The MUSE erectile dysfunction method of treatment involves an insert that is placed into the opening of the penis, or urethra. MUSE stands for “medicated urethral system for erections” and is a medicinal small pellet that is put inside of the penis with a specially made applicator. The medicine is then absorbed through the membrane that lines the inside of the urethra, and an erection develops roughly ten minutes after application. These erections then typically last for at least thirty minutes, but usually always less than sixty minutes.
The MUSE system works by relaxing the muscles in the surrounding blood vessels of the penis, increasing the blood flow to the penis, which allows an erection to occur. This medicine should be inserted into the penis before sexual activity. How well the medication works depends on how much is needed for your specific dosage.
This medication works well for erection problems caused by psychological or physical problems, or both combined. Short term use of this system has proven to raise confidence in men whose erection problems are purely psychological.
The MUSE system medication is effective, but how well it works depends greatly on your dosage and how it works with your body chemistry. MUSE studies have shown that six out of ten men had successful intercourse at least once using a higher dose of MUSE. Those on smaller doses had smaller percentages of positive results, but positive results, nonetheless.
What are the Side Effects of MUSE?
Just as all other medications, MUSE also has some possible side effects. But many people do not feel the side effects, or they are able to tolerate them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. It is important to be aware of the side effects that you could expect.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually, the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. They will be able to adjust your dose or change your medicine. It is never okay to stop taking your medication unless you have been instructed to by your doctor.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Hives.
- An erection that lasts longer than three hours or is painful.
- Signs of getting too much medicine, such as:
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Pain in your pelvic area.
- Flu-like symptoms.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Light bleeding or spotting from your urethra.
- Stinging or burning in your urethra after the medicine is inserted.
Things to Think about with MUSE
When you are considering the MUSE system, be sure to include your partner in the discussion. This medicine contains ingredients that can cause irritation to your partner’s fragile genitalia and skin when it meets your ejaculate. When you are using this medication, your partner should avoid oral sex or be sure to have oral sex where the penis is entirely covered with a condom, and ejaculate is contained.
There are no current studies being done to check this medication with pregnancy and fetal growth. Because of this, there are warnings on having safe sex and using protection when on this medication to ensure there will be no harm to any fetus.
Citations:
Judson Brandies, MD, Urologist (discussions in the Medical Summit, 2019)
National Institutes of Health and Human Services