Boffins create rub-on gel for tackling impotence… but it contains explosive nitroglycerine found in dynamite
MEDICS have come up with a dynamite solution for tackling impotence — a gel containing the explosive nitroglycerin.
In trials, rubbing on a pea-sized blob of the gel delivered a positive result within ten minutes for seven in ten men with erectile dysfunction.
It works up to 12 times faster than Viagra — used by nearly three million Brits.
The rub-on gel works by releasing a nitric oxide gas when rubbed in to widen tiny blood vessels — increasing the blood flow to the penis.
Doctors at University College London Hospitals and other centres did trials on more than 220 men with erectile dysfunction.
Half had the treatment, while the rest were given a dummy gel.
The study found 44 per cent achieved erections within five minutes.
For 70 per cent it took less than ten.
Viagra and other impotence pills usually take between 30 minutes and an hour to kick in.
David Ralph, a consultant urologist, said: “Potential advantages include potential for a fast action and ease of use. Their use could be incorporated into sexual foreplay, increasing the level of intimacy between couples.”
IT SHOWS PROMISE
Commentary by Prof Raj Persad, Consultant Urologist
THE attraction of this rub-on administration is that it works “locally” so is less likely to produce side-effects.
Viagra-type compounds circulate throughout the body causing side-effects.
Glyceryl trinitrate when absorbed locally in the penis causes dilatation of the penile blood vessels facilitating erection to occur.
Studies look promising. Safety testing is essential but thus far all looks good.
Overall, one in four men experienced a clinically significant improvement.
Side-effects were mild, with around one in 13 suffering headaches.
Medics say tweaking the formula may produce even better results.
Thousands of patients already take nitroglycerin daily under its medical name of glyceryl trinitrate to combat angina — chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart.
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Around five million British men suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Causes can be psychological or physical — ranging from stress to conditions affecting blood flow, such as heart disease and diabetes. Many sufferers do not respond to drugs such as Viagra.
Researchers now plan further trials and say the gel may be available by next year and cost £1 daily for a year’s supply.