If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) then you should know that you are not alone. Erectile dysfunction affects more than 3 million males in the United States every single year. While erectile dysfunction can usually be managed with prescription medication, this is not always the case. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) and you are not seeing results with medication or you are not interested in medication or you need a more permanent solution for your erectile dysfunction, you may want to speak with your doctor about the possibility of erectile dysfunction corrective surgery.
An erection requires a complex system of nerves, capillary response, stimulation, and physical response that all work together and happen simultaneously. Erectile dysfunction occurs when one or more of these necessary components fail, resulting in either an erection not sufficient enough for sex or no erection at all. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction in order to find the solution that best suits your needs and wants. Surgery for erectile dysfunction allows men to maintain a sense of spontaneity and normalcy when engaging in sexual activity. Below we will cover the different types of surgical procedures available for treating erectile dysfunction, including penile prosthesis and revascularization.
Penile Prosthesis
Penile implants have been available since the 1950s and have undergone many improvements to their technology and effectiveness. There are two different types of penile implants:
- Malleable Penile Implants
- Inflatable Penile Implants
It is important to speak with your primary care physician about all of your options for treating your erectile dysfunction, including the many other less invasive treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Oral Medications
- Injections
- Suppositories
- Penis Pumps
If you are considering a penile prosthesis, be sure to talk with your primary care physician about any and all concerns and questions you may have regarding your health and the different types of penile implants.
Malleable Implants
Malleable penile implants are often not the preferred form of penile implant, however, they are an effective surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Malleable penile implants are a more noticeable penile implant option as they are mechanical devices that require surgery to implant and provide a permanent firmness ultimately correcting erectile dysfunction. The surgeon will start by making an incision near the base of the penis in order to create an opening in the two long tubes of spongy tissue of the penile shaft so the penile prosthesis can be placed. A single semi-rigid rod is then placed in each opening to provide a permanent firmness sufficient enough for sexual activity. This procedure requires the patient to be sedated under general anesthesia and takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to be completed. In most cases, you can leave the hospital the same day of the surgery.
You may be advised to refrain from sexual activity for at least 6 weeks following the placement of your penile implant and you may also be prescribed medication as needed for any pain after your penile prosthesis is placed. This type of penile implant will always be firm, which will make them easier to detect in clothing, however, you can bend the implanted rods downwards to better conceal the penile implant. Once you have been cleared for sexual activity by your physician after your penile implant surgery, you can shape the erection manually for sexual activity. It is important to remember that this penile prosthesis is a mechanical device and can eventually wear down or break. If this occurs, another surgical procedure may be required to remove, repair, or replace the rods of the penile implant.
Inflatable Implants
Inflatable penile implants are the more favorable option between the different types of penile implants for men with erectile dysfunction, but they are a longer procedure and may require an overnight stay after the implant surgery. Inflatable penile implants work by manually inflating the penis to create an erection-like state and then deflating once the sexual activity has concluded. This type of penile implant allows for a more reliable, rigid, and spontaneous erection which helps men with erectile dysfunction to maintain a sense of normalcy and control over his erections. This type of penile implant surgery consists of two inflatable cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump unit that are surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum. An erection-like state is achieved by pressing on the area of the scrotum where the pump unit has been placed in order to allow fluid to flow from the reservoir which will be implanted near the bladder. This manual inflation of the penile prosthesis will provide a sufficient erection that has a more natural and rigid feel.
It is important to remember that this penile prosthesis is a mechanical device and can eventually wear down or break. If this occurs, another surgical procedure may be required to remove, repair, or replace the rods.
Penile Revascularization
Penile revascularization is an effective surgery for erectile dysfunction that is used mostly in men with erectile dysfunction that are younger than 40 years old who have experienced a traumatic injury to the pelvis ultimately affecting the penile blood vessels and restricting healthy blood flow to the penis. Micro-surgical revascularization can help improve erectile dysfunction by restoring blood flow to the penis. This surgical procedure requires the patient to be sedated using general anesthesia and will allow the surgeon to bypass the blocked or constricted penile arteries by using an artery located in the lower abdomen and connecting it to one at the top of the penis. This procedure allows for adequate blood flow sufficient enough to maintain a healthy erection and is an effective treatment for this type of erectile dysfunction.
It is important to note that this surgical procedure is not suitable or recommended for men with erectile dysfunction caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease that causes hardening of the arteries due to the deposition of plaques of fatty material on the inner walls. This condition can lead to permanent damage in the lining of the blood vessels in the penis resulting in restricted blood flow and erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction can be a frustrating and sometimes painful condition but it is important to remember that there are many treatment options available and it is up to you and your doctor to choose which form of treatment would be best for you. Penile implants and, in some cases, penile revascularization can be sufficient forms of treatment for erectile dysfunction. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any and all concerns and questions you may have regarding surgical procedures for erectile dysfunction.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278925/
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916
