Urethral suppositories

Use of urethral suppositories is considered a successful treatment alternative for nearly 60% of men suffering from erectile dysfunction who tried this therapy. Their effectiveness resides in delivering medication directly to the penis to stimulate blood flow. Urethral suppositories contain prostaglandin (alprostadil) and the most commonly used is MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection), identical to a substance produced naturally in the penis helping it become erect.

Patients use a hand-held delivery device and insert directly into the penis a small prostaglandin pellet through the meatus -penis small opening- into the urethra. The urethral suppositories is absorbed by the tissue and relaxes muscles in the penis. The process determines consequently an increase of blood flow and thus the erection is achieved. Before inserting the suppository, the man can also place a small rubber band around the base of the penis, which helps him hold the medication in his penis. Physicians advise patients to urinate before using urethral suppositories, so that the surface should be moisturized and the medication should be easier absorbed. In order to help the pellet dissolve, the man must massage his penis for approximately 1 minute and remain upright to insure the rapid absorption of the medication.
Erection will be achieved within 10-15 minutes after insertion and will last 30 up to 60 minutes. Patients must not use urethral suppositories more than twice in any 24-hour period or a second time shortly following a first erection.

Urethral suppositories are available by prescription only and well tolerated by organism. However, this treatment option is not indicated to everyone. Men allergic to alprostadil or with an abnormally formed penis are advised not to use urethral suppositories.
Clinical trials show, nevertheless, that sometimes MUSE works only partially and can be associated with penile injections or a vacuum device to achieve a complete erection. But the procedure may reach expensive costs, while the delay reduces sexual spontaneity and comfort.
Yet the advantages of not using needles and being less invasive than injection therapy cannot be denied.
Some side-effects of the therapy were reported by several patients: a throbbing penis, irritation and burning sensation are most common complaints. To that can be added light-headedness, fainting, dizziness, hypertension.

Less effective than oral medication, as clinical trials prove it, urethral suppositories may also damage the partner. Some women have reported itching and burning sensations in the vagina after sexual intercourse with men using urethral suppositories. In combination to injection therapy, men may also get pain in the penis and the area between scrotum and rectum (perineum). The drug may also fail to provide erection, which causes stress and anxiety.
The cost of urethral suppositories may vary between $17 and $25.