Penile Prostheses For Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, also called ED, is a condition that makes it difficult for men to get or maintain an erection. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 30 million men are affected by ED in the United States. This condition is relatively common, and most men report having problems with erections from time to time. Still, ED is a serious ailment that usually indicates the presence of an underlying health problem. For example, the following health factors have been known to cause ED:
- Health conditions that limit blood flow to the lower extremities
- Emotional stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes; high blood sugar
- Obesity
If you’ve been diagnosed with ED, your urologist will go over treatment options based on the cause of the condition. Conservative therapies and lifestyle changes will usually be recommended as the first line of treatment for patients with psychological distress. This may include cutting out smoking, alcohol, and junk food items. If an underlying condition is causing ED, other treatments may be considered, such as testosterone replacement, dietary supplements, ED medications, a vacuum erection device, or minimally invasive surgery.
Typically, surgery is reserved for patients who have not found success with other treatments. A penile prosthesis generally falls under this category, and the partner surgeons at Specialty Surgical Center are expertly trained in this procedure. Penile implants, which are also called penile prostheses, are devices that are surgically implanted in the body. There are two types of penile implants: bendable and inflatable. Both implants have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before undergoing surgery.
To start, some penile implants are very easy for you and your partner to use. The bendable implant can help keep the penis stiff during sex, but be kept down in a comfortable position when not in use. There is also a simple, 2-part penile implant that pumps a small amount of fluid into the surgically implanted cylinders to help men develop an erection. This fluid can then be pumped out of the cylinders when an erection is no longer needed.
Another advantage to both implants is that they are completely concealed in the body, so patients can feel comfortable knowing there is no visible difference in the appearance of their penis. Many of these implants require simple surgical procedures that require minimal downtime. Disadvantages to this procedure generally include:
- Occasional abnormal feelings/sensations
- Deterioration or thinning or penile flesh over time
- Some pain and discomfort post-operatively
If you’re interested in learning more about penile implants for erectile dysfunction, please call Specialty Surgical Center today! We’ll help you schedule an appointment with one of our partner urologists so he or she can walk you through your treatment options.
Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey, and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.
For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.