Do Penis Injections Work?

A penis injection is a type of treatment that involves injecting medication directly into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection, or to achieve greater length or girth. The most commonly injected medications are used for erectile dysfunction (ED), though there are other types of penis injection, depending on the treated condition.

Sexual performance and impotence can be sensitive topics. However, their “taboo” nature doesn’t make these conditions disappear. Penis injections can be a highly effective treatment option for men who have not responded to other forms of therapy, such as oral medications or vacuum therapy. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mo Bidair at California Adult Circumcision to discuss your urological health with an experienced professional. He will provide you with personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals. Call (619) 486-5005, fill out a form or visit our La Mesa office to learn more about our services.

About Erectile Dysfunction

ED affects around 150 million men worldwide. (1) It can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. It is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. While it’s normal for men to have occasional difficulty achieving an erection, persistent ED can seriously impact a man’s self-esteem and quality of life. Thankfully, ED is highly treatable, and there are several ways to diagnose it. Penile injections, also known as intracavernous injections or vasodilator injections, are one of the many treatments available for ED. 

Assessing Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile response can be measured through various tests, including the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test, which evaluates spontaneous erections during sleep. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire is another tool used to assess ED and its severity, and it includes questions about various aspects of sexuality, such as sexual desire, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. (2)

Questionnaires and self-reporting are commonly used to assess ED as they provide valuable insight into a patient’s experiences and concerns. Physical examination can also help to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to ED, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Erectile dysfunction may also have psychological causes, such as depression or anxiety. Your doctor may ask you questions about your mental health to determine if this is a contributing factor.

Penis Injections for ED

Prostaglandin E1 Injection

Prostaglandin E1 is a vasodilator medication that is injected directly into the penis to induce an erection. This medication works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis, allowing increased blood flow and erection. Prostaglandin E1 injections are administered using a small needle into the base of the penis and take effect within 5-20 minutes. The duration of the erection may last up to one hour.

What is Trimix and How Does It Work for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

Trimix is a medical treatment that uses injection therapy to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It may be used instead of prostaglandin E1 if the treatment has been unsuccessful. The medication is a combination of three drugs: alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. These drugs work together as a vasodilator, which means they relax the blood vessels in the penis and increase blood flow.

How Safe Are Penis Injections?

While the thought of injecting medication directly into the penis may sound daunting, it is a safe and effective treatment option for many men. The injections are typically administered by a urologist using a small needle, and with some treatments, patients can learn to self-administer the injections at home.

Penis Enhancing Injections

Penile Augmentation

Hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used in facial rejuvenation procedures to add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Similarly, dermal fillers can be used in the penile region to increase girth and improve symmetry. This procedure is a popular alternative to traditional surgical methods, as it requires no downtime and minimal discomfort. A related procedure, Scrotox, injects the scrotum with a neuromodulator (such as Botox) to smooth it.

PRP Injections

Some penis injections, known as the P-Shot, involve the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is derived from the patient’s own blood. This process involves extracting a small amount of blood from the patient, processing it to isolate the PRP, and then injecting it directly into the penis. The idea behind this treatment is that the growth factors in the PRP can stimulate new tissue growth and improve circulation, resulting in increased size and improved sexual function.

Other Types of Penis Injection

Injections for Priapism

Priapism is a medical emergency that occurs when a man experiences an erection that lasts for more than four hours. This condition can be painful and could result in permanent damage to the penis if left untreated. Priapism can be categorized into two types: ischemic priapism and non-ischemic priapism. Ischemic priapism is caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis, while non-ischemic priapism is caused by increased blood flow due to an injury or underlying medical condition.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department with cases of priapism that last more than 4 hours. There, doctors may perform an intracavernosal injection to help relax the penis and promote blood flow.

Xiaflex Injections for Peyronie’s Disease

Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) is an FDA-approved medication used as an effective first-line treatment for Peyronie’s disease. (3) Peyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis and can lead to painful erections, penile curvature, and difficulty with sexual activity. The condition is caused by the development of fibrous plaque within the penis, which causes it to bend or curve during an erection. 

Xiaflex breaks down the collagen in the fibrous plaque, allowing the body to reabsorb it naturally. This results in a reduction in penile curvature and an improvement in sexual function. Therapy involves a series of small injections directly into the plaque by a qualified medical professional, such as a urologist.

Benefits

Penis injections can provide numerous benefits to men, including:

  • Increased sexual satisfaction – Penis injections can improve sexual function, resulting in increased satisfaction for both you and your partner.
  • Improved functionality – Injections can increase blood flow to the penis, which can improve erectile dysfunction.
  • Enhanced penile girth and length – Many men seek penis injections to increase the size of their penis, and with the right treatment, this is possible.
  • Boosted self-confidence – A more significant penis can lead to improved self-esteem and confidence, which can positively impact other areas of your life.
  • Improved sexual performance – With enhanced blood flow and increased size, you may notice an improvement in sexual performance. A happier, healthier sex life can improve your overall quality of life.
  • Increased stamina and endurance – Penis injections can help you last longer during sex, leading to a more satisfying experience for both you and your partner.
  • More satisfying orgasms – With increased sensitivity and improved blood flow, you may experience more intense orgasms.
  • Improved relationships – A better sex life can lead to stronger emotional connections and improved relationships with your partner.
  • Enhanced emotional well-being – Achieving your desired results can lead to improved emotional well-being and a more positive outlook on life.

How Effective Are Penis Injections?

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of penis injections can vary depending on the individual patient. With injections for ED, some patients may experience significant improvements in size and function. Regardless of your reason for penis injections, it is important to speak to an experienced urologist to seek advice regarding your treatment.

Cost of Penis Injections in San Diego

The cost of penis injections varies according to the specific treatment plan of the individual. To speak to Dr. Bidair about the suitability of penis injections for your needs, to discuss ED, or to speak with him about any other urological matter, call (619) 486-5005 or complete a simple form on our website for further information.

Find out more about adult circumcision and other treatments by reading Dr. Bidair’s blog.

FAQ

How is ED treated?

Treatment options for ED can vary depending on the cause of the condition. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and smoking cessation can often improve ED symptoms. Medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra can also be effective in treating ED.

What is an Intracavernosal Injection (ICI)?

An Intracavernosal Injection (ICI) is a type of erectile dysfunction injection that involves injecting medication directly into the side of the penis. This causes the blood vessels in the penis to dilate and increase blood flow, resulting in an erection.

What is penile injection therapy?

Penile Injection Therapy is a form of treatment for erectile dysfunction that involves injecting medication directly into the base of the penis. This medication increases blood flow and helps to achieve and maintain an erection.

Are there such things as penis fillers?

Yes, there are such things as penis fillers. Dermal fillers can be used for male enhancement treatments, specifically non-surgical penis augmentation. This procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, into the penile tissues to increase girth and length. The result is a more aesthetic appearance, boosting self-confidence and improving sexual satisfaction.

References

  1. Jain A, Iqbal OA. Alprostadil. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542217/ 
  2. Yafi FA, Jenkins L, Albersen M, et al. Erectile dysfunction. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2016;2(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2016.3 
  3. Shin D, Shah T, Sadeghi-Nejad H. Xiaflex for Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. European Urology Focus. 2018;4(3):302-303. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2018.08.021 
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