[Is an auto-injector useful in the treatment of erectile insufficiency using intracavernous injection?]

The technique and the fear of injection constitute a considerable cause for refusal, discontinuation and morbidity of the treatment of erectile insufficiency by intracavernous injection (ICI). The use of an automatic injection device has been proposed to minimize these problems. Despite a follow-up of 6 years, it is difficult to know whether the automatic injection device has had the same positive impact as in diabetic subjects. The use of this technique remains limited due to the lack of objective information concerning its possibilities. However, the rare reported series show that automation of ICI: a) improves the acceptability of self-administered ICI, b) lowers the discontinuation rate and morbidity. The automatic injection device can be proposed in any patient, after objectively informing him about the advantages and disadvantages. It is currently indicated: a) as first-line treatment in weak-hearted, anxious, clumsy subjects, or in patients with a physical handicap interfering with ICI or preferring automatic injection, b) secondarily, in the case of failure, difficulties or discontinuation because of technical problems.