Treatments / Side Effects

Here at Baton Rouge Men’s Clinic, we want to arm you with as much information as possible, so you understand the risks and benefits of treatments you receive here in our office. Should any questions arise, we’re only a phone call away.

Oral/Sublingual Medications: Viagra (Sildenafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil): Oral or sublingual medications work directly on the blood vessels, causing the arteries to the penis to expand. It will cause an erection, only when the man is sexually aroused.

Side Effects: Headaches, facial flushing, backache, congestion, upset stomach, bluish tinge to vision or abnormal vision, hearing loss, and prolonged erections (priapism). These drugs cannot be taken with nitrates due to the possibility of decreased blood pressure. Caution should be used with Alpha blockers for prostate enlargement and/or high blood pressure due to the possibility of decreased blood pressure.

Penile Injections: Includes: Tri-Mix, Caverject, Injection Therapy, Alprostadiol, Papaverine, Phentolamine, The patient uses a small needle to inject a powerful muscle relaxant into the base of the penis. The relaxation of the muscle tissue allows blood to flow into the erectile tissues in the penis, creating an erection.

Side Effects: Pain, bruising and tenderness, scarring, bleeding, abnormal liver enzymes, and prolonged erection (priapism).

Intraurethral Pellets: (MUSE) The patient uses an applicator to insert a small pellet of medication into the opening of the penis. The medication causes blood vessels to relax, so the penis fills with blood and becomes erect.

Side Effects: Pain, burning sensation, and prolonged erection (priapism).

Vacuum Therapy: (A cylinder placed over the penis): By withdrawing air, a vacuum is created, mechanically enhancing the flow of blood into the penis. A rubber ring is placed at the base of the erect penis to trap blood and maintain the erection.

Side Effects: Bruising, skin irritation and abrasions, discoloring of the penis, thickening of skin, vascular damage, pain and diminished ejaculation.

Penile Implants: (Requires a surgical intervention): Two inflatable balloons are implanted in the penis, as well as a pump into the scrotum and a reservoir near the bladder. When the pump is inflated, fluid from the reservoir flows into the inflatable balloons; creating an erection.

Side Effects: Pain, inflammation, malfunction.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Testosterone can be administered by injections, gels or creams, patches, and pellets. Regular follow-up and blood work required.

Potential Side Effects: Worsening of prostate issues (BPH and prostate cancer) including increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Changes in red blood cell level, cholesterol level, hormone levels, and PSA level. Permanent hair growth on face, chest, buttocks, or other areas of the body. Head hair loss. Mood or psychological changes such as increased anger or aggressive behavior. Breast growth similar in appearance to that found in women. Testicular shrinkage or atrophy. Decrease sperm count, causing infertility. Acne. It may worsen sleep apnea. Tissue edema. It may increase risk of heart attack, strokes, high blood pressure, other cardiovascular problems, and death in people with or without heart disease.