Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction: Can Penile Implants Help? - Dr Pramod Krishnappa

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is a common condition among the male population. ED is basically a failure to obtain or hold onto erections that are essential for intercourse. Episodic ED can be due to many causes, but constant or recurrent cases of ED are signs of a serious hidden issue in the body and would require medical assistance.

Understanding the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:

There are several causes of ED, and it is necessary to determine its source to have an efficient treatment.

Common factors contributing to ED include:

Limited Blood Flow: One of the major reasons behind ED is the reduced supply of blood to the penis. These could be a result of diseases such as hardening or narrowing of arteries, referred to as atherosclerosis, heart diseases, or high blood pressure due to diabetes.

Nerve Damage: The process of erection involves nerves, and they play an important part in this process. Some medical conditions or surgeries can cause damage to the nerves and consequently lead to ED.

Emotional or Psychological Factors: In addition, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems may be a direct or indirect cause of erectile dysfunction.

Indication of a serious condition: in some instances, ED can be a precursor to other serious illnesses that require clinical intervention.

Penile Implants as a treatment for Erectile Dysfunction:

If the medication to treat Erectile Dysfunction fails or if the individual has a condition that makes the other options unsuitable, then a penile implant will be a good option. These implants are medical devices that are placed in the penis surgically, so the man can get an erection. There are two types of penile implants, which are called semirigid and inflatable.

Semirigid Implants: They include flexible rods that are inserted in the penis. Despite their rigidity, which is still retained, they are controlled and adjustable to enable an individual to get an erection.

Inflatable Implants: Inflatable penile implants that have penile cylinders, pump and a reservoir system so that the patient can determine when the erection occurs. They are preferred because they give a more natural-like erection and enable one to have more control over the process.

Risks and Considerations:

Like any medical procedure, penile implant surgery carries some risks and considerations.

Infection: There may be a risk of infection for people who have an underlying uncontrolled diabetes or a spinal cord injury. However, this danger can be significantly reduced by careful postoperative management and follow-up.

Mechanical Problems: Modern implants are highly reliable, but in a few instances, they can malfunction, which may require a corrective surgical procedure.

Internal erosion or adhesion: In some cases, an implant can stick to the skin inside the penis or wear away the skin from inside the penis. Some of these issues may be associated with the infections, which need close monitoring.

Candidates for Penile Implants:

Typically, Penile Implants are recommended for:

Men with severe ED: People with a poor response to other treatments, including medication.

Men with Underlying Medical Conditions: Penile implants may be the only option if certain medical conditions or anatomical problems make other procedures ineffective or unsafe.

Gender Affirmation Surgery: Sometimes, a healthcare provider can recommend someone to get Penile Implants as part of gender affirmation surgery.

The Procedure and Advantages of Penile Implants:

This procedure requires a surgical intervention, which involves the implantation of either inflatable cylinders or bendable rods in the penis. It is up to the patient to choose between either one of them, depending on his preferences or needs. Patients are also provided with aftercare, and their progress is closely evaluated.

Benefits of Penile Implants:

Essentially, this implant allows a man to get an erection anytime he desires without any difficulty. Other benefits include:

Safety: This process is relatively safe and has fewer possible side effects compared to other methods.

High Satisfaction: The penile implant is the procedure with one of the most satisfactory results for erectile dysfunction (ED), as more than 90% of patients report satisfaction with their results, which proves the effectiveness of this treatment.

Durability: Today’s penile implants have been designed to perform well and can often be sustained for more than two decades.

Fast Procedure: The procedure usually lasts for only one to two hours, and the majority of the patients go home on the same day.

Increased Self-Esteem: Proper management of erectile dysfunction can bring back self-confidence as well as the pleasure that is felt during sexual intercourse.