There are many ways to manage Erectile Dysfunction, including non-surgical options such as lifestyle changes, medications and other treatments. However, if none of these options prove to be effective, you may want to consider a penile prosthesis.
A penile prosthesis or a penile implant is a device that can be used to effectively treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and, if implanted by an experienced surgeon, can last at least 15 years with regular use. Technology and engineering over the last 30 years have come a very long way to result in penile implants being an effective solution for permanent restoration of a healthy sex life.
Penile implants are a very safe option, with the device being made of bio-compatible silica that the body won’t reject. It is also coated in an antibiotic solution to prevent risk of infection.
How does a penile implant work?
A penile prosthesis is a 3-part hydraulic device, which features a fluid-filled inflatable prosthesis. Two inflatable cylinders are placed in the penis, a pump is implanted in the scrotum and a fluid-filled reservoir is placed in the lower abdomen. The entire implant is concealed within the body and it is not visible to the naked eye.
Following recovery from penile implant surgery, which usually takes 4-6 weeks, a man can use the device to create an erection whenever he desires by using the scrotal pump to transfer fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. The inflatable cylinders are filled, expand and result in an erect penis.
What are the benefits of penile implant surgery?
If penile implants are suggested as the right treatment option for you by an experienced urologist, you may be interested in knowing the benefits compared to other treatment options, such as oral or intravenous medications.
Firstly, penile implants are the most reliable form of managing erectile dysfunction, making sexual spontaneity possible. Maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy in a relationship is important and can be related to the ability to initiate sex whenever the desire arises. Oral medications do not offer an immediate solution to ED and therefore lack spontaneity. Reliability is also a key factor of penile implants, as well as eliminating the performance anxiety and fear of embarrassment in men.
How much do penile implants cost?
The costs of penile implants will vary depending on your health insurance, with most private health insurance providers covering either a portion of or the entire cost of the implant.
There are also Medicare rebates for the surgery and implant. Feel free to contact Dr Katelaris’ office for a detailed cost breakdown.