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Kentucky Penile Injection Lawyers
Holding doctors accountable when penile injections cause harm
Erectile dysfunction, the inability to get and keep an erection during sex, can cause a loss of confidence and affect personal relationships. There are different ways to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), such as counseling and through the use of certain oral medications and penile injection medications. At Crandall & Pera Law, we work with doctors and registered nurses to determine if these medications were properly prescribed and whether medical providers should be held accountable for any injuries or complications that may occur. We demand full compensation for your injuries.
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Table of Contents
- What is erectile dysfunction?
- What are the causes of erectile dysfunction in Kentucky?
- How do doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction in Kentucky?
- What are the treatments for ED?
- What are the dangers of penile injections?
- When are doctors accountable for medical malpractice due to penile injections in Kentucky?
- Do you have a Kentucky penile injection lawyer near me?
What is erectile dysfunction?
According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex and a reduction in sexual desire. While an occasional occurrence of ED isn’t too concerning, difficulty obtaining and keeping an erection may require medical attention to determine if there are any underlying health disorders, such as heart disease.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction in Kentucky?
The causes of ED may be physical or psychological. Possible causes include:
- Heart disease, such as clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure, or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Smoking
- Certain prescription medications
- “Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis”
- Alcoholism or drug abuse
- Prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate
- Surgery of the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Low testosterone
- Anxiety, stress, or depression
- Problems with relationships
How do doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction in Kentucky?
The diagnostic tests for ED include a physical examination, blood tests, a urine test, an ultrasound, and a psychological examination.
What are the treatments for ED?
The treatments for erectile dysfunction include treating any underlying medical conditions and the following remedies:
Oral medications
Before taking any oral medications, your doctor should explain the benefits and risk factors. Patients should consider their partner’s concerns. Oral medications used for ED, according to the Mayo Clinic and the NIH, include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
The Mayo Clinic states that “All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.” Generally, sexual stimulation is necessary to “cause the release of nitric oxide from your penile nerves.”
The dosages and side effects vary.
The NIH states that “you should not take any of these medicines to treat ED if you are taking nitrates to treat a heart condition. Nitrates widen and relax your blood vessels. The combination can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may cause you to become faint or dizzy, or fall, leading to possible injuries.”
Your doctor should review what other medications you’re taking, such as alpha-blockers to treat prostate enlargement.
Penile injections
According to the Mayo Clinic and the NIH, many men inject a medicine called alprostadil into their penis to get stronger erections. The male injects alprostadil (Edex, Caverject) into the base or side of the penis causing the penis to fill with blood. Penile injections are generally administered by an automatic injection, unlike oral medications that require sexual stimulation. According to the Mayo Clinic:
In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include alprostadil and phentolamine. Often, these combination medications are known as bimix (if two medications are included) or trimix (if three are included).
The dosages for penile injections should create an erection that lasts no longer than an hour. The needle used for the injection is very fine, which should not, normally, cause more than minor pain.
Another type of therapy includes using an alprostadil urethral suppository which involves “placing a tiny alprostadil suppository inside your penis in the penile urethra. You use a special applicator to insert the suppository into your penile urethra.” Another possible remedy (according to the NIH) is prescribing testosterone, which may help unless nerve problems or circulatory problems are causing your ED.
Non-medical interventions include penis pumps, surgery, and implants. Psychological counseling may also help.
What are the dangers of penile injections?
Possible side effects include bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection (priapism), and, in rare cases, the formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site. Penile injections may also cause infections and deformities of the penis.
Priapism
“Priapism is a prolonged erection of the penis.” The penis stays fully or partially erect for hours beyond sexual stimulation or is due to other causes. Priapism can be nonischemic or ischemic. Ischemic priapism requires immediate medical care. Otherwise, a patient could develop tissue damage that could cause impotence/erectile dysfunction.
When are doctors accountable for medical malpractice due to penile injections in Kentucky?
Doctors may be liable for any injuries, including priapism, due to prescribing penile injections:
- When oral medications or other alternatives should have been recommended, the patient may then require surgeries that include repairing damaged tissue and blood vessels or inserting a penile implant.
- When the doctor fails to inform the patient of the known risks of penile injections such as priapism and impotency.
- If the doctor fails to instruct the patient to seek immediate medical treatment for priapism at the nearest emergency department or with a urologist.
Pharmacists may also be liable for medical malpractice if they fail to inform their patients of the known risks.
Surgeries other than injections that may be able to help with erectile dysfunction include repairing the tissue and blood vessels in the penis or having a penile implant.
Do you have a Kentucky penile injection lawyer near me?
Yes. At Crandall & Pera Law, we meet clients at our Lexington, Kentucky, office located at 201 E Main St., Suite 530. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, we can make alternate arrangements to meet you at your home or at a nearby healthcare center. We also conduct consultations by phone and through online video consultations like Zoom.
You have the right to hold your physician or pharmacist accountable for medical malpractice.
Talk with our experienced Kentucky lawyers today
At Crandall & Pera Law, we have the experience and working relationships with urologists and other healthcare professionals to hold doctors accountable for improper erectile dysfunction care. Our Kentucky penile injection lawyers demand compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, and the physical pain and emotional trauma that medical malpractice causes. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle medical malpractice claims on a contingency fee basis.