Urethral therapy

When a man has erectile dysfunction (ED), he cannot achieve or maintain a firm erection. ED also is called "impotence." About one in every ten men has ED or some degree of impotence.

Most ED has a physical cause. The treatment of diseases such as diabetes or prostrate cancer, physical injury, and the side effects of drugs can reduce or prevent blood flow and nerve impulses to the penis. Only about 10% of impotence has a psychological cause.

Urethral therapy is one of several proven treatment options for ED. The therapy treats impotence by delivering medication directly to the penis to stimulate blood flow. The medication is in the form of a small suppository.

How a urethral suppository works

The common urethral therapy is known as MUSE, which stands for "medicated urethral system for erection."

The drug in MUSE is alprostadil. The drug is identical to a substance that occurs naturally in the penis and aids in achieving an erection. Directly inserted into the penis, the suppository is absorbed by the tissue and relaxes muscles in the penis. This allows blood flow to increase, creating an erection.

How to use a urethral suppository

Physicians will commonly have a patient try a suppository in the office to determine appropriate dosage. Before using a urethral suppository, the man urinates. This helps to insure the moist surfaces that help the medication to be absorbed.

With a small applicator, the man inserts a pellet of medication into his urethra, the small hole on the tip of the penis.

He then massages his penis for about a minute to help the pellet dissolve. To help speed absorption, he should also remain upright for several minutes. He may also place a small rubber band around the base of his penis before inserting the suppository. This can help hold the medication in his penis.

A man generally will get an erection within 10-15 minutes of application. The erection will last about 30-60 minutes. A urethral suppository can be used twice in any 24-hour period. It should not be used a second time immediately following a first erection.

Urethral suppositories are available only with a doctor's prescription.

Effectiveness

MUSE works for only about 30% of men who try it.

Sometimes MUSE provides only a partial erection. Some men will then use penile injection or a vacuum erection device to attain a complete erection.

The problem with this is that the procedure can be cumbersome and expensive. The delay in getting an erection tends to reduce romantic spontaneity.

Advantages

• No needles.
• Less invasive than injection therapy.

Disadvantages

• Some side effects are possible. A throbbing penis, irritation, or a burning sensation is the most common complaint. Light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, and rapid pulse have also been reported.
• Clinical studies have shown that MUSE is substantially less effective than Viagra.
• MUSE interferes with romantic spontaneity because the man must treat himself just prior to sex, and then wait for an erection.
• Some female partners have reported vaginal itching and burning.
• The drug can fail, causing added stress and anxiety.
• Each dose costs about $17-25.

Take the next step

Erectile dysfunction is treatable. Now that you have researched this website for the causes of ED and its treatments, take the next step. Contact a urologist who specializes in treating impotence. The doctor will be able to diagnose your erectile dysfunction and discuss treatment options with you and your spouse or partner.

Click this link for more information about other erectile dysfunction treatments. By finding effective treatment, hundreds of thousands of men have discovered they do not have to live with ED. Now it is your turn to find the treatment that can help restore your sex life.