Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an uncomfortable subject for many men to discuss, let alone treat. Despite the widespread use of non-surgical treatments for ED (Pills, Injections, Urethral Suppositories &Vacuum Devices) the fact is a majority of men fail to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for intercourse. Many men may not know when, or where to go for advice, but there is a safe and highly effective solution that is often misrepresented and rarely discussed: The Penile Implant. While at first glance this could sound scary, it is important to understand that the penile implant is the most effective long term treatment for ED. It is actually a cure for ED, and it simply fixes the problem. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in only 30-40 minutes through a small opening just above your penis where your pubic hair is located. The procedure is absolutely transformational as patients are highly satisfied.
Below are a few facts about Penile Implants:
1. Penile Implants Have Several Purposes—Including Some You May Not Think
Generally, penile implants are discussed in the context of erectile restoration, allowing a man to have an erection for as long as he wants...whenever he wants. Even if a male ejaculates, he can keep his erection. This is very powerful, and it is every man’s dream to obtain strong sexual power and control. However, the effects of the penile implant go far beyond the sexual arena, helping men psychologically. Men actually regain their self-confidence, their self-esteem, and their overall sense of manhood. Simply, they feel more whole as a man, and as a result, they are so much more likely to engage intimacy. This has profound effects on their relationship and their overall quality of life. Another important aspect to note is that penile implants are also used to treat Peyronie's disease, a condition that causes severe scarring inside the penis, leading to severe penile curvature and deformity. The incidence of PD is higher than expected, affecting as many as 8-10% of the male population. This can have profound psychological effects for the patient and can be a direct cause of ED. For men that have ED and PD, the Penile Implant is the treatment of choice.
2. Not All Penile Implants Are Alike
All men are different and each situation is unique, thus requiring one type of penile implant over another. There are two main options one can choose from. The first, inflatable or hydraulic implants, have a pump that is manually used in order to inflate the implant prior to intercourse. The other option is semi-rigid or a malleable implant, which maintains a certain level of rigidity that allows sexual intimacy upon demand by simply bending the penis to a functional position. This has a slightly lower satisfaction rate than the inflatable implant, but it is the treatment of choice for patients that do not have the manual dexterity to squeeze the pump or who are unable to use inflatable implants due to other health reasons.
3: Nothing to Fear
A major concern for many men considering penile implants is losing sexual function such as penile sensations, ejaculations, or orgasms. This is simply not the case, as all of the above are completely preserved. The penile implant is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a modest recovery. Most of the recovery is completed after one week, and men are totally healed within 3 weeks. Pain is modest and well-managed. Many men don’t even take their pain pills. Men can usually return to work within a week and they can resume normal exercise in only 3 wks. We begin teaching men how to pump their implants at the 3 week mark, and patients are ready for sexual intercourse in only 4 weeks. This is a easy recovery in exchange for the rewards of a life changing transformational procedure!!!
A procedure like the penile implant is naturally an initial source of concern to men, and staying informed is the best way to dispel unfounded myths. However, when it comes to these procedures, it’s equally important to choose a professional that you trust. If you’re looking for a top penile surgeon to help you understand the process, look no further than Dr. Shawn Blick, M.D, founder of ED Specialists of Arizona, a Center of Men’s Health and Penile Implant Surgery. With over 18 years in practice, he is known not only as one of the best penile implant surgeons in the country, but also a major force in raising community awareness about the beneficial procedure.
