Drug therapy

Drugs for treating impotence can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis. The most commonly known drug on the market today is Viagra®.

Oral

  • Viagra is a prescription pill that may help achieve erections in response to sexual stimulation.
  • Viagra does not trigger an automatic erection as injection drugs do.

Known potential side effects:

  • Headaches.
  • Facial blushing.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Mild and temporary visual effects.

Injection

Many men gain potency by injecting drugs into the penis, causing it to become engorged with blood.

The advantage of injection therapy is:

  • It can easily be self-administered.

Potential side effects of injection therapy include:

  • Fibrosis (scarring).
  • Long-lasting painful erections.
  • Drop-out rates range from 24 - 42% with 70% of men discontinuing therapy within 5 years.

Reasons for dropping out included:

  • Desire for a permanent treatment alternative.
  • Inadequate response.
  • Return of spontaneous erections.
  • Fear of needles.
  • Concern over side effects.