How to Treat Priapism

Prevention and treatment guidance

Prevention and treatment guidance

Priapism is an involuntary erection which lasts more than 4 hours and is unrelieved by ejaculation. It is sometimes a symptom of Penile Injection (ICP) therapies, which is why anyone considering Trimix or similar injections should approach them carefully under the guidance of a physician.

Priapism is a true urological emergency and early treatment allows the best chance for functional recovery.

Trimix for Men

A penis injection for advanced erectile dysfunction.

Trimix is a combination of papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin, which work together to generate strong, lasting erections within 5-20 minutes of the injection. This type of erectile dysfunction (ED) medication is considered the strongest ED treatment, and it is often recommended when other treatments like oral medications fail to work.

Trimix has helped thousands of men who suffer from extreme ED to regain their ability to have fulfilling intimacy. Because of its powerful qualities, however, it is important utilize Trimix and other Intra-Cavernous Pharmacotherapy (ICP) injections safely. Priapism, or an erection lasting longer than four hours, is a potential side effect if Trimix is not administered correctly.

We recommend reading the content below as well as working with a knowledgeable medical provider who can provide individualized medical guidance on administering Trimix.

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How to Prevent Priapism When Taking Trimix or Other Penile Injection Therapies (ICP)

It’s very important to heed safety information that can help you avoid priapism. Here are some key rules to follow:

NEVER take Trimix or any ICP injection within same 24-hour period as taking Sildenafil (Viagra®), Tadalafil (Cialis®), Vardenafil (Levitra®), or other ED medications.
Start LOW and go SLOW with your dose. Never start higher than 0.05 - 0.12 ml (5-12 units on syringe) for the FIRST injection. Then gradually increase from there for optimal results.
Work closely with a physician who is trained in guiding patients through using Trimix or other ICP therapies.

How to Treat Priapism If It Occurs*

If you do experience an erection lasting more than four hours, here are some steps to take to treat priapism.

*These are general guidelines only and should not be considered medical advice. Speak to your medical provider about how to treat priapism.

Apply ice to the perineum/scrotal area.

You can use a frozen bag of fruit or vegetables if an ice pack is not available.

Walk or jog upstairs.

This can help redirect blood flow from the penis.

Over-The-Counter Medications.

There are also certain medications that can help treat priapism. These include:

Sudafed: Take 60 mg - 150 mg orally
Benadryl: Take 25 mg - 50 mg orally

Prescription Medications

If you have been prescribed Trimix or any other ICP injection and are concerned about priapism, you can request a prescription treatment from your doctor. One such treatment is Phenylephrine HCL, a vasoconstrictor that can help treat priapism. Vasoconstrictors shrink the blood vessels. This is the opposite reaction of a vasodilator like Sildenafil, which dilates the blood vessels to allow more blood-flow to the penis.

Phenylephrine HCL is typically injected intracavernosally (into the base of the penis). An injection is often recommended every 3-5 minutes for up to one hour until the erection caused by the priapism relaxes.

It is very important to engage with Trimix and Phenylephrine HCL under the guidance of a physician who is experienced in ICP injections.

Assembling a ‘Rescue Kit.'

When starting any ICP therapy, it’s good practice to put together a ‘Rescue Kit” specifically for treating priapism. Your kit can include every potential treatment listed above. It takes some planning and communicating with your doctor, but it means being more prepared in the case of priapism.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately.

If over-the-counter and prescription treatments do not work and the erection has been present for 4 hours and/or is painful, immediately visit the ER for treatment.

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