SUCCESS RATES FOR INJECTION THERAPIES

Self-injection therapy has enjoyed enormous success rates since it was first introduced. As mentioned earlier, the mixtures of drugs have improved the response rate in men with erectile difficulties significantly. Some statistics indicate a 95 per cent success rate when combination therapies are used.
The patient satisfaction rate with injection therapy is high. Studies have shown these rates to be 87 to 93 per cent for men and 86 to 90 per cent for their partners. Injection therapy has been shown to improve patient wellbeing and the quality of the relationship they are in. It increases the frequency of sexual activity, erections and orgasm. Other improvements in interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, depression and overall mental and social health have also been noted.

DROP OUT RATE FOR INJECTION THERAPIES

Although the high efficacy rate together with the tolerable side effects would lead one to believe that injection therapy is the most favoured treatment for male erectile dysfunction, this does not appear to be the case. The drop out rate is high. The continuation rate for men using this therapy after two years is as low as 10 per cent. Most of them will drop out after the first two months. The reasons for this high drop out rate include:
•          fear of needles and a preference for oral therapy
•          lack of sexual spontaneity
•          desire for more permanent types of therapy such as prostheses
•          lack of a suitable partner
•          fear of complications.
This research was done before the release of the oral form of therapy, Viagra. Oral medication is discussed further in Chapter 6.
To reduce the drop out rate and improve injection technique, several self-injection devices have been manufactured. These are called auto-injectors. In fact, the equipment most commonly used is a style of auto-injector that was designed for use in diabetics for the administration of insulin. These models were already outdated for use with insulin before they had a resurgence of life in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These devices are incredibly useful for men who are obese, have a visual impairment, or who have a fear of needles.
Other ways to reduce the drop out rate from injection therapies would be to ensure that you are fully versed in the use of this treatment before you start. Make sure your doctor has given you adequate education about your treatment and training on how to use it. Your doctor should also provide you with regular follow up assessment.
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