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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffNew designs and surgical procedures have improved the function and safety of penile implants. Although implants are the most invasive and least often chosen treatment for erectile dysfunction, most men who have the procedure say they're satisfied with the results.
There are some things men should know before choosing to have the procedure:
- Implants cause an erection, but they don't increase sexual desire or sensation.
- The implant won't make your penis any larger than it naturally is at the time of surgery. Your erect penis may be slightly shorter than it used to be.
- Some partners feel that sexual pleasure is diminished by their lack of involvement in creating an erection.
- This surgery is permanent. If your implant is removed, you will not be able to get an erection.
- Infection is a possibility, especially if you have diabetes or certain other health problems. An infected penile implant has to be removed, and replacement surgery can be difficult.
References
- Montauge DK. Prosthetic surgery for erectile dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, et al. Walsh: Campbell's Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119551792-3/801941680/1445/26.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50025-X--cesec13_1966. Accessed Dec 23, 2010.
- Eid JF. What is new for inflatable penile prostheses? Current Opinion in Urology. 2009;19:582.
- Erectile dysfunction. Cornell University Sexual Medicine Program. http://www.cornellurology.com/sexualmedicine/ed/implant.shtml. Accessed Dec. 23, 2010.
- Wolter CE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 18, 2010.
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