Penile Implants

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the condition of not being able to fully or partially achieve an erection. While it has plagued man for centuries, only recently have scientific developments given men yet another option for the treatment of this devastating condition. The miracle of penile implants, or prosthesis, has been changing lives for over fifteen years. Yet in its very short history, this surgical procedure has already gone through numerous evolutions, leaving behind it a trail of alternative prosthetic inventions, each one having surrendered to the next, newer, better way to stuff the shaft. Sadly, the short history of these surgical techniques is not without its tales of long-term complications, and if someone goes wrong, such as infection, it can be a nightmare for the man.

Getting penis prosthesis surgery should always be considered a last resort when it comes to finding a way to treat erectile dysfunction. There are many options available to choose from in order to get combat impotence, and only until all other options have been investigated and rejected on sound medical grounds, should one consider undergoing this risky and complicated procedure.

Current penile implantation techniques first got going in the early 1970’s, when it took the form of a complex hydraulic system in which the new penis was literally inflatable. This three-part setup involved the implantation of a fluid reservoir in the abdomen, a pump in the scrotum and prosthesis in the penile shaft. Such an instant erection mechanism allowed the penis to remain flaccid until activated. When an erection was desired, one nearly had to pump the scrotum to draw fluid from the abdominal reservoir into the shaft, so that the penis would then ideally rise to firmness and rigidity.

Once the results were in for how the system of scrotal pump and prosthesis fared on the level of post-operative satisfaction for patients and their partners, many were surprised. It was originally thought to be one of the most convenient systems of prosthesis. Unlike another that causes a permanent erection, this allowed the penis to remain flaccid when an erection was not desired. It also featured the built in scrotal pumping system as a part of the process in which the sexual partner could participate as if it were a natural part of foreplay. Unfortunately, partners found themselves unable to manipulate the pump and less-than-satisfactory erections resulted.

The latest version of the hydraulic system is simplified to operate all within the shaft itself. From a flaccid state, the penis can be drawn to an erection by adjust a valve placed at the head of the penis. Once the erection is no longer desired, the valve can be adjusted again so that the fluid flows back and a non-erect penis is regained.

Although mechanically functional, it seems it was the mechanics themselves of the hydraulic system that hindered its seductiveness, especially if external factors, including relationship issues, were present. Indeed, in couples experiencing marital problems, in which the partner is against surgery, if there are unattainable expectations or if erectile dysfunction is only part of the sexual dilemma, low levels of post-operative satisfaction can almost be guaranteed. In addition, if an obese person undergoes such surgery, the limited size of the new shaft will cause problems with attaining penetration, a problem necessarily intensified for obese couples.

Another technique developed early on was the permanent erection. This type of prosthesis involves two rods of firm texture placed along the penile shaft. It champions the man’s guaranteed ability to never be bothered with not being able to get it up, but this is obviously also the major downside to this procedure. In an effort to disguise the erection men have been obliged to wear extremely tight underwear or overly baggy trousers. Needless to say, it was not the most ideal situation. Furthermore, while indeed useful to have a hard erection during intercourse, men with this prosthesis have been more likely to slip out of the vagina.

A third major type of prosthesis involves the implantation of a network of flexible wires inside the penile shaft. This bendable device allows the penis to be propped into an erection when desired, after which it can be twisted into a flaccid state. Making way for easy insertion and foolproof usability, this procedure is generally cheaper than other implants and provides sufficient firmness while in use. Unfortunately, the penis is constantly firm, and pain in the penis can result from this surgery. If the wires break, then the penis will lose its ability to be bent into an erection, and numbness in the area has also been associated with wire implantation. Worst of all, however, is the possible irritation and rupturing of the urethra that could occur, requiring further costly emergency surgery should this befall an unlucky patient.

The last major type of surgery to treat erectile dysfunction works on the basis of a hinge system broken up into segments. Similar to the bendable wire design, this prosthesis involves internal cables that can be moved into the desired position. It is unique in that there is only an on-off functionality to it that does not permit an in-between stage. The surgery is relatively simple and the product is not difficult to use. One disadvantage, however, is that this prosthesis in no way increases the length or girth of the penis.

The complications that arise from penile prosthesis can be devastating, and it is not uncommon for a man to have to go back to the doctor for a second surgery because of an infection, severe pain in the penis, or malfunctioning of the implanted device. When pain occurs, it usually is experienced in the tip of the penis, and can be a warning signal of serious problems. For example, pain may indicate that the implantation is placed incorrectly and is therefore interfering with other vital functions. Infection can be very serious and can require an immediate redo surgery before it spreads or causes local or extended cell death. When prosthesis malfunctions, it is possible that it could cause injury to important components of the penis, including the urethra. In addition, the implants are made of silicon, a substance that has been known to cause cancer and diseases of the immune system in women who have had reconstructed or enhanced breasts. These complications result from the spreading of the silicon into other regions of the body, and it has been found that this spreading occurs in men as well.