Long before the introduction of Viagra, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, men suffering from the condition had to rely on a rather uncomfortable method to achieve an erection before engaging in sexual activity.

Dr Samuel Gepi-Attee, a retired urologist who played a key role in the development of Viagra, has explained that men with erectile dysfunction were previously treated with injections directly into the penis.

In an interview with Kafui Dey, which aired on November 13, 2026, Dr Gepi-Attee described the treatment method, explaining that it was the only available option at the time.

When Kafui Dey suggested that the procedure sounded painful, the retired urologist acknowledged the concern but maintained that men had little choice.

“Maybe, but that was the only one available at the time. Injections into the penis? Yes, directly into the penis, when needed, as it were.”

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This meant that before Viagra became available, men with erectile dysfunction had to directly inject themselves into the shaft of the penis whenever they wanted to engage in sexual activity.

Dr Gepi-Attee also explained how sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, was discovered to have the ability to treat erectile dysfunction.

According to him, the drug was originally developed and tested as a medication for angina pectoris, a condition that causes chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, as well as high blood pressure.

However, during the trials, some of the men who took the drug reported experiencing strong erections.

This unexpected development drew attention to its potential use in treating erectile dysfunction and eventually led to the development of Viagra.

Pen!s Injections 😳

Before Viagra, men with erectile dysfunction resorted to injecting their pen!ses to achieve an erection.

Watch full interview here https://t.co/XqrnklLxf5

#KafuiDeyInterviews https://t.co/evD2HHqWPk

— Kafui Dey (@KafuiDey) November 13, 2026