[Test with intracavernous injection of PGE1 in erectile dysfunction: our experience]

To evaluate the answer and side-effects after the test of intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 in patients with erectile dysfunction.

In the last three years we have carried on 500 tests of intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 with the support of infirmary. The purpose was to train the patient and his partner on this technique.

The more frequent cause of erectile dysfunction turned to have a vascular origin. In most of the cases, once that the technique has been learnt, the intracavernous injection has been carried on by the patient. The level of acceptance has reached a 85%, with a very low rate of complications. According with our protocol, the learning process has required of a media of 2 or 3 visits where the couple has been trained on this technique and the optim individual dose has been set.

The intracavernous injection test carried on by an erectile dysfunction unit with the support of an infirmary team reach a high level of acceptance and efficiency. Although new medicine has appeared, we considered the objectification test of the erection with PGE1 very useful, easy-to-use and with low complication rate. It can also be used as a therapeutical option.