What to Expect from a Penile Implant
A penile implant, or penile prosthesis, is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
The inflatable or flexible rods are put into the penis. The inflatable rods need a device filled with a solution and a pump hidden in the scrotum. The saline solution travels to the device and inflates it when you press on the pump. You can deflate the device again.
Men who have tried other ED treatments are usually the ones who get this procedure. The majority of men who have surgery are satisfied with the results.
Continue reading to learn about different types of penile implants, who is a good candidate, and what you can expect after surgery.
Pros
- Penile implants are very effective for treating ED.
- “When oral medicationisn’t working for ED, a penile implant might be suitable.”
- It can be a part of surgery.
Cons
- A penile implant can be expensive.
- There is a risk of infections.
- It will take a while to recover.
- Not everyone is a good candidate for an implant.
If you have had penile implant surgery, you may be a good candidate.
- It impairs your sex life.
- already tried medications for ED, such as:
- Viagra
- Cialis is a drug.
- vardenafil is used for infertility.
- Avanafil is a Sanskrit word.
- tried a penis pump (vacuum constriction device)
- not had positive results from penile injection medications like TriMix
- a condition, such as Peyronie’s disease, that is unlikely to improve with other treatments
- Have you had a history of cancer?
If you are not a good candidate, you may not be a good one.
- There is a chance that ED is not permanent.
- Emotional issues are the reason for ED.
- “You don’t have sexual desire or sensation.”
- you have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- You have a problem with the skin of your penis or scrotum.
Which medications may cause ED?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. This will help them decide if a penile implant is right for you.
The exam will include a complete urologic exam. This can include getting a urine sample.
If you have penile implant surgery, your doctor will probably advise against it.
- An infectious disease, such as a urinary tract infection.
- That is not well managed.
- cardiovascular disease is a disease.
Before going ahead with a penile implant, all other treatment options will be considered. Most doctors will only recommend surgery after you have tried less intrusive treatments for ED, such as oral medications or a penis pump.
Tell your doctor about your expectations. You have to choose the There is a type of implant., so ask about the pros and cons of each type.
Your doctor will inform you about the risks of penile implant surgery and follow-up care steps.
Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid drinking and eating after your surgery. You will need to arrange a ride home after the surgery.
3-piece implant
The most used type are inflatable devices. A fluid reservoir is put under the abdominal wall. The scrotum contains a pump and release valve. There are inflatable cylinders in the penis.
It is the most extensive type of penile implant surgery. There are more parts that could malfunction.
2-piece implant
There is a two piece implant in which the pump is placed in the scrotum. This surgery is not as complicated. The three-piece implant is more firm than the Erections. The pump requires less hand dexterity than other pumps.
Semirigid implants
Semirigid rods are used in another type of surgery. These devices stay firm all the time after they are implanted. You can have sex with your penis by either placing it against your body or by bending it away from it.
A semirigid implant has a series of segments with springs on each end. It is slightly easier to maintain positioning.
Semirigid rods are easier to implant than inflatable implants. They are less likely to malfunction. It can be harder to hide the penis because of the constant pressure it puts on it.
The surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
The area is shaved before surgery. A catheter is placed to collect urine and an IV is used for antibiotics.
The surgeon makes an opening in your body, either in your lower abdomen or penis.
The penis is usually filled with blood during an erection, but it is stretched. The inflatable cylinders are placed inside your penis.
If you have chosen a two piece inflatable device, the saline valve, pump, and reservoir can be placed inside your scrotum. The pump goes into your scrotum and the reservoir is under the abdominal wall.
Your surgeon closes the incisions. The procedure takes 45 to 90 minutes but it can vary.
Instructions on how to take care of the surgical site and how to use the pump will be given after surgery.
You may need pain relief for a while. Antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor to cut down on the chance of infections.
It may take a few days to recover from the surgery, but it may take weeks to fully recover. You should be able to resume sexual activity in about six weeks.
Many inflatable penile implant surgeries are considered successful. (That is, they result in erections for intercourse.) Among men who have had the surgery, around
“You can have intercourse with penile implants. They don’t help the head of the penis to get hard, nor do they affect sensation or orgasm.”
