Self-administering penile injections can be a daunting thing for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. It often leads to confusion and difficulty following proper injection steps and techniques.
Here’s a comprehensive and straightforward step-by-step guide to injecting Trimix that you can refer to if you need a reminder.
Related article: How Long Does Trimix Last When Frozen, Refrigerated, or at Room Temperature?
What is Trimix?
Trimix is an injectable drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It combines three medications (alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine). It works by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the penis and increasing blood flow to the erectile tissue, helping to achieve an erection or maintain it for longer.
It must be injected into the side of the penis using a thin needle and a syringe.
Trimix is generally used when other treatments for ED, such as oral medications or vacuum erection devices, have failed. It is only delivered with a medical prescription and should never be used without medical advice.
Related article: Essential Tips for Traveling with Trimix Injections!
Step-by-Step Guide for Trimix Penile Injection
The first penile injections are intimidating, even if your doctor or nurse has instructed you on administering the medication before sending you home with your new prescription. It can be easy to forget or be confused about the steps to follow, leading to additional stress or discomfort.
Related article: Caverject Impulse, A Guide to Correct Usage & Storage
Step 1. Ensure proper hygiene
Proper hygiene is essential when injecting Trimix and other drugs for erectile dysfunction.
So, first, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, make sure your penis is clean. You may want to shower or wash the area with soap and water before the injection.
Step 2. Assemble your injection supplies
Next, you need to assemble the following equipment:
- a vial of Trimix
- a syringe
- a needle
- alcohol swab
Make sure your Trimix vial was stored correctly, check the expiration date on the bottle, and inspect it for any signs of damage or contamination before use.
To keep Trimix cold, you can return the bottle to the refrigerator until it is time for the injection. Alternatively, you can place the bottle in a cup of ice to keep it as cool as possible.
Related article: 10 Tips that Work to Inject Insulin Without Pain!
Step 3. Draw Trimix in the syringe
To prepare your syringe of Trimix, follow these instructions:
- Wipe the rubber on top of the vial with an alcohol swab to disinfect the surface.
- Then, connect a new needle to your syringe. Always use a new needle and syringe for each penile injection to reduce the risk of infection.
- Pull the syringe plunger to the dosage prescribed by your doctor, filling this volume with air.
- Insert the needle through the rubber stopper on the vial and inject the air into the vial. This creates positive pressure inside the vial, making it easier to draw up the medication afterward.
- Turn the vial with the syringe upside down, ensuring the needle is submerged in the medication.
- Pull back on the syringe plunger in a slow and steady motion until it's filled with your dose of Trimix.
- Take the needle out of the vial.
Then, immediately put your Trimix vial back in the refrigerator to ensure proper storage.
Step 4. Prime your syringe
After drawing up your dose of Trimix into the syringe, you must remove any air bubbles to ensure accurate dosage and safe injection. This is called “priming” and must be done as follows:
- Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and tap it gently with your fingers to dislodge any air bubbles that may have formed.
- Depress the plunger slightly until a small drop of medication appears at the tip of the needle.
Step 5. Prepare your penis injection site
Choose and prepare the injection site on your penis. Remember to rotate injection sites. Don't inject Trimix repeatedly at the same spot: it could cause scarring of the penis tissues and complications.
Trimix is administered via intracavernosal injection directly into the side of your penis in the middle third (see below).
Grasp the head of your penis with your non-dominant hand (the left hand if you’re right-handed) and pull it towards the side of your leg, using your index finger and thumb. This will create tension and expose the injection site.
While maintaining this light tension, select a site for injection, and clean it with an alcohol pad to disinfect the area and reduce the risk of infection.
Step 6. Inject Trimix
Once you have selected the injection site and cleaned the area with an alcohol pad, you can proceed with injecting Trimix as follows:
- Use one hand to grasp your penis and hold it steady while the other hand holds the syringe with the needle pointing towards the injection site.
- Insert the needle into the erectile tissue at a 90-degree angle using a steady and continuous motion. You should feel a slight resistance as the needle penetrates the skin.
- Slowly inject Trimix by pushing the plunger for approximately 5-10 seconds, taking care not to inject too quickly as this can cause discomfort or pain.
- After injecting the full dose of medication, withdraw the needle from the penis.
Step 7. Apply pressure at the injection site
After withdrawing the needle from the penis, apply compression to the injection site for approximately 1 minute. This helps prevent bleeding and reduce the risk of bruising.Sometimes, you may need several minutes of compression.
To apply compression on your penis injection site, use a clean cotton ball or tissue and gently press on the site with firm pressure. If bleeding or bruising occurs, apply additional pressure for several minutes until the bleeding stops.
