Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?
Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?Skip to the navigationYou may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?Get the factsYour options- Try injection treatments.
- Try counseling or sex therapy, or seek other ways to express
intimacy.
Key points to remember- An erection problem is not a life-threatening condition. But it
can seriously affect your emotional health and sense of self-worth. It can also
make it difficult to father a child, if that is your desire. So the decision
about whether to treat an erection problem is often based on what you and your
partner prefer.
- Before considering injection treatments, you
should first consider taking pills for erection problems, like Cialis,
Levitra, or Viagra. But talk to your doctor first.
- Some men can't take
pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For those men,
injection treatments may be a good choice.
FAQs A man has erection
problems if he cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for him to
have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Erection problems
can be caused by: Erection problems can occur at any age but are more common
in older men. Older men often have other health problems and take medicines
that can cause erection problems. Treatment of erection problems in older men
can work as well as it does for younger men. An
erection problem is not life-threatening. But it can
seriously affect your emotional health and sense of self-worth. It can also
make it difficult to father a child. So the decision about whether to treat it
is often based on what you and your partner prefer. Very often,
this decision is also based on how invasive the treatment is and its chance of
success. Injecting medicine directly into the penis often works well, but it
is usually only considered after you have tried taking
pills for erection problems. Some men
can't take pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For
those men, injection treatments may be a good choice. - MUSE. MUSE stands for medicated
urethral system for erections. A thin tube contains a small pellet of medicine.
You insert the tube into the opening in the end of your penis. When you press a
button on the applicator, the pellet is released into the penis. The erection
that follows lasts at least 30 minutes.
- Injected medicine. This involves injecting medicine, using a tiny needle,
into the side of the penis. The erection that follows lasts 30 minutes or
longer, depending on how much medicine you use.
Your
doctor might recommend injections if you want to treat your erection problem
but cannot take pills. Compare your options | |
|---|
What is usually involved? |
| |
|---|
What are the benefits? |
| |
|---|
What are the risks and side effects? |
| |
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Use an injection
treatment Use an injection
treatment -
MUSE: You insert a thin tube containing a pellet of
medicine into the opening
in the end of your penis. You press a button on the applicator, which releases the
pellet into your penis.
-
Injected medicine: You inject this medicine into the
side of your penis
with a tiny needle.
- If you cannot see well enough to do either
treatment, your partner can be taught how to do it.
- You will probably have erections that
last 30 minutes or longer.
- You may have better self-esteem.
- You may be able to father children.
- MUSE works for
65 out of 100 men who use it.footnote 1
- Injected medicine works for 70 to 80 out of 100 men who use
it.footnote 2
- MUSE:
- May cause pain in the penis.
- May cause mild injury to the urethra.
- May cause
pain and irritation for your partner when you ejaculate.
- Should not be used for oral
sex.
- Injected medicine:
- May cause bruising or scar
tissue.
- May cause pain in the penis.
- May not work if
you have low blood flow into or out of the penis.
Don't use an injection
treatment Don't use an injection
treatment - You seek other ways to express
intimacy.
- You try counseling or sex therapy.
- You avoid the side effects of using
injections.
- You avoid the expense of this treatment if your insurance doesn't
cover it.
- You may have
self-esteem problems if you cannot get an erection.
When my
partner was having trouble getting an erection, we talked it over. We did want
to have intercourse, so the first thing we did was try Viagra, but that didn't
work. The doctor then suggested an injection. While we were trying Viagra, we
discovered that we could have a healthy sexual relationship without
intercourse, and that, together with the unpleasant idea of injecting something
into his penis, made us choose not to use injections. Fred and Darlene,
mid-50s My erection problems had been making
intercourse difficult for us. When we heard about Viagra, we were both
thrilled! But Viagra did not work for us. The doctor told us about injections.
We talked it over and decided to give them a try. We realized that it would be
inconvenient, but at this point sex is still quite important to us.
Howard and Ginger, late
40s When medicine didn't work, I was disappointed
and asked my doctor what else could be done. He suggested injections. Stopping
our lovemaking to give me a shot just didn't seem worth the effort. We turned
down the injections and are exploring other ways to express our love to each
other. I was having trouble getting erections, and
the other medicines I take mean I cannot use Viagra. My partner and I still
wanted to see if there was anything we could do. The doctor talked to us about
injections. We looked at their advantages and disadvantages and decided to go
ahead and give the injections a try. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to try injection treatments Reasons not to try injection treatments I'm willing to try anything in order to have erections again. There is no way I could inject anything into my penis. More important Equally important More important I'm not at all worried about the cost of this treatment. I cannot afford this treatment and don't have insurance that will cover it. More important Equally important More important My self-esteem is very low because I am unable to have an erection. I don't think that my self-esteem has been affected by my erection problem. More important Equally important More important My relationship with my partner depends on our being able to have sexual intercourse. I am sure that my partner and I can find ways to be intimate without sexual intercourse. More important Equally important More important Your other important reasons: Your other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Injection treatment NOT having injection treatment Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewCredits | Author | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|---|
References Citations - Khera M, Goldstein I (2011). Erectile dysfunction, search date August 2009. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- Burnett AL (2012). Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 721-748. Philadelphia: Saunders.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. - Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the FactsYour options- Try injection treatments.
- Try counseling or sex therapy, or seek other ways to express
intimacy.
Key points to remember- An erection problem is not a life-threatening condition. But it
can seriously affect your emotional health and sense of self-worth. It can also
make it difficult to father a child, if that is your desire. So the decision
about whether to treat an erection problem is often based on what you and your
partner prefer.
