Intracavernous

Intracavernous refers to something that occurs within a cavern. In a medical context, it most commonly refers to the administration of medication directly into the corpus cavernosum, the erectile tissue of the penis. This method of drug delivery is primarily used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Medications such as alprostadil, phentolamine, and papaverine can be injected into the corpus cavernosum to induce an erection. This approach bypasses the digestive system and allows for rapid absorption of the medication, leading to a localized effect. Intracavernous injections are generally considered a highly effective treatment option for men who do not respond to oral medications or have contraindications to their use.

The procedure involves a healthcare professional or the patient themselves injecting a small volume of medication into the side of the penis, typically on one side of the midline. Proper technique and hygiene are crucial to minimize the risk of infection and other complications. While effective, intracavernous injections can have side effects, including pain at the injection site, bruising, and prolonged erections (priapism), which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Alternative methods of intracavernous drug delivery exist, such as intraurethral suppositories, though these are generally less potent than direct injections. The term can also be used in a broader anatomical sense to describe any process occurring within a naturally occurring or surgically created cavity.