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Self-injection pharmacotherapy
The self-injection involves the use of a thin and short
needle to inject medication directly into the corpora
cavernosa, at the penis base and laterally; the drug
induces an erection within 10 minutes, which should
last until orgasm/ejaculation are reached. The drug
used is the prostaglandin (PG) E1 or alprostadil
(Caverject), which is an inducer by direct vasodilation in
the corpus cavernosum. A state of considerable stress
can prevent the action of the drug since the release of
adrenaline acts like potent vasoconstrictor. The possible
side effects of pharmacotherapy are: 1. the continuing
rigidity for several hours, even after reaching
orgasm/ejaculation (priapism); 2. the formation of
retractile scar tissue/fibrous reactions that can lead to
penile curvature (IPP). Alprostadil can also be given by
urethral way with special gel or suppository, but the
effectiveness is lower and the discomfort higher.
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