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Enjoy sex like you used to
The thought of injecting a needle into your penis might be enough to make you squirm. But penile injections can be an effective and safe way to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
If you see a healthcare professional about treatment for erectile dysfunction, they’ll likely first prescribe medications you can take orally. If these drugs are ineffective or if the side effects are too intolerable, your provider may recommend penile injections.
When done correctly, penile injections for erectile dysfunction can be a worthwhile solution. However, they do carry some risks — plus, you might not be overly excited by the idea of injecting yourself in the penis.
Let’s look at the effectiveness, side effects, and costs of penile injections for ED.
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Penile injections for ED (also called intracavernosal injections) are a treatment option that involves inserting a needle directly into the shaft of the penis to administer medication.
The first-line treatment for ED is usually phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors). These oral erectile dysfunction medications are effective for many men and have good safety profiles, but they don’t work for everyone.
Penile injections of a medication like prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) might be a secondary treatment option healthcare providers recommend for erectile dysfunction.
Medicative shots for ED could be a good first option for men who:
Experience too many or serious side effects of PDE5 inhibitors
Don’t find that PDE5 inhibitors work well enough
Have health conditions that make PDE5 inhibitors too dangerous to try
Common injectable medications for ED include:
Alprostadil (such as Caverject® or Edex®), which contains prostaglandin E1
Papaverine, a vasodilator often used to treat heart problems
Phentolamine, which causes blood vessels to expand and is often used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure)
Aviptadil, a synthetic form of the hormone human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)
Bimix, which contains two of these medications
Trimix, which contains phentolamine, alprostadil, and papaverine and is only available from compounding pharmacies
Quad mix, which contains phentolamine, papaverine, alprostadil, and another drug called atropine
Penile injections work by relaxing the blood vessels in the smooth muscles of the penis. This effect allows more blood to flow into penile tissue, making it easier to achieve and keep an erection long enough to have sex.
Alprostadil is the only penile ejection currently FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction.
Another option is a platelet-rich plasma injection, also called the P-shot (or Priapus shot). This is a more experimental treatment that involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — extracted from your own blood — directly into your penis.
Overall, erectile dysfunction injections seem to be quite effective. According to a 2019 review of studies published in the World Journal of Urology, the clinical efficiency rate is between 54 and 100 percent.
But evidence of P-shots effectively treating erectile dysfunction is still somewhat weak. For instance, in a 2023 study, researchers found no difference between the effectiveness of P-shots and a placebo among 61 men.
Your first injection will typically be administered for you in your healthcare provider’s office. Your provider will also give you a tutorial on how to do the injections yourself at home.
Here’s a general overview of how to administer a self-injection for ED.
First, get your supplies together. You’ll need:
A medication vial
A single-use syringe
Two alcohol swabs
A sharps container
Follow these steps to get the injection ready:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wipe the rubber stopper at the top of the medication vial with an alcohol swab.
Take the syringe out of its packaging, ensuring the needle doesn’t touch anything.
Don’t put the needle into the vial yet. Holding the syringe upright with the needle at the top, pull back the plunger of the syringe, just past the dosage marker you’re using.
Push the plunger up until it’s at the right dose.
Turn the syringe downward. Carefully insert the needle into the vial of medication and push down the plunger to let the air into the vial.
Hold both the syringe and the vial, ensuring the needle tip is in the medication so you don’t get air bubbles in your syringe.
Draw the solution into the syringe by pulling on the plunger. Read the gradients on the side of the syringe to ensure you’re getting the correct dosage.
If you’re using a Trimix injection, don’t forget to put the medication vial back in the fridge. If you’re using Bimix or papaverine, you don’t need to store your medication in the fridge.
While this may seem like a complicated process, it’s easier the more you practice. Be sure to ask a healthcare professional for medical advice if you need further guidance.
It’s important to select a proper injection site on your penis to avoid injecting the medication into a nerve or blood vessel. You’ll want to aim for the corpora cavernosa (the spongy erectile tissue on the sides of the penis).
Don’t inject medication:
Into any veins you can see or feel (which can create a large bruise)
Straight into the head of the penis or urethra
Into the bottom of your penis
Into sores or scar tissue
Directly on the top side or underside of your penis
Instead, inject the medication near the middle of the shaft. You’ll need to change injection sites frequently to prevent causing any damage to the tissue in your penis.
You can inject it at:
The 10 o’clock position (left side of your penis, looking down)
The two o’clock position (right side of your penis, looking down)
Remember to clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe before injecting.
This part can be scary at first, but it’s relatively straightforward.
Take the following steps to administer penile injections:
Use an alcohol wipe to clean the injection site.
Pull your penis straight out in front of you so it’s stretched out.
Insert the needle and slowly push down the plunger until all the solution is in your penis.
Carefully pull out the needle.
Using your thumb and forefinger, apply gentle pressure at the injection site for two to three minutes. This can reduce bruising.
Don’t forget to dispose of your needle safely — that is, in a sharps container.
To minimize pain at the injection site, you can use a local anesthetic like lidocaine jelly or cream. If you’re concerned about pain, mention this to your healthcare provider and ask if they can suggest any topicals or techniques to help.
Potential drug interactions between alprostadil and other drugs haven’t formally been studied.
Some researchers have raised concerns that mixing penile injections with other erection medications, particularly PDE5 inhibitors, may raise the risk of complications like priapism. Priapism is a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours — it’s considered a medical emergency.
In a 2023 study, researchers didn’t see an increased risk of priapism when combined with tadalafil or sildenafil (the active ingredients in Cialis® and Viagra® respectively), but ongoing research is looking at the possible link.
