Cost of injections for erectile dysfunction

When oral medications fail or are not a fit, many individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) turn to injectable treatments — i.e. medications that are injected directly into the penis to increase blood flow to the area. But the cost of injections for erectile dysfunction can vary widely depending on the medication (Trimix, Bimix, Caverject), dosage, and pharmacy. 

Ahead, we’ll break down the cost of ED injections, whether insurance covers them, and how to get a prescription.   

The cost of erectile dysfunction injections depends on the specific medication, dosage, and pharmacy used. 

ED injections that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can cost several hundred dollars per injection. 

Non-standard treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (sometimes marketed as the Priapus Shot), can run thousands of dollars per session, even though they have far less evidence behind them.

Here’s a breakdown of common ED injection options, their usage, coverage considerations, and, according to GoodRx* and clinical data, their typical costs. 

*While prices were valid at the time of publication, they may vary based on the current date and your location. For the most accurate estimates, refresh the GoodRx search page and enter your zip code.

Again, prices of ED injections depend on the drug type, dosage, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Some clinical cost analyses report much lower per-dose figures: around $5–$30. These prices usually reflect certain compounded formulations — not the typical retail prices of branded medications like Caverject or Edex. 

Compounded formulations (e.g. Trimix, Bimix, Quadmix) are prepared by specialty pharmacies and typically combine drugs, such as papaverine, phentolamine, and alprostadil, in customized doses. 

They’re commonly used due to their effectiveness and lower per-dose cost compared to alprostadil alone. But they aren’t specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of ED.

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Most insurance plans don’t routinely cover erectile dysfunction injections.

Even though ED is a recognized medical condition, coverage for injectable treatments varies widely and is often limited or excluded. Some employer-sponsored health plans explicitly exclude sexual dysfunction treatments, and insurers may even restrict less common therapies like ED injections as part of broader cost-control policies. 

And coverage may be especially inconsistent for compounded medications like Trimix, Bimix, and Quadmix. One likely reason is that, unlike alprostadil, compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved.

Some plans may make exceptions based on your medical history, but coverage isn’t guaranteed. If you’re worried about costs, check your specific benefits and talk with a healthcare provider about lower-cost options.

Yes, clinical studies suggest that erectile dysfunction injections can be effective for most men, with reported success rates exceeding 90% in studies. The treatment has also been linked to high satisfaction rates. 

However, despite high success and satisfaction rates, long-term studies show that 38%--80% of men don’t continue with ED injections over time. Many individuals stop using injections within 3–6 months of starting, usually because of pain or scarring, anxiety, and loss of sexual spontaneity. 

In some cases, a provider may recommend combining injection therapy with other ED treatments, such as oral medications like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). For instance, a man might use pills most of the time and reserve injections for situations where a firmer or longer-lasting erection is needed.

That said, combining treatments can increase the risk of priapism, a prolonged erection. So it’s typically reserved for people with more severe ED and should only be done under medical supervision.

Erectile dysfunction injections require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. 

FDA-approved alprostadil injections are dispensed as a liquid under the brand names of Caverject or Edex. 

Compounded options such as Bimix or Trimix need to be filled at a compounding pharmacy. Because compounded medications aren’t mass-produced or routinely covered by insurance, prices can vary quite a bit and depend on the pharmacy, formulation, and prescribed dose. Notably, compounded medications are not specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of ED.

In some cases, ED injections may be prescribed through telehealth, though availability can vary by state and provider. 

Your provider will usually start with a low initial dose and adjust it gradually to produce a firm erection while minimizing side effects and unnecessary costs. American Urological Association guidelines recommend an in-office test injection before starting treatment at home, allowing your provider to determine the safest and most cost-effective dose.

If the idea of injecting medication directly into your penis makes you uncomfortable, you should know that it’s not the only option. In fact, many providers typically prescribe injections only if other, less invasive ED treatments don’t work or are not a fit. 

Here are some alternatives to ED injections to consider:

1. Prescription oral medications 

Prescription medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), vardenafil, and Stendra (avanafil) are typically first-line treatment for ED. They also tend to be less expensive than injections, especially in generic form. 

Known as PDE5 inhibitors, these drugs work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis. Certain PDE5 inhibitors can be found in other (non-pill) formulations, such as:

• Ro Sparks: a fast-acting, sublingual (under-the-tongue) lozenge that combines sildenafil and tadalafil,  the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively   

• Daily Rise Gummies: fruit-flavored gummies that contain daily tadalafil 

Because these last two options are manufactured in compounding pharmacies, they aren’t specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of ED. 

2. Vacuum erection devices

A vacuum erection device (VED), or penis pump, is a mechanical device that draws blood into the penis by creating negative pressure inside a tube placed over the penis. A small constriction ring is then positioned at the base of the penis to help maintain the erection after the tube is removed.

Vacuum device therapy is generally considered a cost-effective, safe, and non-invasive option for managing erectile dysfunction and can be used as needed. Devices typically cost around $300–$500, making them less expensive over time than many medication-based treatments. 

While efficacy rates are relatively high, using the device may require some getting used to, and satisfaction varies among users. There is also a possibility of penile bruising and injury. So, it’s important to use the device as directed and avoid using it for more than 30 minutes at a time or applying overly tight constriction to reduce the risk of injury.

3. Low-intensity shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy uses low-intensity sound waves applied to the penis to create tiny, controlled stress in the tissue, which signals the body to release growth factors and form new blood vessels that improve blood flow.

Shockwave therapy aims to support more natural erections over time, rather than creating a temporary effect like ED injections. A 2022 cost analysis shows that the average cost of shockwave therapy is over $3,000 per treatment course.

That said, the evidence is still evolving. And while some studies show modest improvements in erectile function, these changes may be too small to make a meaningful difference for many people.

4. Lifestyle changes 

Research suggests that some healthy lifestyle changes can improve erectile function and possibly enhance the effectiveness of other treatments:

• Quitting smoking

• Following a heart-healthy diet

• Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous exercise regularly 

• Lowering your stress levels

Lifestyle changes alone may not resolve ED in everyone, especially those with severe cases. But these natural tactics are widely considered an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve ED symptoms and your overall health.

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Erectile dysfunction injections can be highly effective for men who don’t respond to oral ED medications. But they’re often one of the most expensive ED treatment options and not always covered by insurance. Here’s what you should know: 

• The cost of erectile dysfunction injections can vary widely. Costs vary based on the medication type, pharmacy, and how often injections are used. Using injections multiple times per month can also significantly increase total out-of-pocket expenses.

• Compounded injections, such as Trimix or Bimix, may offer lower per-dose costs. However, pricing for compounded medications isn’t standardized and can vary substantially between pharmacies. Of note, compounded injections aren’t specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of ED.

• Non-standard treatments like the P-Shot tend to have the highest out-of-pocket costs. These options are often not covered by insurance and are typically priced per session rather than per dose. They also don’t have strong, high-quality evidence to support their effectiveness, so results can be unpredictable.

• Less invasive or lower-cost alternatives may be worth trying before committing to injections. Ask your provider about oral medications, vacuum devices, and other treatments that may be more affordable over time. Different methods have varying levels of effectiveness, so it’s important to talk with your provider about what’s most appropriate for you.