A Guide to Your Legal Rights After a Botched Penile Injection

Understand when a serious injury caused by penile injection medications may be a medical mistake

Key points about penile injections:

Erectile dysfunction is extremely common. Over half of men between 40 and 70 are affected, though many never report it due to stigma or embarrassment.
Penile injections are one of several treatment options. Alongside pills, pumps, and implants, injectable treatments like Trimix and Bimix can be effective for men who don’t respond to oral medication.
Penile injections come with real risks. Complications can include prolonged erections, infections, scarring, pain, and permanent erectile dysfunction—especially if administered incorrectly.
Botched procedures may be medical malpractice. Mistakes like injecting in the wrong location, using the wrong dosage, or not considering other medical conditions could justify a legal claim and entitle you to compensation.

Penile injections are widely marketed as quick, effective treatments for improving sexual function—but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be painful, permanent, and deeply personal.

From severe infections to tissue damage and lasting erectile issues, botched penile injections can leave lasting harm. Yet many patients are hesitant to pursue legal action because they’re unsure if the complications were just bad luck or the result of a doctor’s negligence.

At Palmer Lopez, our experienced Tampa medical malpractice attorneys understand how sensitive this topic is, but embarrassment shouldn’t stop you from getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you suffered a serious injury after a penile injection in Florida, we’re ready to help you understand your legal options. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, erectile dysfunction is the most frequently reported sexual health concern among men, particularly as they get older or develop other medical conditions.

It’s estimated that over half of men between 40 and 70 are affected but the actual number could be even higher, since many men choose not to talk about it or seek help.

What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?

The main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is reduced blood flow to the penis, often due to underlying physical conditions. Common contributors to ED include:

Heart disease and atherosclerosis. These can narrow or block blood vessels, limiting blood flow.
Diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control erections.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both can affect circulation and damage arteries.
Hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone or thyroid issues may impact sexual function.

Neurological disorders. Conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can interfere with nerve signals.
Lifestyle factors. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, lack of exercise, and obesity are all linked to ED.
Certain medications. Drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, pain, or prostate conditions can sometimes cause ED as a side effect.

Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute—especially when combined with physical causes.

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What is the best treatment for erectile dysfunction?

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in treating erectile dysfunction. Improving diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, managing stress, and addressing underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can all play a major role in improving symptoms.

If those steps aren’t enough, healthcare providers often recommend one or more of the following medical treatments:

Testosterone replacement therapy. For men with clinically low testosterone levels, hormone therapy may improve libido and erectile function.
Oral medications. Drugs like Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), Levitra® (vardenafil), and Stendra® (avanafil) help increase blood flow to the penis and are often effective for many men.
Penile injections. Medications like papaverine, phentolamine, or alprostadil are injected directly into the penis to trigger an erection. This option may work well for men who don’t respond to pills.

Priapus Shot® (P-Shot®). This newer treatment uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood, injected into the penis to potentially enhance blood flow, sensitivity, and performance. Research is still ongoing, but some patients report positive results.
Vacuum erection devices. These mechanical pumps help draw blood into the penis and use a tension ring to maintain the erection.
Penile implants. A surgical option involving inflatable or semi-rigid devices placed inside the penis. This is typically reserved for cases where other treatments haven’t worked.

Each treatment has potential benefits and risks, so it’s important to work with a medical professional to find the approach that fits your health and goals.

What is the best medicine for penile injections?

Currently, the most widely used penile injection medication is Trimix. It combines 3 drugs—alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine—to increase blood flow and help produce an erection. Trimix can be highly effective for men who don’t respond to oral ED medications.

Other common medications used in penile injections include:

Bimix. This formula contains only papaverine and phentolamine (no alprostadil), making it a good alternative for men who experience side effects from Trimix, especially penile pain caused by alprostadil. It may be slightly less potent than Trimix but still effective for many.
Priapus Shot® (P-Shot®). Unlike Trimix or Bimix, the P-Shot isn’t a pharmaceutical drug. It’s a non-surgical injection that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood to potentially improve blood flow, sensitivity, and performance over time. While still considered experimental, some men report lasting improvement in erectile function.

