Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t limited by age; it affects men young and old. In fact, a recent study revealed that while ED is more common in older men, it also affects 26% of men under 40. This condition can significantly impact the quality of life and intimacy for men of all ages.
If you’re among those who grapple with ED, you’re not alone.
Are you frustrated and embarrassed about your condition? Is ED effecting your relationships?
Don’t worry. There’s hope!
Today, there are a plethora of different treatment options for ED from oral medications, in mild cases, to penile implant, if the condition is ongoing. In any case, there’s something out there for you.
If you’ve been struggling with ED and seeking a lasting solution, we’ll dive into a solution that’s changing the lives of countless men worldwide – penile implants.
ED Treatment Options
Did you know that more than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 experience some form of erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives?
Erectile dysfunction can be a challenging and distressing condition, but it’s essential to remember that effective treatments are available.
You don’t have to suffer in silence and shame. Consulting with a urologist is a crucial next step in eliminating the problem. Experts can guide you on the best ED treatment option for your case.
Overview of ED Treatment Options
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, there are several paths a man might take. Some common options include medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, and surgery. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks:
- Medication: Pills are easy to use but must be taken before sex and can have side effects.
- Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, exercising, and quitting smoking can help, but these might not be enough for everyone.
- Therapy: Useful for ED with a psychological cause but might not solve physical issues.
- Surgery (Penile Implants): Offers a permanent solution, especially useful when other treatments haven’t worked.
How Does a Penile Prosthesis Work?
Have you struggled with other ED treatments and found them lacking? Then a penile implant might be what you need.
A penile implant is a helpful device inserted during a quick surgery, designed to help you achieve an erection just like before. Made from body-friendly materials and coated with antibiotics to fight infection, it’s both safe and effective.
This option includes 24-hour hospital admission, a surgical incision in the scrotum, six weeks post-operative recovery, and mild discomfort as patients learn how to inflate and deflate the device. Ultimately, this option allows for spontaneity, intimacy, and romance to return, with removed performance anxiety.
There are two main types:
- Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: This is the most popular type. It includes a pump placed in the scrotum and fluid-filled cylinders in the penis. When you want an erection, you press the pump, which sends fluid into the cylinders to create an erection. After, you can release the fluid back, making the penis flaccid again.
There are different options for inflatable implants:
- One-piece implants consist of a pair of cylinders that are inserted into the penis. In this treatment option, the penis always remains semi-rigid. When you want to have sex, you just adjust the penis into an upright position. For daily activities, you can move it downwards so it’s out of the way and more comfortable.
- Two-piece implants includes two main parts: a pump and cylinders. The pump is placed in the groin area, and the cylinders are inside the penis. When you want to create an erection, you manually press the pump. This action moves fluid into the cylinders, which makes the penis firm and erect, similar to inflating a balloon. After intercourse, you press a special release button on the pump to move the fluid back out of the cylinders, which allows the penis to become soft again.
- Three-piece implants function the same way as two-piece implants. However, in the three-piece implant, there’s also a separate fluid reservoir that is placed in the abdomen. This reservoir holds more fluid than the two-piece version, which allows for a fuller and longer-lasting erection. However, one disadvantage is that it requires more extensive surgery.
- Malleable Penile Prosthesis: This type has bendable rods that are always semi-rigid. You can adjust them up or down for sex. It’s simpler but less natural than the inflatable type.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Penile Prosthesis
Advantages:
- Penile implants are very durable and can last over 15 years.
- The mechanical nature of the implant means that you can produce an erection whenever you wish to, almost instantly.
- The penile implant is discreetly enclosed inside your body, so no one needs to know that you have one.
- Implants do not interfere with the ability to orgasm and ejaculate and produce an erection that feels natural.
- Implants do not interfere with sexual spontaneity, as some other treatments might.
- Patients and their partners report high satisfaction rates.
Disadvantages:
As with any operation, the penile prosthetic surgery option may involve some risk of infection or failure.
Life After Penile Implant Surgery
Penile implants can significantly transform your intimate life, not just by restoring erectile function but also by boosting your confidence and the dynamics of your relationship. The ability to engage in spontaneous sexual activity without the need for pills or devices can bring back joy and spontaneity in your relationship.
Many couples find that the implant not only improves sexual satisfaction but also strengthens their emotional connection as the burden of ED is lifted. Sharing this journey with your partner can enhance openness and intimacy, leading to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.
Recovery and Adjustment
Recovery after penile implant surgery is generally straightforward, with most men able to return to their everyday activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Initially, you may experience some discomfort and swelling, but this can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Following your surgeon’s advice closely during this period is vital to ensure a smooth recovery.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery:
- Rest and Heal: Give your body time to heal, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for the first few weeks.
- Follow Post-op Instructions: Attend follow-up appointments and adhere to your surgeon’s guidance on care and medication.
- Patience with Sexual Activity: You can typically resume sexual activities about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, but it’s important to wait for your doctor’s approval.
Penile Implant Before and After Results
According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, ED becomes increasingly more prevalent as men age, with 40% of men affected at age 40 and nearly 70% of men affected at age 70. Erectile Dysfunction is a common yet overlooked issue affecting men’s sexual health.
Understanding the range of treatments available for erectile dysfunction is crucial for those affected. Initially, doctors might recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or injections. However, for many, these solutions may not be sufficient, especially as ED becomes more severe with age.
When traditional treatments do not yield the desired results, penile implants present a viable long-term solution.
Before the procedure, many men like you face frustration, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy, affecting not only their sexual health but also their overall well-being. However, after undergoing a penile implant procedure, many men like you report a significant boost in their confidence and intimacy. With restored confidence and intimacy, they find themselves enjoying fulfilling relationships and rediscovering the joy of sex.
How do implants compare to other ED treatments?
Penile implants offer a revolutionary approach to restoring intimacy and reclaiming control over your sexual health.
They have one of the highest satisfaction rates among ED treatment options. Studies show that more than 90% of men are satisfied with the results of their penile implant surgery. Furthermore, their partners also report high satisfaction levels, which is not always the case with other ED treatments.
While other treatments may be effective temporarily or in specific cases, penile implants offer a definitive and long-term solution, with many lasting 15 years or more before needing replacement or adjustment. This durability, combined with the high level of patient and partner satisfaction, makes penile implants a compelling option for those seeking a permanent solution to ED.
Considering a permanent solution to erectile dysfunction?
If penile prosthetic surgery is on your mind or if you are grappling with ongoing ED, consulting with an expert is essential. Dr. Katelaris, with three decades of urology expertise, guides patients daily towards solutions that can be precisely tailored to their specific needs. He has recommended penile prosthetic surgery to countless individuals, achieving a remarkable 90% satisfaction rate among those who have opted for this permanent solution.
Curious to learn more or ready to take the next steps? Scheduling a consultation with a specialist is your best starting point. Feel free to reach out to us at (02) 9477 7904 or via email at [email protected]. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you through every phase of your journey, providing personalized care that uniquely addresses your situation.
References:
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- Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Penile implants – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916#:~:text=Three%2Dpiece%20inflatable%20implants%20use,the%20reservoir%20into%20the%20cylinders. [Accessed 21 September 2022].
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- Chung E. Penile prosthesis implant: scientific advances and technological innovations over the last four decades. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Feb;6(1):37-45. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.12.06. PMID: 28217449; PMCID: PMC5313299.
- Dr. Richard Natale. 2022. What Are the Different Types of Penile Implants? [online] Available at: https://www.charlottemenshealth.com/2018/10/19/what-are-the-different-types-of-penile-implants/ [Accessed 21 September 2022].
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