- Before considering injection treatments, you
should first consider taking pills for erection problems, like Cialis,
Levitra, or Viagra. But talk to your doctor first.
- Some men can't take
pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For those men,
injection treatments may be a good choice.
FAQs What is an erection problem?A man has erection
problems if he cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for him to
have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.
What causes an erection problem?Erection problems
can be caused by: Erection problems can occur at any age but are more common
in older men. Older men often have other health problems and take medicines
that can cause erection problems. Treatment of erection problems in older men
can work as well as it does for younger men. Why treat an erection problem?An
erection problem is not life-threatening. But it can
seriously affect your emotional health and sense of self-worth. It can also
make it difficult to father a child. So the decision about whether to treat it
is often based on what you and your partner prefer. Very often,
this decision is also based on how invasive the treatment is and its chance of
success. Injecting medicine directly into the penis often works well, but it
is usually only considered after you have tried taking
pills for erection problems. Some men
can't take pills for erection problems because of other medical problems. For
those men, injection treatments may be a good choice. What kinds of injections are used?- MUSE. MUSE stands for medicated
urethral system for erections. A thin tube contains a small pellet of medicine.
You insert the tube into the opening in the end of your penis. When you press a
button on the applicator, the pellet is released into the penis. The erection
that follows lasts at least 30 minutes.
- Injected medicine. This involves injecting medicine, using a tiny needle ,
into the side of the penis. The erection that follows lasts 30 minutes or
longer, depending on how much medicine you use.
Why might your doctor recommend injections?Your
doctor might recommend injections if you want to treat your erection problem
but cannot take pills. 2. Compare your options| | Use an injection
treatment | Don't use an injection
treatment |
|---|
| What is usually involved? | -
MUSE: You insert a thin tube containing a pellet of
medicine into the opening
in the end of your penis. You press a button on the applicator, which releases the
pellet into your penis.
-
Injected medicine: You inject this medicine into the
side of your penis
with a tiny needle.
- If you cannot see well enough to do either
treatment, your partner can be taught how to do it.
| - You seek other ways to express
intimacy.
- You try counseling or sex therapy.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - You will probably have erections that
last 30 minutes or longer.
- You may have better self-esteem.
- You may be able to father children.
- MUSE works for
65 out of 100 men who use it.1
- Injected medicine works for 70 to 80 out of 100 men who use
it.2
| - You avoid the side effects of using
injections.
- You avoid the expense of this treatment if your insurance doesn't
cover it.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - MUSE:
- May cause pain in the penis.
- May cause mild injury to the urethra.
- May cause
pain and irritation for your partner when you ejaculate.
- Should not be used for oral
sex.
- Injected medicine:
- May cause bruising or scar
tissue.
- May cause pain in the penis.
- May not work if
you have low blood flow into or out of the penis.
| - You may have
self-esteem problems if you cannot get an erection.
|
|---|
Personal storiesPersonal stories about using injections for an erection problem
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"When my partner was having trouble getting an erection, we talked it over. We did want to have intercourse, so the first thing we did was try Viagra, but that didn't work. The doctor then suggested an injection. While we were trying Viagra, we discovered that we could have a healthy sexual relationship without intercourse, and that, together with the unpleasant idea of injecting something into his penis, made us choose not to use injections." — Fred and Darlene,
mid-50s "My erection problems had been making intercourse difficult for us. When we heard about Viagra, we were both thrilled! But Viagra did not work for us. The doctor told us about injections. We talked it over and decided to give them a try. We realized that it would be inconvenient, but at this point sex is still quite important to us." — Howard and Ginger, late
40s "When medicine didn't work, I was disappointed and asked my doctor what else could be done. He suggested injections. Stopping our lovemaking to give me a shot just didn't seem worth the effort. We turned down the injections and are exploring other ways to express our love to each other." "I was having trouble getting erections, and the other medicines I take mean I cannot use Viagra. My partner and I still wanted to see if there was anything we could do. The doctor talked to us about injections. We looked at their advantages and disadvantages and decided to go ahead and give the injections a try." 3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to try injection treatments Reasons not to try injection treatments I'm willing to try anything in order to have erections again. There is no way I could inject anything into my penis. More important Equally important More important I'm not at all worried about the cost of this treatment. I cannot afford this treatment and don't have insurance that will cover it. More important Equally important More important My self-esteem is very low because I am unable to have an erection. I don't think that my self-esteem has been affected by my erection problem. More important Equally important More important My relationship with my partner depends on our being able to have sexual intercourse. I am sure that my partner and I can find ways to be intimate without sexual intercourse. More important Equally important More important Your other important reasons: Your other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Injection treatment NOT having injection treatment Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
If I'm just too uncomfortable with the idea of injection treatment, that is a perfectly good reason not to have it. That's right! The decision is up to you and your partner. An erection problem is not a life-threatening condition. But for some men, it can seriously affect emotional health and sense of self-worth. 2.
I should consider taking pills like Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra before I think about having injection treatments. That's right. Injecting medicine directly into the penis often works well, but it is usually only considered after you have tried taking pills for erection problems. Decide what's next1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Credits | By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|---|
References Citations - Khera M, Goldstein I (2011). Erectile dysfunction, search date August 2009. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
- Burnett AL (2012). Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 721-748. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of:
March 14, 2017 Khera M, Goldstein I (2011). Erectile dysfunction, search date August 2009. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com. Burnett AL (2012). Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 10th ed., vol. 1, pp. 721-748. Philadelphia: Saunders. Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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