Intraurethral Suppositories (MUSE): The patient uses an applicator to insert a small pellet of medication into the opening of the penis. The medication causes blood vessels to relax, so the penis fills with blood and becomes erect. (this treatment option available via referral to outside provider)
Potential Side Effects: Pain, burning sensation, and prolonged erection (priapism).
Penile Implants: (requires a surgical intervention): Two inflatable balloons are implanted in the penis, as well as a pump into the scrotum and a reservoir near the bladder. When the pump is inflated, fluid from the reservoir flows into the inflatable balloons to help create an erection. (this treatment option available via referral to outside provider)
Potential Side Effects: Pain, inflammation, malfunction.
Injection Therapy: Tri-Mix, Caverject, Alprostadiol, Papaverine, Phentolamine: During this process, the patient uses a small needle to inject a powerful muscle relaxant into the base of the penis. The relaxation of the muscle tissue allows blood to flow into the erectile tissues in the penis, which can then create an erection.
Potential Side Effects: Pain, bruising and tenderness, scarring, bleeding, abnormal liver enzymes, and prolonged erection (priapism).
Vacuum Therapy: (a cylinder placed over the penis): By withdrawing air, a vacuum is created, mechanically enhancing the flow of blood into the penis. A rubber ring is placed at the base of the erect penis to trap blood and maintain the erection.
Potential Side Effects: Bruising, skin irritation and abrasions, discoloring of the penis, thickening of skin, vascular damage, pain, and diminished ejaculation.
Oral/Sublingual Medications: Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Avenafil: Oral or sublingual medications work directly on the blood vessels, causing the arteries to the penis to expand. It can cause an erection when the man is sexually aroused.
Potential Side Effects: Headaches, facial flushing, backache, congestion, upset stomach, bluish tinge to vision or abnormal vision, hearing loss, and prolonged erections (priapism). These drugs cannot be taken with nitrates due to the possibility of decrease blood pressure. Caution should be used with Alpha blockers for prostate enlargement and/or high blood pressure due to the possibility of decreased blood pressure.
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