What is cavernous injection used for?

Cavernous injection is mainly used to treat male erectile dysfunction. Vasoactive drugs are injected into the corpus cavernosum to promote local blood flow and achieve artificial induction of erection. Commonly used drugs include alprostadil, phentolamine, papaverine, etc., which are suitable for patients who are ineffective or have contraindications to oral drugs.

1. Treatment principle:

The drug directly acts on the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, increasing arterial blood flow by dilating blood vessels, while inhibiting venous return, causing the cavernous sinus spaces to become congested and expanded to form an erection. Alprostadil relaxes smooth muscle by activating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway, and papaverine acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase.

2. Applicable people:

Priority will be given to patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction, patients with nerve damage after prostate surgery, and patients with severe vascular impotence. Patients with cardiovascular disease in whom oral PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective or who are contraindicated with nitrate drugs can also be used, but contraindications such as penile deformity and coagulation dysfunction need to be ruled out.

3. Operating specifications:

The injection must be performed under the guidance of a professional doctor. Select the non-vascular area on the side of the penis to be disinfected and then insert the needle vertically. Inject the drug and then press to stop bleeding. The first injection should be completed in a medical institution. After mastering the correct dosage and technique, you can do it at home. A single dose usually does not exceed 40 micrograms of alprostadil.

4. Drug selection:

As a first-line drug, alprostadil has the characteristics of strong targeting and rapid metabolism.； The efficacy of papaverine may be enhanced when combined with phentolamine. Some patients may develop drug tolerance and need to adjust the regimen regularly. Compound preparations such as Bifal cream can be used as an alternative.

5. Risk control:

Common side effects include pain at the injection site, which occurs in approximately 30% of patients, priapism requiring medical attention for 4-6 hours, and local fibrosis. Priapism that exceeds 4 hours should be dealt with immediately. Long-term users need to check the structure of the cavernous body regularly, and use a vacuum negative pressure device to reduce the frequency of injections.

It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise within 30 minutes after injection, and the injection frequency should not exceed 3 times a week. Combined with pelvic floor muscle training, the efficacy can be enhanced, and basic diseases such as blood pressure and blood sugar need to be controlled on a daily basis. First-time users should start with the lowest effective dose and record the reaction of each injection to help doctors adjust the plan. During treatment, liver function and coagulation function should be reviewed regularly. If subcutaneous hematoma or persistent pain occurs, timely medical treatment is required. Pay attention to supplementing nutrients such as zinc and arginine in your diet, and avoid smoking and drinking that may affect vascular function.