This causes the penis to become erect.
It can also be used in the diagnosis of men who report pain during erections or penile curvature.
During sexual activity, stimulation increases blood flow into the penis.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
Penile injections remove the potential psychological barriers to getting an erection during a medical exam.
They also make it possible to diagnose penile curvature.
For others, injections remain the most effective option.
In particular, direct or indirect stimulation is often required to get an erection after PDE-5 use.
Risks and Contraindications
Individuals with untreated coagulation disorders should not be given intracavernosal injections.
Other minor risks include swelling, bruising, or pain around the site of injection.
Depending on the indications for the test, an ultrasound may also be arranged for the same time.
There are no special preparations required for this test.
During the Test
Erection testing with penile injection is done by your healthcare provider.
You will usually be asked to disrobe from the waist down and put on a gown.
Then the skin of the penis will be swabbed with alcohol, and a fine needle will be inserted.
The intercavernosal injection will be performed with this needle.
You should expect to feel a small pinch, but it is usually not a painful experience.
You should expect to experience an erection within 5 to 15 minutes.
After your penis has become erect, your healthcare provider will examine it.
They will look for curvature or areas with dents or other deformities.
Ultrasound testing may be performed by either your healthcare provider or a specially trained ultrasound technician.
You will generally be kept in the healthcare provider’s office until your erection subsides.
This should take place within 30 minutes.
If no ultrasound was done, you should be able to just get dressed.
Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site can occur, but is usually mild.
However, you may still have issues getting sufficient blood into the penis without the help of medication.
That does not make erectile dysfunction any less of a medical problem.
However, it offers different options for treatment.
Depending on the results of your test, follow-up will vary.
That doesn’t include just questions about medical issues, such as what your treatment options may be.
However, it’s important to know that, in most cases, those problems are treatable.
That could be your partner, if you have one, or it could be a therapist.
It’s important to give yourself permission to ask for help.
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