Step 8. Dispose of the needle safely
Then, replace the needle cap. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing away from you and use the other hand to recap the needle.
Make sure the needle is securely covered, and dispose of it with the syringe in a sharps container.
Do not dispose of needles or syringes in household trash, as they can pose a risk of injury and infection to yourself and others.
Related article: Does Testosterone Need to Be Refrigerated?
What Not to Do When Injecting Trimix?
While administering penile injections, such as Trimix or Caverject, is fairly easy once you know the steps, it is important to be aware of a few things NOT to do in order to avoid pain, discomfort, or complications.
Do not reuse needles or syringes
Syringes and needles to inject Trimix are single-use and disposable. Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. Besides, reused needles become dull or damaged, increasing the risk of pain or discomfort during injection.
Do not inject into the midline of the penis
The midline of the penis contains the urethra, which is responsible for the passage of urine. Injecting Trimix into this area can lead to pain, infection, and other complications. Instead, always inject at the 9-11 and 1-3 o'clock positions between the base and mid-portion of the penis.
Do not inject into visible veins or arteries
Injecting into visible veins or arteries can cause bleeding or other complications. Carefully examine the injection site before injecting Trimix. Look for any visible veins or arteries on the surface of the penis. Additionally, hold the penis firmly during the injection and apply appropriate tension to the skin to avoid any accidental slippage of the needle.
Do not inject Trimix too frequently
Overuse of penile injections can lead to scarring or fibrosis, which can affect erectile function. It can also cause damage to the erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum), leading to decreased sensitivity or even permanent damage. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency and dosage of Trimix. Typically, you can have penile injections two or three times a week, with at least 24 hours between injections.
Do not use more than the prescribed dose
Using more than the prescribed dose of Trimix can cause priapism, a painful and prolonged erection that requires medical attention.
The dosage of Trimix is carefully tailored to your individual needs based on your medical history and the severity of your erectile dysfunction. If you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours after administering a penile injection, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not skip steps or take shortcuts
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider carefully and do not skip any steps or take shortcuts when injecting Trimix.
Following proper injection techniques minimizes the risk of complications and ensures you receive your erectile dysfunction treatment safely and effectively.
If you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Where to Inject Trimix?
Trimix is injected into the erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum) of the penis. The proper location for injection is at the 9-11 and 1-3 o'clock positions, between the base and mid-portion of the penis.
Do not inject into the midline of the penis where the urethra is, nor into visible veins or arteries (see explanations above).
Rotate injection sites
When injecting Trimix or other erectile dysfunction drugs, site rotation is very important to avoid pain, discomfort, tissue damage, and scarring. Besides, repeatedly injecting into the same area of the penis can lead to decreased penis sensitivity and erectile function. Therefore, choose a different location each time you administer the injection.
How much Trimix to inject?
The appropriate dose of Trimix to inject varies depending on individual factors, such as age, weight, and medical history, as well as the severity of your erectile dysfunction. The proper dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider and may require adjustment over time.
Generally, treatment starts with a low dose that can be gradually increased depending on how well your body responds to Trimix.
Never inject more Trimix than instructed by your doctor.
How long does it take for Trimix to work?
Trimix is a fast-acting medication that typically starts working within 5-15 minutes after the injection. However, the onset and duration of action vary for each person.
Trimix works by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue in the penis and increasing blood flow to the erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum) to help achieve and maintain an erection.
Penile injections for erectile dysfunction typically last between 30 minutes and two hours. If an erection lasts longer than four hours after injecting Trimix, seek medical attention immediately to address potential complications, such as priapism.
How to Apply Trimix Gel?
Trimix gel is a topical version of Trimix injection used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is not widely available in Canada. It contains the same combination of drugs (alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine) carried in a gel.
Trimix gel is applied topically on the penis and does not require injection and needles. It is absorbed through the skin and into the underlying tissue, where it can help improve blood flow to achieve or maintain an erection.
It should be applied on the tip of the penis in the amount and manner instructed by your doctor. Here are the general steps for using Trimix gel:
- Wash your hands and your penis thoroughly with soap and water. Then, dry your penis with a clean towel.
- Remove the cap from the Trimix gel applicator and prime the pump by pressing the pump several times until the gel appears at the nozzle.
- Apply a small amount of the gel to the head and shaft of the penis. The exact amount will depend on the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
- Gently rub the gel into the skin of the penis until it is fully absorbed.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residual medication.
- Wait for the medication to take effect before sexual intercourse. It may take up to 30 minutes.