As with any type of surgery, there’s a risk of infection, bleeding, and formation of scar tissue following the procedure. Rarely, complications like mechanical failures, erosion, or adhesion need surgery to repair or remove the implant.
If you have an established medical cause for ED, your insurer may cover the cost in part or whole. A variety of factors affect total costs.
- There is a type of implant.
- Where you live.
- Is the provider in-network?
- “Your plan’s copays and deductible.”
“If you don’t have coverage, your doctor may agree to a self-pay plan. Request a cost estimate and contact your insurer before surgery. Most providers have an insurance specialist who can help with financial matters.”
Researchers have sent questionnaires and interviewed people who had undergone the procedure to get an idea of patient satisfaction rates.
Responses to a
However, a
If you find it hard to maintain an erection, you should consider booking an appointment with a doctor. ED is a temporary issue that goes away on its own, but it could also be a sign of an underlying condition.
If your doctor discovers that your ED is caused by an underlying condition, he or she will likely treat that condition first.
Your doctor will probably recommend other treatments before you have penile implant surgery. These can include:
- medication
- penis pumps
- Penis injections.
- lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking if you smoke
- If ED is linked to stress or emotional difficulties, talk therapy is a good idea.
Medication
A number of oral medications are available for ED. Nowadays, you can find cheaper generic versions of popular erectile dysfunction medication. Sometimes, insurance might cover it.
ED medicationis noninvasive and easy to use. However, it can cause side effects. Your doctor might suggest a different kind of ED medicationif one causes side effects.
In some cases, ED medicationmight not be recommended if you’re taking certain medications (such as alpha-blockers) or if you have certain cardiovascular conditions.
Penis pumps
Penis pumps are ideal if you can’t, or don’t want to, use medicationto treat your ED. Also called a vacuum pump or a vacuum erection pump, it’s ideal for someone with moderate ED.
To use a penis pump, you place the pump over your penis. Turn on the pump (or use the hand pump) to remove air from the tube. The change in air pressure causes blood to flow to the penis, engorging the blood vessels. This causes an erection.
There are many kinds of penis pumps out there, and they’re not too expensive. Although it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s a noninvasive, non-drug treatment that can be
Penis injections
With Penis injections., you’ll have to inject medicationinto the shaft of the penis before sex. An erection will usually follow within 5 to 15 minutes.
Injectible medicationcan cost around $5 per dose, according to GoodRx. In some circumstances, it might be covered by insurance.
According to a
Lifestyle changes
Smoking cessation and managing stress can help with ED.
These lifestyle changes can be free, and they can have an added bonus of improving your overall health.
“Changing your habits might not help if your lifestyle isn’t contributing to your ED.”
Talk therapy
Talk therapy is recommended by your doctor before penile implants. If your ED has an emotional root, this is the case.
Talk therapy is usually less expensive than penile implants and can be as little as $200 per hour. It can be longer, but most therapists recommend six to eight sessions. Talk therapy can be cheaper and it can benefit your mental health.
It is not always easy to say whether talk therapy will help with your ED or not. Talk therapy is unlikely to help if your ED is not the symptom of a bigger emotional problem.
How long does a penile implant last?
It usually lasts between 15 and 20 years. You may need to replace the implant after this time.
Is a penile implant noticeable?
“The scar on the bottom of your penis won’t be noticeable to other people. Non-flaccid penis are seen as a non-flaccid penis.”
Does a penile implant increase penis size?
“Penile implants can’t increase penis size.”
Do doctors recommend penile implants?
Yes, when they are needed. Doctors recommend penile implants if other ED treatment options are unsuitable or ineffective. Penile implants can also form a part of gender affirming surgery.
What is the recovery time after a penile implant?
It can take several weeks to fully recover from a penile implant. Recovery time depends on your situation.
You can resume sexual activity in 4 to 6 weeks. The recovery period will be longer if you have an illness.
Penile implants are designed to help you achieve erections. It is a viable option when other treatments are not effective.
