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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PENILE INSERT

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PENILE INSERT

  • Penile insert is also known as penile prosthesis or penile implant.
  • It is a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • The surgery is done by placing flexible or inflatable rods in the penis.

Who’s a good candidate for this procedure?

 You’re a good candidate for penile implant surgery if:

  • You have a persistent ED that affects your sex life,
  • You’ve tried a penis pump
  • You’ve tried medications for ED like Viagra, Levitra, Stendra, and Cialis.
  • You have a history of prostate cancer or you’ve previously undergone a prostatectomy
You are not a good candidate if:
  • Your ED is due to emotional problems
  • You lack sexual sensation or desires
  • You have lesions, inflammation, or problems with the skin around your penis

Preparation for surgery

  • Your doctor will carry out a thorough physical examination and also review your medical history
  • This will help them decide whether you need a penile implant.
  • If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes that is not properly managed, or infections like urinary tract infection, your doctor will advise you against a penile impact surgery.
  • Your doctor will consider other treatments like oral medications or penis pump options before going ahead with a penile implant

 Types of penile implants

Three-piece implant
  • This is the most expensive type of penile implant
  • This involves putting a fluid reservoir under the abdominal wall.
  • The pump and release valve is implanted in the scrotum while 2 inflatable cylinders are placed in the penis.
  • This creates the most rigid erection.
Two-piece implant
  • In this implant, the reservoir is a part of the pump placed in the scrotum.
  • The pump takes more effort to work but it required less hand dexterity
  • Erections are a bit less firm than that of the three-piece implant
Semirigid implants
  • This type uses semi-rigid rods that are not inflatable.
  • Once implanted, they stay firm all the time.
  • It allows you to position your penis against your body to bend it away from your body anytime you want to have sex.
  • The process of implanting semirigid rods is simpler than the surgery for inflatable implants.
  • Semirigid rods however put constant pressure on the penis and can be somewhat hard to conceal.

What happens during the procedure?

  • The surgery is performed using general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
  • A catheter is placed to collect urine and an intravenous line for antibiotics and other medications.
  • The surgeon then makes an incision in the lower abdomen, just below the head of your penis.
  • Then the tissue in the penis, which is usually filled with blood during an erection, is stretched and the two inflatable cylinders are placed inside your penis.
  • If you chose a two-piece inflatable device, the valve, reservoir, and pump are placed in your scrotum. If it’s a three-piece device, only the pump is inserted in the scrotum, the reservoir is inserted under the abdominal wall.
  • Finally, your surgeon closes the incision. The procedure takes about 45-90 minutes

Recovery

  • After your surgery, you’ll be given instructions on how to use the pump
  • You may be able to get back to work within a few days but you’ll need several weeks to recover fully.
  • You should be able to resume sexual activity in about four to six weeks.