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Intracavernous injection therapy is designed for men and involves pre-sexual penis injections. Wait, stop! A syringe? In your best asset? You’re probably already clenching your legs together just reading this, because it sounds pretty painful at first. However, this form of treatment makes perfect sense, as it enables men who suffer from erectile dysfunction or impotence in combination with a Viagra intolerance to have a fulfilling sex life. We’ll tell you what’s really behind it and how the treatment works.
What is intracavernosal injection therapy and where is it used?
Intracavernosal injection therapy, also known as penis injection, erectile autoinjection therapy (SKAT), is a medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Instead of taking drugs such as Viagra, you inject a potency-enhancing drug into the erectile tissue of the penis yourself. This means that it goes exactly where it is needed. The aim is to trigger a long-lasting and strong erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse. A special feature is that sexual stimulation is not necessary; the drug works independently of this.
So far, this method has only been used when other treatments like Viagra and similar drugs aren’t effective or you can’t take them. SKAT can be a safe and effective alternative, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that make certain medications a no-go.
The injection is given with very fine needles and should be pretty much painless. For many men, the fear of the injection is greater than the actual sensation of the needle prick. This therapy is not a lifestyle gadget for a harder penis during sex, but a medical measure that helps men to have an active and self-determined sex life. There are other options, such as well-fitting penis sleeves, but for many men, nothing can replace their own erection.
How does the penis injection work?
Before the first injection is even given, there is a detailed consultation and examination with the doctor. This clarifies why erection problems are occurring and whether intracavernous injection therapy could be a solution. In many cases, doctors perform a test injection under supervision to observe your reaction to the injection.
Once everything is in place, the practical part of the treatment begins. As a patient, you will learn how to administer the injection yourself in a short briefing. To do this, you use a very thin needle that is inserted into the side of the erectile tissue. This is located approximately in the middle of your penis. It is important that the injection is made precisely and does not accidentally enter the urethra or a vein.
The injection is administered when the penis is flaccid, before physical arousal sets in. The effect takes hold a few minutes after the injection and ensures an erection suitable for sex. It is important that you choose the right dose, as otherwise a painful prolonged erection may occur as a side effect. To support stability, you can use toys such as a cock ring, but this is not necessary!
After sex, your erection will subside, usually taking longer than without the injection. The effect lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the dose. With a little practice, this form of therapy can help you enjoy a fulfilling sex life despite erectile dysfunction.
What medications are used in penis injections?
The medications used are designed to dilate the blood vessels in the penis and increase blood flow. This makes it possible to trigger an erection without nerve blockages playing a role. The active ingredient alprostadil is most commonly used. It is modeled on the body’s own tissue hormone prostaglandin E1. Its effect relaxes the smooth muscles in your erectile tissue and dilates the blood vessels. Blood flows into your penis and an erection occurs. If you wear a penis ring, you also ensure that the blood cannot flow back.
Alprostadil is often used alone, but sometimes in combination with other medications. Some patients receive combinations of active ingredients such as phentolamine and papaverine. Phentolamine blocks nerve impulses that trigger vasoconstriction and thus prevent blood from flowing in. Papaverine works in parallel to cause vasodilation. The dual treatment (in one injection) is mainly used when a single medication does not have the desired effect.
The medication used depends on many factors:
- Age of the patient
- Severity of the erectile dysfunction
- Health status and any contraindications
It is important that the medication is tailored precisely to you and your needs. This will ensure you achieve the best possible results and keep the risk of side effects to a minimum.
For which men is penis injection therapy suitable?
Generally speaking, patients are men with severe erectile dysfunction. In most cases, treatment is initially attempted with Viagra and similar medications. If this does not work or if the drugs are not tolerated, intracavernous injection therapy offers a real alternative.
The treatment is suitable, for example, for men who suffer from:
- diabetes
- neurological diseases
- vascular constriction
and are therefore unable to achieve a sufficient erection. The injection can also help restore sexual function after prostate surgery.
The prerequisite is that the erectile tissue has sufficient anatomical structure. Severe tissue changes, severe penile deformities, or scarring can make the therapy difficult or impossible. The doctor may also refuse to prescribe the injection if you have an active infectious disease or blood clotting disorder.
And then there is the psychological aspect. For many men, the thought of administering an injection before sex is frightening. Spontaneous sex is virtually impossible because it does not work without the injection. With a little practice, however, it quickly becomes apparent that the procedure has little effect on sexual anticipation. Experienced men inject themselves with the medication in a few minutes and are ready to go shortly thereafter.
Possible side effects and how to deal with them
As with any medical treatment, side effects can occur with intracavernosal injection therapy. These are usually harmless and easily treatable. It is important that your doctor recognizes them in good time – because you inform him about them.
The most common reactions include:
- Mild pain or burning at the injection site
- Small bruises on sensitive skin
- Prolonged erection after orgasm
The most dangerous side effect is priapism. This is an erection that lasts longer than four hours and is painful. In this case, you need medical help to prevent damage to the erectile tissue. However, with the right dose of medication, the risk of such side effects is low.
In some cases, hardening or scarring in the area of the erectile tissue has been reported. Many urologists therefore recommend varying the injection site and not always injecting in the same place. It is important that you are mindful when undergoing therapy. If you monitor yourself closely and watch out for warning signs, you will be able to recognize side effects and act accordingly.
Conclusion: Penis injection therapy is a modern treatment option for men
Intracavernous injection therapy is not a short-term solution, but an important medical approach to helping men with erectile dysfunction achieve a better quality of life. It is valuable when other methods are ineffective or unsuitable, and the results are convincing. Although it may seem daunting at first, autoinjection is easy to use, safe, and effective in practice. The treatment is not only about physical functions, but also about emotional closeness and partnership. A fulfilling sex life plays an important role for many men. The opportunity to experience intimate moments together again increases self-esteem, reduces insecurities, and brings two people closer together. If you believe that penis injection therapy is right for you, talk to your doctor.
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