IMPOTENCE: THE DRUG MOST COMMONLY USED FOR THE SHOT
The drug most commonly used for the shot is papaverine, either by itself or in combination with another medication, phentolamine. The shot causes the arteries and sinuses to relax and allows increased blood flow into the penis. In some men, in fact, the blood flow produced by these shots may be somewhat greater than that which occurs during usual erections. Consequently, men whose nerves and blood vessels don’t work properly may be able to get an erection from a shot. After the shot, a small amount of pressure on the injection site is necessary to prevent bleeding.
If the shot works, results can be dramatic. In just a few minutes, a man who has had potency problems for years may find himself fully erect—and very happy. Jerry, a 50-year-old construction worker, had been unable to get an erection for ten years, ever since he fell on the job and suffered a painful and serious back injury. Jerry considered himself lucky to have recovered enough from the accident to be able to walk, but his potency did not return.
Jerry came to see a urologist, hoping that something new would be able to help his sex life. He had never heard about the shots, but was eager to try them. The first shot produced an erection—which surprised and pleased Jerry and his wife. The shots confirmed the doctor’s belief that Jerry’s erection problems were caused by nerves damaged in the fall. The shot, in effect, opened up the arteries and did the job the nerves were supposed to do. Subsequent shots resulted in the same reaction. After a decade without intercourse, this couple’s dry spell was over, Jerry ended up using the shots for regular treatment.
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