Injections and Intraurethral Suppositories

Injection therapy requires the man to use a small needle to inject medication directly into the penis. The medicine relaxes the blood vessels and allows for increased blood flow into the penis, creating an erection. Injections are effective, fast-acting treatments because the medicine is delivered directly into the penis.

Advantages

• Erection occurs in five to 20 minutes following injection and lasts up to one hour
• Can be used anytime
• Erection feels natural
• No surgery necessary

Disadvantages and Side Effects

• Can be costly
• May cause bleeding and scarring at the injection site
• Can cause painful erections that lasts longer than two hours

Intraurethral Suppositories

The intraurethral suppository contains a medication that works like the injection. A small suppository is inserted into the urinary tube using an applicator, delivering the medication directly into the blood stream. The medication in the suppository relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis, creating an erection.

Advantages

• Can be used anytime
• Produces an erection within 10 minutes, which can last 30 minutes
• No surgery or injections involved

Disadvantages and Side Effects

• Can be costly and not always covered by insurance
• Can be less effective than injection or vacuum therapy
• Can cause burning, aching or warm sensation; redness and minor bleeding or spotting can occur