Intracavernosal injection in the treatment of impotence: A prospective study of sexual, psychological, and marital functioning

Abstract

This study assessed the sexual, psychosocial, and medical impact of intracavernosal injection of papaverine hydrochloride and phentolamine mesylate in the treatment of impotence. Ninety-six percent of patients initially achieved satisfactory erections with injections. Common side effects of self-injections included bruising (26%), nodule development (21%), abnormal liver function tests (7%), and pain (5%). No nodules resulted in penile bending or pain, and no patient discontinued treatment due to nodule development. Dropout rate to date was 35%. Self-injection treatment was associated with increases in erection quality, intercourse frequency, and sexual satisfaction, and decreases in masturbation frequency for patients. Partners also reported increases in intercourse frequency, coital arousal, and satisfaction. Decreases in general psychiatric symptomatology and increases in relationship satisfaction and self-esteem were apparent for patients, but not for partners.