- ED Shots
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Bradley Keys
- Jan 19, 2024
Table of contents
- Understanding Erectile Dysfunction Shots
- Preparing for Penile Injection Therapy
- Administering ED Injections
- Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Post-Injection Care and Monitoring
- The Role of Sexual Stimulation
- Traveling and Storage Tips
- Comparing ED Injections to Other Treatments
- Dr. Sabour’s Approach to ED Treatment
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Shots, or penile injections, are a highly effective treatment for erectile dysfunction with an 89% success rate, working by relaxing blood vessel muscles to enhance blood flow to the penis.
- Penile injection therapy requires careful preparation and administration, including selecting the appropriate medication such as Trimix or Bimix, using proper syringes and needles, and injecting at the right site on the penis.
- While effective, ED injections have potential risks including priapism and other side effects; proper care, dosing, and post-injection monitoring are essential to minimize complications and ensure the desired outcome.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction Shots
Penile injections, are a form of treatment that involves the administration of medication directly into the penis to facilitate the attainment and sustenance of an erection. The medication works by inducing relaxation of the smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls, thereby enhancing blood circulation to the penis. Using ED injections for erectile dysfunction offers several advantages including a high efficacy rate, tailored medication doses, and the capability to stimulate erections even in those with nerve damage. Compared to other ED treatments such as oral medications and prostate cancer treatment, these shots are considered a highly effective alternative, boasting an estimated 89 percent success rate among individuals who may not respond to other ED medications.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction Shots
When it comes to treatment options, there are several types to choose from. The most common options include:- Priapus (P Shot): Uses the bodies own natural Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with growth factors and stimulate stem cells, collagen production and tissue repair
- Trimix: a combination of alprostadil, phentolamine, and papaverine, known for its ability to induce a sustained erection for approximately one hour.
- Bimix: a combination of alprostadil and papaverine, also effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
- Papaverine: a medication that helps relax the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow and an erection.
Advantages of ED Injections
ED injections offer more benefits than just their high success rates. These injections typically demonstrate efficacy within 5 to 10 minutes, with the resulting erection typically lasting for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. In addition, by enhancing blood flow to the penis, ED injections play a crucial role in maintaining healthy erectile tissue, leading to firmer and longer-lasting erections. This makes ED injections an attractive option for many individuals seeking an effective solution for their erectile dysfunction.Preparing for Penile Injection Therapy
Proper preparation is crucial for successful penile injection therapy. The process involves selecting the right medication from various categories which include trimix injections, as well as:
- Bimix
- Papaverine
- Phentolamine
- Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or alprostadil
- an insulin-type syringe with a short, fine needle
- needles
- a vial containing the medication
- alcohol swabs or gauze
Selecting the Right Medication and Dosage
Choosing the appropriate medication and dosage for ED injections is a significant step in attaining optimal outcomes. The frequently prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction injections include PRP, papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1, often combined in a mixture known as Trimix. The appropriate dosage, or the correct dose, is determined based on the strength of the medication and the amount used, under the supervision of a physician. This dosage is typically adjusted in increments to achieve the best effect for an individual.Necessary Supplies
Beyond choosing the correct medication, possessing the required supplies is vital for a successful ED injection therapy. The most commonly recommended insulin syringe for ED injections is one with a 26- to 30-gauge, half-inch needle. Moreover, it is advised to use fresh alcohol swabs for each ED injection to maintain hygiene. It’s important to remember that these supplies require a prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter.Administering ED Injections
With the appropriate medication and required supplies on hand, you’re ready to administer the ED injection. The appropriate injection site for treatment is the penis, specifically in the middle third of the penile shaft. It is important to clean the chosen site with an alcohol wipe before injecting. The recommended technique for administering ED injections involves inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle to the penis shaft. This method ensures successful administration of the ED injection and avoids puncturing the urethra.
Choosing the Injection Site
Picking the correct injection site significantly impacts the procedure’s efficacy and comfort. The most suitable injection site for ED medications is the penis, specifically into the corpora cavernosa, ideally targeted in the middle third of the penile shaft, avoiding the head of your penis. To avoid tissue damage or scar tissue formation, it is recommended to alternate injections between the left and right sides of the penis. This ensures uniform medication distribution and reduces the potential for complications.Injecting the Medication
The subsequent action involves administering the medication from a compounding pharmacy. It is important to hold the syringe as you would a pencil with your dominant hand and the medication vial with the other. Then, inject the medication into the side of the penis using the small needle designed for insulin injections, ensuring to maintain good hygiene practices and properly discarding the syringe after use.Potential Risks and Side Effects
Despite the high effectiveness of ED injections, they carry potential risks and side effects. Some of the common adverse effects include:
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- A burning sensation along the penis
- Difficulty in ejaculating
- Swelling
Managing Priapism
Priapism, characterized by an extended and painful erection lasting over four hours, is a significant potential side effect of ED injections. The management of priapism involves the use of medications such as:-
- Pseudoephedrine HCl, which has vasoconstrictive properties
- Phenylephrine, which can be administered via injection into the penis
- Terbutaline, for both treatment and prevention purposes.
