PROSTAGLANDIN E(1) AS TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE FAILURE IN ELDERLY MEN

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E(1) (alprostadil) in elderly men with erectile failure. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatients at a university-affiliate VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten subjects aged 65 years and older with duration of erectile failure of 6 months or longer. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E(1) in the office and self-administered intracavernosal prostaglandin E(1) at home. MEASUREMENTS: Penile rigidity was measured by palpation and by the Rigiscan(R) rigidity monitor. RESULTS: Intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E(1) produced erections adequate for intercourse in 9 of the 10 subjects. Attempts at intercourse were rated satisfactory by two-thirds of the subjects and their spouses. CONCLUSIONS: Intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E(1) is safe and effective for erectile failure in elderly men.