Penile Prosthesis
What is Penile Prosthesis?
Penile prosthesis is another term for a penile implant. These
implants are surgically placed within the penis for people having difficulties with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). This is not normally the first option for those with ED and should be seen as a last resort.
Erectile dysfunction commonly referred to as ED, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It is estimated that ED affects up to 30 million men in the United States, including over half of men between the age of 40 and 70 years old.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include persistent:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes
A successful erection is dependent on the following conditions:
- Properly functioning nerves in the penis
- Adequate blood circulation into the penis
- The veins must be able to “trap and keep” the blood inside the penis
- A stimulus from the brain
If something is interfering with any or all of these conditions, a full erection will not be achieved.
Causes of ED can be either physical or psychological in nature
There are two main types of penile implants; the inflatable implant and the semirigid implant. Both of these implants are purely designed to allow a man to receive an erection. They in no way a stimulant for sexual desire or libido.
Types of Penile Prosthesis
There are two main types of the penile prosthesis; Inflatable penis implants and semirigid penile implants. Here we will go into a little detail about each of the penile implants.
- Inflatable Penile Implants – These are inflatable devices that you would pump up before having sexual intercourse. Usually, the inflatable penile implants will consist of three attachments. There will be a reservoir under the abdominal wall that will hold fluid. Next, there will be a pump and release valve inside the scrotum to control the fluid that will be used for inflation. Finally, the inflatable cylinders will maintain your erection.
- Semirigid Penile Implants – These penile implants are going to be permanently firm. You will maintain an erection at all times and will have to adjust the penis either towards the body or away from the body.
Risks of Penile Implants
Due to this being surgery for your penis, there are always risks. These risks include:
- Infections – Infections may cause swelling and inflammation and are a chance in any surgery. These will be treated with antibiotics.
- Implant Issues – Very rarely, these penile implants may malfunction. In these cases, surgery to repair and/or replace the penile implant will be necessary.
- Post-surgical pain or discomfort after receiving the implant.
- Scrotum or penile swelling that may be accompanied by chronic redness.
Other issues may occur that you will have to discuss with your Urologist. If you are experiencing any serious pain following the surgery, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Reasons to Consider a Penile Implant
- Patient Satisfaction Rates- Patients report a 98% satisfaction rate for inflatable penile implants.
- Additional Patient Satisfaction Rates- Patients treated with a penile implant appear to be significantly more satisfied with their treatment options than those treated with ED medication or other treatment options.
- A Discrete Treatment for ED- A penile prosthesis is not noticeable when your penis is flaccid. Your partner won’t be able to tell you’ve had an implant to treat your ED unless you tell them.
- Minimal Recovery Time-Every person is different, but a typical recovery time after a prosthesis implant procedure is four to six weeks. After you’ve fully recovered, you can begin enjoying sex once more.
- Cost-effective- Penile implants have been shown to be the most cost-effective ED treatment over a 10-year period.
- Orgasm-If you were able to reach orgasm you should continue and be able to reach orgasm once you receive the implant.
Testicular Prosthesis
While it is important to know that a testicular prosthesis is strictly for cosmetic appearances only and is not a functioning testicle, the cosmetic benefits provided by a testicular prosthesis have resulted in psychological benefits and high levels of patient satisfaction. Missing a testicle can be emotionally challenging. Testicular prostheses represent a simple, effective, and safe surgical solution that alleviates these feelings of altered body image for many patients.