Cavernous auto-injection therapy with prostaglandin E1.

During 1990-1992, 176 consecutive patients (aged 18-83 years, mean 53 years) with erectile dysfunction were personally investigated by the author in the private office setting at Eira Hospital. Pharmacotesting with 20 micrograms prostaglandin was positive in 89 of 138 patients (64%) tested. Eleven per cent of the patients complained of pain during erection. Of 131 patients, who initially were offered auto-injections as a primary treatment modality, 99 (76%) began the therapy. Seventy-four per cent of the patients continued auto-injections after three months. The overall efficacy of prostaglandin E1 to induce adequate erections for sexual intercourse was estimated to be 71%. One prolonged erection without medical intervention and no penile fibrotic lesions were recorded. In conclusion, cavernous auto-injection therapy with prostaglandin E1 is a well accepted, effective and safe treatment alternative in psychogenic as well as organic impotence. Every impotent patient should be informed of this therapy.