Minimizing Discomfort and Complications
There are several strategies to minimize discomfort and complications associated with ED injections. Proper injection techniques and needle placement are key to reducing potential discomfort at the injection site. Using an ice pack on the injection site prior to medication administration can effectively numb the skin and alleviate discomfort. Furthermore, an auto-injector, a spring-loaded device designed to swiftly insert the needle, can streamline and facilitate the injection process.Post-Injection Care and Monitoring
Care and monitoring following the injection are crucial. Indicators of successful injection therapy for erectile dysfunction include swelling of the penis within five to 15 minutes after injection and the ability to achieve an erection, particularly with sexual foreplay. Monitoring your erection response to injections can also help assess the need for adjustments in medication and dosage. It may require several injections to determine the appropriate dosage for achieving a firm erection suitable for sexual activity.The Role of Sexual Stimulation
Sexual stimulation considerably boosts the effectiveness of ED injections for erectile dysfunction ed. It initiates a physiological process known as penile erection, where the penis becomes filled with blood. While injectable therapies for ED can induce an erection without the need for sexual stimulation, it may enhance the erectile response. Therefore, combining medication with sexual stimulation may allow for the use of a lower dosage.Traveling and Storage Tips
Correct storage and handling of your ED injection medication and supplies during travel is vital to preserve their effectiveness. ED injection medication should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain stability. When traveling, remember to:-
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- Pack your ED injection medication in your carry-on bag to ensure it remains at the proper temperature and stays with you.
- Don’t forget to pack your necessary supplies.
- Properly dispose of used sharps in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container.
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Comparing ED Injections to Other Treatments
When compared to oral ED medications, ED injections are viewed as a superior alternative, particularly when oral medications fail or cause adverse reactions. ED injections also have the advantage of producing an erection much faster than oral medications, inducing an erection within a few minutes. In addition, the combination of ED injections with other treatments, such as PDE-5 inhibitors, can yield superior outcomes, providing a more holistic strategy for addressing erectile dysfunction.Dr. Sabour's Approach to ED Treatment
In treating ED, Dr. Sabour utilizes a comprehensive approach, combining medical intervention with psychological insights. As a trained ED Doctor, he emphasizes the use of testosterone therapy for individuals experiencing both low testosterone levels and erection issues. These can also be combined with peptide therapy as well as oral ed medications. In addition to his holistic and integrative approach, Dr. Sabour provides a range of men’s health services, including specialized treatment for erectile and sexual dysfunction, which includes offering various ED combined treatments in his Los Angeles clinic like shockwave therapy.Summary
In summary, various treatments exist to present an effective solution for individuals grappling with erectile dysfunction. With a high success rate, rapid onset of action, and the ability to maintain healthy erectile tissue, ED injections offer numerous benefits. While the process involves selecting the right medication and dosage, proper administration, and careful post-injection care and monitoring, the potential for achieving satisfactory erections makes it a compelling treatment option. As we’ve seen from Dr. Sabour’s approach, a holistic and integrative approach to ED treatment can lead to optimal results.Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the penile injection shot last?
The penile injection shot can last for 1-2 years, providing an effective solution for concerns related to sexual wellness. When the effects wear off, a top-up injection can be easily received.
What is the success rate of penile injections for ED?
Penile injections have an effectiveness rate of about 70% to 80% for treating erectile dysfunction, with a 2012 review suggesting a satisfaction rate of around 89%.
What is the best injection for erectile dysfunction?
The best injection for erectile dysfunction is typically Trimix, a mixture of alprostadil, phentolamine, and papaverine, which is commonly used for injection therapy. Many men start with Trimix to treat erectile dysfunction.
Do penile injections work better than Viagra?
Yes, penile injections like TriMix are generally considered to work better than Viagra due to their faster-acting and longer-lasting effects, and their independence from food and alcohol intake. They can start working within 15 minutes.
How long does trimix last after injection?
Trimix typically begins to work within 5 to 20 minutes after injection and its effects last for up to 1 hour.
Reviewed By
Majid Sabour, MD
Majid Sabour, MD, is the founder and medical director of Gent's Doctor mens clinic in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Sabour is board-certified in family medicine and provides exceptional anti-aging and wellness services that help patients in Los Angeles look and feel their best. With over 25 years of field experience, Dr. Sabour graduated from Zaporizhzhia State Medical University in Ukraine and completed a family medicine residency program with Columbia University and Cornell at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. He is licensed in both New York and California.