How To Give a Penile Injection

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on performing penile injections, also known as intracavernosal injections (ICI), for erectile dysfunction. It covers preparation, including gathering supplies and cleaning the injection site, proper syringe handling, selecting the correct injection site on the penis, and safely administering the medication. The video also explains post-injection steps, such as applying pressure, stimulating an erection, and grading its firmness. Key safety measures, including avoiding self-adjusting doses, recognizing priapism, and proper medication storage, are emphasized. Following these instructions helps ensure effective and safe treatment while minimizing risks and tissue damage.

Takeaways

• 🧴 Always set up your supplies on a clean surface, including your medication vial, single-use syringe, alcohol wipes, and a Sharps container.
• 🧼 Wash your hands thoroughly and clean the vial's rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe before drawing medication.
• 💉 Prepare the syringe carefully, making sure not to touch or bend the needle, and draw the correct dose while removing air bubbles.
• ❄️ Store your medication according to its type: Trinex in the refrigerator, while Bimix or Papaverine do not require refrigeration.
• 🗺️ Choose the correct injection site on the middle part of the penis (10 o'clock left or 2 o'clock right), switching sides for each injection.
• 🛡️ Avoid injecting into the top, bottom, or visible veins of the penis to prevent injury or bruising.
• ✋ Pull the head of the penis straight out, wipe the site with an alcohol wipe, and keep it stretched during the injection.
• ⚡ Inject the medication smoothly, then withdraw the needle straight out and apply pressure to the site for 2–5 minutes depending on blood thinners usage.
• 📊 After injection, stimulate an erection and assess its firmness using a 0–10 grading scale; aim for at least a 6 for 30 minutes.
• 📞 Always report your erection grade and response to your healthcare provider and follow their dosing instructions; never adjust the dose on your own.
• ⏱️ Be aware of priapism (prolonged erection) as a risk, which requires immediate attention to avoid permanent tissue damage.
• 🌐 For further information or guidance, visit www.mskcc.org and search for 'penile injection' or 'priapism'.

Q & A

What is a penile injection and when is it used?

A penile injection, also called an intracavernosal injection (ICI), is a shot of medication directly into the penis, commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) when other treatments are not effective.

What supplies are needed to perform a penile injection at home?

You need the medication vial, a single-use syringe, two alcohol wipes, and a home Sharps container to safely dispose of used syringes.

How should you prepare the medication vial before drawing the injection?

Check the vial for cloudiness or particles, wash your hands, clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe for 15 seconds, and inject air into the vial before drawing the medication.

What is the correct way to draw the prescribed dose into the syringe?

Insert the needle into the vial, pull the plunger past your prescribed dose, then push it back to the exact dose to remove air bubbles. Check for air bubbles and push extra medication back if needed.

Where on the penis should the injection be given?

The injection should be in the middle third of the shaft, either at the 10 o’clock position on the left side or the 2 o’clock position on the right side. Rotate sides with each injection and avoid the top, bottom, and visible veins.

What technique should be used when injecting the medication?

Hold the syringe like a pen or dart, stretch the penis straight out, insert the needle quickly and straight, inject the medication slowly, and withdraw the needle straight out without twisting.

How should you dispose of the syringe after injection?

Drop the syringe directly into a home Sharps container without recapping it to prevent needle injuries.

What steps should be taken after the injection to minimize bleeding or bruising?

Place an alcohol wipe over the injection site and apply pressure for 2–3 minutes, or 5 minutes if taking blood thinners or aspirin.

How should patients evaluate the effectiveness of the injection?

Stimulate to achieve an erection and grade it on a scale of 0 to 10, aiming for at least a 6 for 30 minutes. Report results to your healthcare provider for dose adjustments.

What is priapism and why is it a concern?

Priapism is an erection that lasts too long, which can damage penile tissue and cause permanent ED. It is important to follow the care team's instructions and seek guidance if priapism occurs.

How should different medications be stored after preparation?

Trinex vials should be refrigerated, while Bimix or Papaverine vials can be stored at room temperature.

Why is it important not to twist the penis or needle during injection?

Twisting can cause the medication to be injected into the wrong area, increase bruising, or damage tissue.