Injections for Erectile Dysfunction Overview
Erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as ED, is quite common in patients living in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area, as well as around the country. Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough to engage in sexual activities. Patients affected by ED are encouraged to speak with Dr. Mark Allen about the condition so they can regain their intimacy and increase their self-esteem. Dr. Allen is highly experienced in treating the condition with a number of ED treatment options, including injections for erectile dysfunction.
How is ED (Erectile Dysfunction) Diagnosed?
Each ED diagnosis Dr. Allen makes is unique and patient-specific to the problems and needs of the individual patient. Dr. Allen is able to do this by gathering information from a series of places, such as a patient medical review, physical examination and laboratory tests. The combination of these three items will help him diagnose ED and determine the proper ED treatment.
Injections for Erectile Dysfunction as ED Treatment
ED treatment has come a long way in recent years, and for many men, treating their impotence through less-invasive, conservative approaches helps with the symptoms associated with ED. One such treatment is an injection for erectile dysfunction with a drug known as Alprostadil. This drug causes blood vessels to expand, as well as increases the blood flow throughout the body. These actions help to facilitate an erection.
Dr. Allen offers his patients injections for erectile dysfunction with Alprostadil under specific brand names including Trimix, Caverject and Edex. This drug, although mixed differently according to the specific brand it is prescribed under, when administered, causes an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse and is effective in the majority of patients. This medication is injected directly into the side of the penis using a syringe. Once injected, it dilates the arteries within the penis to stimulate blood flow. The medication typically begins to take effect within 30 minutes after it is injected, and the erection usually lasts for about an hour and will continue even after ejaculation has occurred. This specific drug should not be used more than three times per week and it is also recommend that 24 hours pass between each use.
Patients who desire to take Alprostadil via an injection will receive instruction from Dr. Allen on how to eject the medication into the penis. Over a short period of time, the patient will gain confidence and the ability to perform this process alone at home.
For patients who are not able to use a syringe, Alprostadil also comes as a suppository. Choosing between the injection and the suppository is a personal choice that can be made during a consultation with Dr. Allen. There are pros and cons to both the injection and suppository and depending on the mode of delivery, they vary from patient to patient.
It is also important to note the effects of Alprostadil on pregnant women are still unknown. Therefore, if a man is having sexual intercourse with a pregnant woman and is using Alprostadil from either an injection or as a suppository, a condom is recommended.
For more resources on ED treatment options, such as injections for erectile dysfunction, please contact Dr. Mark Allen, urologist serving the greater Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas communities.
