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

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of intracavernosal injection of p rostaglandin E(1) (alprostadil) in elderly men with erectile failure. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatients at a university-affili ate VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten subjects aged 65 years and ol der with duration of erectile failure of 6 months or longer. INTERVENT IONS: 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 a nd by the Rigiscan(R) rigidity monitor. RESULTS: Intracavernosal injec tion of prostaglandin E(1) produced erections adequate for intercourse in 9 of the 10 subjects. Attempts at intercourse were rated satisfact ory by two-thirds of the subjects and their spouses. CONCLUSIONS: Intr acavernosal injection of prostaglandin E(1) is safe and effective for erectile failure in elderly men.