Written by admin on 2011-07-29T16:52:50+0000">July 29, 2011 – 4:52 pm
A method for achieving erection is direct injection of papaverine or other vasodilator (a substance that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow) into the penis. Men with good hand function can inject themselves, or a partner can perform the injection with minimal training by the urologist. This method is generally quite safe. Possible side effects are priapism (the erection lasting over an hour, which can be medically dangerous) or damage to the penis by overuse or improper administration of injections.Viagra, a new vasodilator drug, is now being used for erectile problems caused by a variety of medical conditions including spinal cord injury. The advantage of Viagra is that it can be taken by mouth before intercourse (usually one hour before), and erection then occurs during the course of normal foreplay. This is more “natural” and esthetically pleasing for many people and allows sexual activity to progress from foreplay to intercourse without interruption. Viagra does not work for all people with spinal cord injury. You may need to experiment with dosages and the time interval between taking the drug and intercourse. Also, Viagra can have harmful effects in some patients with blood pressure or cardiac abnormalities. Overdosing can be dangerous.Penile implants are another option for treating erectile problems, but given their invasiveness, permanence, and higher risk of side effects, these should be considered as a last resort, after all other methods have railed. If you had trauma to your penis at the same time as your spinal cord injury or have a vascular disorder, a penile implant may be the only type of successful treatment. An implant is surgically inserted into the space inside the penis that normally fills with blood during erection. There are two types, semi-rigid and inflatable. The semi-rigid implant is very effective for intercourse and can be bent into a variety of positions. However, it may move around in the course of normal activity, creating the embarrassing appearance of an erection in nonsexual situations. The inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoir inserted into the abdomen. When ready for sexual activity, you pump a small bulb in the scrotum and fluid flows into the implant chambers. The erection is deflated by squeezing the bulb again when sexual activity is completed. The advantage of the inflatable implant is that erections do not occur at unwanted times.Side effects of implants are rare but can include infection, rejection of the implant, and mechanical failure. Should the implant have to be surgically removed because of infection, permanent damage to the penis is possible, making alternative methods less likely to work?All of these methods for producing erection require a prescription from an urologist. You need to get a urological exam to make the best choice of treatment for your particular situation. Remember, too, that these methods affect erection only. They do not improve sensation or affect ejaculation, orgasm, or fertility. However, the psychological arousal of seeing your erection and the ability to have intercourse with your partner may enhance your libido and make possible a variety of sexual behaviors, so that, overall, you can have more satisfying sexual activity.
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