pumps” and surgical implants, there are also injections—some of which you can do yourself.
How do injections work?
Injection therapy uses one or more drugs that are classified as “vasodilators.” They work by smoothing the muscle tissue in the penis, which in turn enhances blood flow to cause an erection.
Men can give themselves the injection five to 10 minutes before intercourse.
How effective are they?
Approximately 85% of men who use self-injections are able to get and maintain erections, typically for about 30 minutes. Injections often work for men who don’t respond to oral drug therapies, such as Viagra, Levitra or Cialis. Injections can also serve as a safer alternative for men who are taking oral nitrates, which have contraindications with ED pills.
Is the procedure painful?
Although they sound scary, injections into the penis use a very tiny needle, similar to those diabetics use to inject insulin. Men often say it’s not very painful. In fact, in the piece, “Conditions: Erectile Dysfunction” on Sex Health Matters, it’s described as “like pulling a hair out on the back of their hand.”
Does insurance cover injections?
Some insurance companies will pay for injections. If you’re paying out of pocket, it’s important to note that in general, the single-drug injections cost more than the mixture of two or three.
What are the risks and side effects?
As with almost any ED treatment, there are possible side effects.
One is a condition called “priapism,” which is a fancy word for a prolonged erection. Erections lasting longer than four to six hours can cause permanent damage to the penis. Luckily, priapism can almost always be avoided by simply taking the proper amount of the injection dosage.
Other minor side effects may include swelling and mild bruising at the injection site. Some men—especially those with diabetes or who have had prostate surgery—may feel some pain in their penis, but it’s uncommon.
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