Intraurethral Gel
2-Drug Gel
At a Glance
- One or two drug gel medication
- Inject into urethra of penis with needleless syringe 5 to 15 minutes prior to intercourse
- Effective for up to 1 hour
- Available in 3 formulations, prescription required
The Details
Intraurethral gel works to relax smooth muscle in the penis and increase blood flow to the cavernosal chambers to achieve an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse or for penile rehabilitation. Intraurethral Gel is a one or two drug formulation consisting of Alprostadil and/or Phentolamine.
Intraurethral Gel should be used 5-15 minutes prior to sexual activity.
What to know about Intraurethral Gel
How it Works
Intraurethral gel is inserted into the urethra of the penis using a preloaded needleless syringe just before intercourse. The medication works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the penis allowing increased blood flow to the cavernosal chambers. Intraurethral Gels are formulated with one or two FDA approved ingredients: Alprostadil and Phentolamine.
Physical stimulation will help, but is not required to achieve an erection. The resulting erection should last through the entirety of sex, but less than an hour.
Who is it for?
Gel therapy may be an effective choice for patients averse to penile injection therapy as well as those who are unable or unwilling to take oral medications.
Effectiveness
Although not as effective as the injection therapy form of these same ingredients, Intraurethral Gel tends to be a stronger therapy than oral medications.
According to one study conducted over a 6-month period, 37 patients unsatisfied with other treatments opted to proceed with intraurethral gel therapy as their main treatment modality for the management of their ED. Patients responded favorably on their SHIM Score (+9.51 SHIM Score), and all positively responded regarding the medication’s success. 1
1. Intraurethral Gel Therapy for ED – By Dr. Daniel Martinez
Intraurethral Gel Side Effects
- Burning sensation in urethra
- Priapism (Erection lasting more than 4 hours)
- Aching sensation in penis
Good to know
Do not exceed the prescribed dose of medication. Do not use more than once in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by your physician. Overuse may cause a prolonged erection known as priapism.
Do not use intraurethral gel for sexual intercourse with a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant unless using a condom barrier to prevent exposure to the medication.
Always store your intraurethral gel in the refrigerator. Do not use medication after it has expired.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
Can A Healthy Lifestyle Improve Your ED?
In this article Dr. Loh-Doyle explains how four key lifestyle changes can not only improve your erectile function, but will help you maintain your overall good health.
When the Pill is Just Not Enough
Dr. Martinez discusses intraurethral gel used in combination with oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5i) medications for the treatment of ED when the pill alone is not enough.
Intraurethral Gel Therapy for ED
In this article Daniel Martinez MD discusses the benefits of Intraurethral Gel therapy—a needleless treatment option for men with ED.
Ready to Get Results?
Use these tools to rate and track your progress.
Rigidity Scale
Use this tool to rate your erection. For intercourse, the goal range is 7-9 with 6 being firm enough for penetration. For penile rehab, the goal range is 2-9.
Log Your Progress
Use the chart below to record your progress. This chart comes in handy when discussing your treatment success with your provider or with a menMD Personal Health Assistant.
Learn more or download the Injection Therapy Guide, which includes these tools, in the resource center.
Ready to get started?
First you’ll need a prescription.
Don’t forget to check these out
Other treatment options and devices for erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
Bimix
Injection therapy, the most effective treatment for ED, is injected into the shaft of the penis 5-15 minutes prior to intercourse.
2 drug mixture available in 4 formulations, prescription required.
Trimix
Injection therapy, the most effective treatment for ED, is injected into the shaft of the penis 5-15 minutes prior to intercourse.
3 drug mixture available in 11 formulations, prescription required.
Vacuum Erection Devices
The VED is a plastic tube that fits over the penis and is pressed against the base of the penis and pubis. It uses suction to pull blood into the penis to create an erection.
