Is it safe to receive oral sex while using MUSE?
The use of MUSE by the male partner in couples engaging in oral sex has not been tested. The goal of the MUSE clinical studies has been improvement in erectile function resulting in sexual intercourse. During the course of these studies, anecdotal reports of bitter taste, experienced by a few partners, was reported by investigators who presumed that it was associated with oral sex. The active ingredient in MUSE is alprostadil, a chemically identical version of the naturally occurring prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) found in semen. About 80% of alprostadil administered by MUSE is absorbed from the urethra within ten minutes after administration. Although alprostadil from MUSE is found in the ejaculate, human semen is a rich source of prostaglandins. Since prostaglandin causes blood vessels to dilate, partners of patients using MUSE who engage in oral sex before maximal absorption has occurred may be exposed to the blood vessel dilating effects of alprostadil contained in MUSE.