It’s always best to talk to your medical provider before combining penile injections or PDE5 inhibitors with other ED treatments — or any other medications.
The amount of time that it takes for penile injections to work depends on factors such as the type and strength of injectable medication you use.
Some men can achieve an erection within minutes of the injection. Your penis might swell within five to 15 minutes of a Trimix injection. It might be erect at that time, but you may not actually get an erection until you’re sexually stimulated.
While injecting your penis may sound dangerous, it’s often safe when done correctly. But there are still risks to be aware of.
Possible side effects of ED penile injections include:
Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
Temporary swelling, irritation, or mild pain
Rash or discoloration on the penis
Fast heartbeat
Dizziness
More serious risks of ED penile injections include Peyronie’s disease, though this only tends to happen if you inject frequently. Peyronie’s disease is a condition where fibrous scar tissue forms and may lead to painful erections or a curvature in the penis.
Penile injections can also cause priapism, a prolonged erection without any sexual stimulation. Priapism has been reported in about four percent of people who receive Caverject.
If you experience pain with priapism or an erection that lasts more than four hours, visit an emergency room as soon as possible.
Lastly, whenever you use a penile injection, pay attention to how you insert the needle. Be careful not to bend the needle, as there’s a risk of it breaking off in your penis. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention.
Penile injections vary in cost, depending on factors like:
What injectable medication you’re using
The dosage
Whether you opt for a brand-name drug or the generic version
Sometimes, your health insurance plan may cover penile injection therapy. For example, it might be covered if you develop ED after prostate cancer treatment.
However, this depends on your insurance provider and the exact plan you have. It’s a good idea to call your insurance company to find out whether you’re covered.
If you’re paying for your injectable medicine out of pocket with coupons, the price can start from around $113 to $213. This means it could cost as little as $5 a dose, depending on your dosage, making it a fairly cheap treatment for erectile dysfunction.
If you’re not keen on the idea of injecting medication into your penis, there are effective alternatives that don’t involve needles.
Oral ED medications will likely be the first treatment your healthcare provider recommends.
As noted, erectile dysfunction is most often treated with PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis.
These medications include:
Sildenafil (the generic version of Viagra)
Stendra® (avanafil)
Our hard mints chewable ED meds contain different active ingredients in personalized dosages. They can be easier to take and more discreet than swallowing a pill.
Testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t primarily a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It’s meant to treat low testosterone levels, which are sometimes linked to ED.
If you have low testosterone (also known as low T), TRT might be necessary for your overall health — and it could improve erectile function. But you might still need additional treatments for ED, even if you’re getting testosterone therapy.
If you don’t have low T and your erectile dysfunction is caused by another issue, TRT won’t necessarily make a difference.
If oral ED medications aren’t suitable for you, but you can’t — or don’t want to — use an ED injection, you might consider vacuum pumps.
A vacuum erection device uses suction to improve blood flow to the penis, making it possible to get an erection. There are a number of suction-based erection devices, including the Eddie® by Giddy.
Though vacuum erection devices have lost popularity since the advent of Viagra, they still have their place — and they can be a useful alternative for those who want a drug-free erectile dysfunction remedy.
The list of ways to treat ED goes on. There are other options available, such as:
Alprostadil creams and gels
Alprostadil urethral suppositories
Eroxon, a non-medicated topical gel to stimulate penis nerve ending that was FDA-authorized for ED in 2023
Surgery
Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and what’s worked or hasn’t worked for your sexual dysfunction issues. They can help you figure out the right treatment.
Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect roughly half of men between ages 40 and 70 in the United States. Although not life-threatening, ED can be a sign of an underlying health problem or cause problems such as:
Low self-esteem
Mental health issues
Lack of relationship satisfaction
Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating to deal with. But there are quite a few ED treatment options that can be effective, including penis injections.
While they’re usually not a first-line treatment for ED, injections can be helpful for certain people. Here’s what to keep in mind about penile injections for ED:
Penile injections are generally safe and effective. Overall, erectile dysfunction injections seem to have high success rates and a relatively low risk of side effects.
But they’re not for everyone. Penile injections have their advantages, but some men might be wary of them because of the risks, inconvenience, and pain. Also, they might not be effective for everyone.
Side effects are possible. Most side effects are mild and include bruising or swelling, but they can be serious in rare cases.
Other treatment options for ED are available. You can talk to a healthcare professional, such as a urologist, about erectile dysfunction medications, testosterone treatment, vacuum pumps, and other ED solutions.
Beyond the treatments mentioned above, various healthy lifestyle changes can support erectile function — think healthy eating, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
See our blog for natural tips for treating ED, and learn about the psychological causes of ED, which can be addressed through therapy. While you’re at it, check out our guide on how to have sex with ED.
You can also use our men’s health platform to connect with a healthcare provider and start exploring ED treatment today.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.
She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.
Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.
Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.
Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.
Education & Training
Andrology Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin
Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Published as Kelly Walker
Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. (2023). Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fertility-and-sterility/vol/120/issue/1/suppl/S
Walker, K., Gogoj, A., Honig, S., Sandlow, J. (2021). What’s New in Male Contraception? AUA Update Series, Volume 40. https://auau.auanet.org/content/update-series-2021-lesson-27-what%E2%80%99s-new-male-contraception
Walker, K., Shindel, A. (2019). AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline. AUA Update Series, Volume 38. https://auau.auanet.org/content/course-307
Walker, K., Ramstein, J., & Smith, J. (2019). Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556300.18991.8e
Walker, K., & Smith, J. (2019). Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556071.60611.37