[Intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 as a diagnostic test in erectile dysfunction]

Pharmacologically-induced erection is commonly utilized as a diagnostic test in the work up of erectile disorders. Our experience using prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to induce erection for diagnostic testing is described. The present study, which had been carried out in 24 patients with different etiologies (9 neurologic, 7 arterial, 1 hormonal and 7 with no known disorder), showed PGE1 to be a good inductor of erection, well-tolerated and with no adverse effects. Because this drug can induce erection with a high degree of safety and patient tolerance, it is considered to be useful as a diagnostic procedure in erectile dysfunction.