Penile Implant Surgery

Penile implant surgery is gaining fame as the corrective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Penile implant surgery involves the insertion of a rigid, semi-rigid, or inflatable prosthesis to support erection for proper penetration during sexual intercourse. Penile implant surgery is not designed to enlarge the penis. This procedure may be traced in the 1950s, when Dr. Scardino performed the first surgery that involved the insertion of an implant to the penis.

Often times, erectile dysfunction is caused by underlying diseases like diabetes, cancers, Parkinson's disease, chronic renal failure, neurologic disorders, trauma to the penis and genital are, multiple sclerosis, hypogonadism. Prior surgeries and medications are also linked with erectile dysfunction. For patients suffering from these disorders, penile implant surgery may be prescribed if they wish to improve their sex life. On the other hand, there are some contraindications to penile implant surgery. If there is uncontrolled diabetes, an increased susceptibility to infection, and urinary conditions that blocks urine flow, penile implant surgery may not be advised.

What are the available choices for penile implant?

There are tow main classifications of implants used for penile implant surgery. The first classification includes the rigid rod, semi-rigid rod, and the malleable rod. The next classification is the inflatable with two types, the multi-component and the self contained inflatable prostheses. The choice between these choices depends upon the condition of the patient and his desired outcome. With the doctor's approval of his choice of implant, they may proceed with the penile implant surgery.

Is the prosthesis obvious?

No. They are made to fit in the penis and may remain unnoticeable. The surgery may leave a scar but it can be mistaken to be due to other procedure or trauma and not as a result of penile implant surgery.

Will it improve or enhance your sex life?

Yes. The implants support your penis during erection. Although it may differ from the natural erection, it is often described as a shorter erection than those you previously had. It will significantly improve your sex life. Orgasm and other sensation are not affected by the implant.

Is penile implant surgery safe?

All surgeries, regardless of its scale have their own risks. Penile implant surgery is done in an outpatient basis so it may be considered a minor surgery. A man who had undergone penile implant surgery may return to his work 2-3 days after surgery.

Is there complications related to it?

Yes there are some complications related to it. Infection, bleeding, scar formation are some of them. These complications can be avoided by total adherence to the doctor's advice after the surgery as to the medications and activity restrictions. A healthy sex life is an important component of a good marriage. This may be one of the reasons why men cling to surgeries that will improve their sex lives. Another thing may be pride, it is common for men to project an image and this image won't be complete without a satisfactory sex life. Penile implant surgery is not just done with just the person's preference, his doctor's advice is still something to consider.