So, while Trimix and Bimix are used to create immediate, short-term erections, P-Shots may provide long-term improvement by encouraging tissue regeneration and better circulation.

In the news: New Mexico man awarded $412 million in penile injection malpractice case

In November 2024, a New Mexico jury awarded more than $412 million to a man in a landmark medical malpractice case—the largest jury verdict of its kind in U.S. history. The case involved NuMale Medical Center, a men’s health clinic with locations in multiple states, including Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina.

According to a report by CNN, the plaintiff, a 66-year-old man, sought treatment for fatigue and weight loss in 2017. Instead, he was allegedly misdiagnosed and subjected to unnecessary and invasive penile injections that caused permanent damage.

Attorneys argued that the clinic pressured patients into receiving treatments under false pretenses, warning them of irreversible harm if they didn’t comply with 3 injections per week.

Jurors ultimately found NuMale and its officials liable for fraudulent, negligent, and unconscionable conduct that violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act.

How safe are penile injections?

Penile injections are generally considered safe and effective when prescribed and administered properly by a qualified healthcare professional. Millions of men use medications like Trimix or undergo procedures like the P-Shot with good results. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects.

Risks associated with Trimix injections include:

Pain or burning at the injection site
Prolonged erections (priapism), which can be a medical emergency

Scarring or fibrosis with long-term use (Peyronie’s disease)
Bruising or bleeding, especially if injected improperly

Risks associated with the Priapus Shot® (P-Shot®) include:

Swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site
Rare risk of infection if not administered under sterile conditions

While complications are uncommon, serious harm, including impotence, can occur due to issues like improper dosage, incorrect administration, or even problems with how the drug was formulated or produced. In some cases, this harm may result from medical malpractice.

When is a botched penile injection considered medical malpractice?

A botched penile injection might be considered medical malpractice if the harm you experienced was caused by a preventable mistake on the part of your doctor or another healthcare provider.

Not every bad outcome is malpractice, but when a provider fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, that’s when legal action might be warranted.

Below are some examples of situations that could cross the line into malpractice:

Prescribing errors. If the dosage of Trimix, Bimix, or a similar medication is too high, it can result in an erection lasting several hours or longer—sometimes requiring emergency care. That’s not just painful—it’s dangerous.
Lack of informed consent. In short, if your injury resulted from a doctor’s actions or lack of action, you may have a medical malpractice case, so reach out to a local Florida medical negligence lawyer who can help you take steps to get the compensation you’re entitled to. Your provider should clearly explain the potential risks, side effects, and alternatives before performing the procedure. If they don’t, and you suffer an unexpected injury, you may have a valid claim.
Using contaminated or improperly stored medication. If a clinic fails to follow proper storage or sterility protocols, and you develop an infection or reaction due to tainted medication, that’s a serious red flag.

Improper injection technique. If a provider causes harm after injecting medication in the wrong location, using the wrong needle size, or failing to teach you how to properly administer the medicine at home, this could be grounds for a medical negligence lawsuit.
Prescribing medications without considering other health conditions. If your provider failed to assess whether a medication was safe for you based on your age, cardiovascular health, or other underlying issues and you were injured as a result, that oversight could be negligent.
Neglecting follow-up care. If something goes wrong and your provider doesn’t respond appropriately—like delaying treatment for a complication—that failure to act could be negligent.

In short, if your injury resulted from a doctor’s actions or lack of action, you may have a medical malpractice case, so reach out to a local Florida medical negligence lawyer who can help you take steps to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Did you suffer a serious injury after taking penile injections? We can help!

When medical care goes wrong, not just any attorney will do. Cases involving botched procedures, medication errors, or physician negligence require a law firm with specific experience in medical malpractice.

At Palmer Lopez, our Tampa medical malpractice attorneys focus on these types of complex claims and have a long history of building strong cases against careless providers and clinics throughout Florida.

If you’ve been harmed after receiving penile injections, reach out to Palmer Lopez today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2019, October 14). Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10035-erectile-dysfunction