An intracavernous (or intracavernosal) injection is an injection into the base of the

penis A penis (plural ''penises'' or ''penes'' () is the primary sexual organ that male animals use to inseminate females (or hermaphrodites) during copulation. Such organs occur in many animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate, but males d ...

. This injection site is often used to administer medications to check for or treat

erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the type of sexual dysfunction in which the penis fails to become or stay erect during sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in men.Cunningham GR, Rosen RC. Overview of ma ...

in adult men (in, for example, a

combined intracavernous injection and stimulation test Combined intracavernous injection and stimulation test or CIS test is the most commonly performed office diagnostic procedure for erectile dysfunction. It consists of an intracavernosal injection, visual or manual sexual stimulation, and a rating ...

). The more common medications administered in this manner include Caverject, Trimix (

prostaglandin The prostaglandins (PG) are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds called eicosanoids having diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are der ...

papaverine Papaverine (Latin '' papaver'', "poppy") is an opium alkaloid antispasmodic drug, used primarily in the treatment of visceral spasms and vasospasms (especially those involving the intestines, heart, or brain), occasionally in the treatment of ere ...

, and

phentolamine Phentolamine, sold under the brand name Regitine among others, is a reversible nonselective α-adrenergic antagonist. Mechanism Its primary action is vasodilation due to α1 blockade. Non-selective α-blockers can cause a much more pronounced r ...

), Bimix (papaverine and phentolamine), and Quadmix (prostaglandin, papaverine, phentolamine, and either

atropine Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. It is typically giv ...

forskolin Forskolin (coleonol) is a labdane diterpene produced by the plant '' Coleus barbatus'' (Blue Spur Flower). Other names include pashanabhedi, Indian coleus, makandi, HL-362, mao hou qiao rui hua. As with other members of the large diterpene class ...

). These medications are all types of

vasodilators Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. It results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins, large arteries, and smaller arterioles. The process is the opposite of vasoconstriction ...

and cause

tumescence Tumescence is the quality or state of being tumescent or swollen. Tumescence usually refers to the normal engorgement with blood ( vascular congestion) of the erectile tissues, marking sexual excitation, and possible readiness for sexual activity ...

within 10-15 minutes. Common side effects include

priapism Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended. There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent). Most cases ...

, bruising, fibrosis,

Peyronie's disease Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis. Specifically, scar tissue forms in the tunica albuginea, the thick sheath of tissue surrounding the corpora cavernosa, ca ...

, and pain. Priapism is also often treated with intracavernous injections, usually with

sympathomimetic Sympathomimetic drugs (also known as adrenergic drugs and adrenergic amines) are stimulant compounds which mimic the effects of endogenous agonists of the sympathetic nervous system. Examples of sympathomimetic effects include increases in heart ...

vasoconstricting drugs like

adrenaline Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulating visceral functions (e.g., respiration). It appears as a white microcrystalline granule. Adrenaline is normally produced by the adrenal glands and ...

phenylephrine Phenylephrine is a medication primarily used as a decongestant, to dilate the pupil, to increase blood pressure, and to relieve hemorrhoids. In the United States, it was previously used orally as an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve na ...

References

Male genital procedures Routes of administration Dosage forms {{treatment-stub