Penile Injection Therapy Newcastle
When tablets for erectile dysfunction do not work, are unsuitable or cannot be taken, penile injection therapy may be an effective alternative. A small injection delivers medication directly into the erectile tissue, helping create an erection without relying on the same pathways as oral medication.
What is penile injection therapy?
Penile injection therapy, also called intracavernosal injection therapy, involves injecting a small dose of prescription medicine directly into the erectile tissue at the side of the penis. A commonly used medicine is alprostadil, also known by the brand name Caverject.
Alprostadil relaxes blood vessels in the erectile tissue, allowing blood flow to increase and an erection to develop. As the medicine acts directly on the penis, it may be helpful for men who have not had enough benefit from tablets such as sildenafil or tadalafil, including some men with erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery, diabetes or conditions affecting nerves or blood vessels.
An erection often develops within 5 to 15 minutes. The dose is carefully adjusted to give an erection suitable for sexual activity without lasting longer than intended.
Your first injection is taught in clinic. This gives you the opportunity to learn the technique, find the appropriate dose and ask any questions before using treatment at home.
Simple, fast and controlled
Penile injection therapy offers a direct approach to erectile dysfunction.
Direct action
The medicine acts directly on the erectile tissue and blood vessels within the penis.
Fast response
For suitable men, an erection may develop within minutes of the injection.
Taught, then used at home
Your consultant will teach the injection technique and adjust the dose in clinic before you use treatment independently.
Who penile injection therapy may suit
Penile injection therapy may be considered for men who:
- Have not had enough improvement with PDE5 inhibitor tablets, such as sildenafil or tadalafil
- Cannot take oral ED medication because of another medicine or health condition
- Have erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery or pelvic surgery
- Have diabetes or a blood flow-related cause of ED
- Would like to discuss a reliable, on-demand treatment option
- Have been assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist
What to expect
- Consultation
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms, general health, current medication and previous ED treatments. They will explain whether penile injection therapy may be suitable, including the medicines that may be considered. - Teaching and dose adjustment
Your first injection is given in clinic. The dose is adjusted carefully to find the lowest effective dose, and you will be shown how to inject safely and correctly. - Treatment at home
Once you are confident with the technique, you can use the prescribed treatment at home when needed. Your consultant will provide clear guidance on dose, frequency, injection sites and when to contact the clinic.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for penile injection therapy in Newcastle?
An option when tablets are not enough
Penile injection therapy may be considered when oral ED medication is not suitable or has not provided sufficient improvement.
Direct treatment
The medicine acts directly on erectile tissue, which can be helpful when nerve or blood flow factors are contributing to ED.
On-demand control
Treatment is used when you choose, without needing to plan around food or wait for an oral medicine to take effect.
Proper teaching and support
Dose adjustment and injection teaching take place in clinic, with clear safety guidance for home use.
Safety, explained clearly
Penile injection therapy has been used for many years, but it must be prescribed and taught carefully. Your consultant will use the lowest effective dose and explain how often treatment can be used. Alprostadil is generally prescribed no more than once in 24 hours and no more than three times a week.
Possible side effects include a mild ache or pain in the penis, bruising or bleeding at the injection site and, less commonly, scar tissue developing with long-term use. Your consultant will explain how to alternate injection sites and when to attend for review.
A prolonged erection, known as priapism, is uncommon but needs prompt action. You will be given clear instructions as part of your teaching. If an erection lasts more than four hours, seek urgent medical help or attend A&E.
Ready to book your appointment?
Choose a suitable appointment time for a consultant-led urology consultation at our Newcastle clinic. Online booking gives you a simple way to arrange your appointment and take the next step towards understanding your symptoms or discussing your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Does the injection hurt?
The needle is very fine and the injection takes only a few seconds. Many men find it more manageable than they expected. Some men experience a mild ache afterwards, particularly with alprostadil, which your consultant can discuss.
How well does it work compared with tablets?
Injection therapy works differently from tablets because it acts directly on the erectile tissue. It may be considered when tablets have not worked well enough or are not suitable for you.
How often can I use penile injection therapy?
Your consultant will provide individual guidance. Alprostadil is generally prescribed no more than once in 24 hours and no more than three times a week
What is Caverject?
Caverject is a brand of alprostadil, a prescription-only medicine used in penile injection therapy. Your consultant will explain whether it or another appropriate medicine may be suitable for you.
What if the erection does not go down?
Follow the instructions provided by your consultant. If an erection lasts more than four hours, seek urgent medical help or attend A&E
Will using injections stop me having other treatment later?
No. Penile injection therapy can be used while you consider other treatments. Your consultant can discuss how it may fit alongside options such as shockwave therapy or penile implant surgery.
Take back control, discreetly
If tablets have not provided enough improvement, penile injection therapy may be an option worth discussing. Our consultant urologists can explain whether it is suitable and teach you how to use it safely.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0191 823 1311
- Location
The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA
