In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused mainly by physical causes (more about common causes can be found here) that prevent the brain from sending the signals triggering the events necessary for erection and the body from increasing blood supply to the penis.
Doctors then recommend prescription medications including penile injections for their patients who want to regain their normal erection patterns.
But are these injections, particularly the alprostadil drug, safe? Keep in mind that these penile injections should always be recommended by a qualified doctor especially in terms of dosage, frequency, and drug interactions.
Full Erection Possible
Alprostadil, the most common penile injectable drug, causes blood vessel dilation (i.e., to expand) that, in turn, increases blood flow throughout the body.
It must be emphasized that two of the conditions necessary for a full erection are increasing blood flow into the penile chambers and keeping the pool of blood in until ejaculation.
The rule of thumb then: The more blood flow into the penis partly caused by the expansion of the blood vessels, the stronger the erection can be.
The bottom line: Alprostadil facilitates a full erection.
Injected Into The Penis
As its name implies, alprostadil is injected either at the base or side of the penis. This should be a safe and effective operation when the proper tools (e.g., a very fine sterilized syringe) and techniques are applied; ask your doctor to demonstrate the injection so as to leave no doubt about the process.
Basically, the drug is injected into the wall of the penis with the needle inserted into its spongy tissues. Once in the body, the drug causes the blood vessels to dilate that, in the process, allow for more blood flow into the penis and then for the erection to occur.
It must be noted that the injection method for all the types of alprostadil is the same so there should be little difficulty in changing brands, per the doctor’s recommendation.
But the methods for the preparation of the mixtures are different so be sure to ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for the recommended steps, dosage and frequency.
Again, the importance of complying with the prescribed dosage cannot be overemphasized due to the risk of permanent penile damage.
You should also follow these steps when preparing the injection so as to minimize the risks:
- Use only disposable syringes, which have been sterilized and sealed, and throw away all used syringes and their needles in a proper manner.
- Wash your hands with soap and water in a thorough manner before drawing the drug into the syringe.
- Set the bottles on a clean surface.
- Wipe the tops of the injection bottles with a clean cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Do not wipe the syringe and its needle with the same alcohol swab.
- Inject the drug as soon as it is mixed. All unused mixtures in both the injection bottle and the syringe must be properly discarded; unused mixtures cannot be stored and used for later injection.
Always ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for other safety precautions when handling alprostadil injections. The efficacy of the drug partly rests on your ability to administer it in the recommended manner and dosage.
Alprostadil is sold under different brand names, such as Edex, Caverject and Prostin VR.
It should only be used by men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction by qualified doctors since inappropriate use can result in permanent damage to the penis, said damage of which can be caused by the development of fibrous tissues at the injection sites.
Fast Reaction
In most men (i.e., about 80%), alprostadil quickly provides for the desired results. You should be able to experience a full erection within 5-20 minutes with sexual intercourse attempted within 10-30 minutes after the injection.
Your erection should last for about an hour with the injection so effective that your erection may stay even after ejaculation.
But alprostadil injections should not be used for more than 3 times per week. Each use should have a 24-hour window from the next use for safe and effective results. Otherwise, the risks will outweigh the rewards.
If you want to look into more natural methods, you should try taking ProSolution Plus, a natural dietary supplement that increases blood flow to the penis, and doing male enhancement exercises like stretching, jelqing and Kegels.
Leave a Reply