In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of different doses of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) penis injection in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by blood vessel problems. Researchers suggested that PGE1 injections with increasing doses improved the rigidity and duration or erection in patients with different types of ED.
Some background
ED is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. During an erection, the blood vessels in the penis widen and permit blood to flow inside. The veins close up and trap the blood inside the penis. This translates into a larger and firmer penis. When there are problems with the blood vessels, ED can develop. However, some men can develop ED related to psychological issues.
PGE1 is a hormone associated with body functions such as muscle contraction. It helps blood vessels widen. A synthetic form of PGE1 such as alprostadil (Caverject) has been shown to be safe and improve erection when injected into the penis. However, there are no studies on the effectiveness of PGE1 injections in patients with different causes for ED.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 100 patients with ED. Participants were assigned into 4 groups of 25 patients each according to the cause of their ED. Patients with ED caused by an insufficient blood flow to the penis (arteriogenic ED) were assigned to group A. Patients with blood leakage due to vein problems (veno-occlusive ED) were assigned to group B. Group C consisted of patients with ED caused by a mix of arteriogenic and veno-occlusion. Group D consisted of patients with psychological ED (no blood vessel problems). Patients were treated with an increasing dose of PGE1 injections into the penis. Erection hardness and duration were evaluated.
At the PGE1 dose of 5 µg, 88% of patients in group D had the best response. This was compared to 5.3% in group A, 21.7% in group B, and 0% in group C. The remaining patients required either 10 or 20 µg PGE1 to achieve the best response. Patients in group C required the highest dose of PGE1 to achieve the best response.
No patients developed complications from PGE1 injections. 2 patients had a small collection of blood that healed by itself at the place of injection. 1 patient in group D had a prolonged erection that resolved in less than 4 hours.
The bottom line
This study concluded that PGE1 injection in increasing doses improves the rigidity and duration of erection in patients with ED with different causes.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Oct 02, 2020
