[Prostaglandin E1 in the diagnosis and therapy of erectile disorders]

Intracavernous injections (ICI) of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) of German produce (Schwarz Pharma A. G.) have been tested for diagnosis of erectile disorders in 63 patients (age 32-71, the majority at the age 45-65) and for autotherapy in 22 patients. In 76% of males with erectile impotency PGE1 ICI in a dose 10-20 micrograms result in marked erection which emerged within 5-15 min after the injection and persisted for 90 min on the average in spite of ejaculation. 86% of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction found this method of impotency correction satisfactory as it warrants normal coitus in 91% of cases (dose regimen 10-20 micrograms). ICI of PGE1 in the above dose 1-2 times a week for 2 months is safe, entail no systemic and insignificant local side effects. The risk of priapism and cavernous body fibrosis is minimal. The duration of the effect is related to the dose. The above advantages make PGE1 superior to papaverin and phentolamine. PGE1 ICI are recommended as the treatment of choice for therapy of erectile dysfunctions.