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Intraurethral Pellet Therapy

Intraurethral pellet therapy, also called the medicated urethral system for erections (MUSE), is a useful alternative for men who do not want to use self-injections or for men in whom oral medications have failed.

• Intraurethral pellet therapy is effective in 65% of men.
  
  
• Intraurethral pellet therapy may be effective in men with vascular disease or with diabetes and in those who have undergone prostate surgery.
  
  
• Intraurethral pellet therapy has been successful when used together with Viagra; however, this type of combination treatment should only be done under the supervision of a urologist who is experienced in treating erectile dysfunction.

Alprostadil, a drug also discussed in Penile Injection Therapy, has been formulated into a small suppository. This suppository is inserted into the urethra (the canal through which urine and semen are excreted). Because of this, urinating immediately before use is important in order to moisten the passage.

A temporary tourniquet is often helpful in allowing the medication to stay in the erectile tissue a little longer and seems to give a somewhat better response.

Few side effects occur with intraurethral pellet therapy. The most common side effect is pain at the site where the pellet is deposited. A small amount of bleeding may also occur.