Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to start or maintain an erection that is firm or rigid enough for satisfying sexual performance. Erectile dysfunction and associated symptoms may be present in up to 50% of men after age 40 and is more common and present than most people think. ED has been shown to impact the quality of life for men and can be associated with anger, depression, and anxiety. It has also been shown to affect the levels of intimacy and levels of satisfaction in men and their partners.
What causes ED?
Erections happen when there are successful interactions between your blood vessels, nerves, and what goes on “between your ears”. Just as such, erections are not acheived when these interactions aren’t succesful. But for most men, the failure to achieve and/or sustain an erection is usually due to other medical conditions.
Risk factors and causes for ED may include prior prostate or pelvic surgery, diabetes, blood vessel-related issues such as coronary artery disease, heart disease, neurological conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and other diseases that affect your body as a whole.
What Types of ED Treatment Are Available at AUI?
Some of the several ED treatment options we have at AUI include oral medications (like Viagra ™), Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Pulsewave ™), vacuum devices, penile injections, and as of recently, penile implants.
It is estimated that only approximately 50% of men who are taking oral medications are satisfied with their erections while 97% of men who have a penile implant are typically satisfied. Some men also end up stopping their pills because they either no longer work or they do not like them.
According to some studies, the cost of a bottle for 30 pills for erections can be the same as one implant procedure.
What is a Penile Implant and How is it performed?
A penile implant, or, penile prosthesis, is used for ED treatment in men. They are typically used when other treatments such as pills, injections, or vacuum devices do not or no longer work for men. Men will sometimes also prefer having a penile implant over the other options or when they do not like the side effects associated with them.
The penile implant may be either malleable (bendable), or inflatable. The type that you may receive will vary on either your preference and whether or not you feel comfortable operating them. Both options provide patients with direct control of both the timing and duration of your erection whenever you feel aroused. The inflatable system mimics the most natural feeling erection as it allows you turn it “on and off.”
The implant procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting (go home the same day). The implant technique is performed in a manner where you will only have one small incision above the area of your pubic bone.
This minimally invasive technique allows for:
– Improved recovery time
– Less soreness around the genital and scrotal area
– Easier and earlier manipulation of the implant device post-operatively.
Does the penile implant make my penis larger/longer?
Unfortunately, a penile implant does not increase the length of your penis. Preoperatively when you meet with your doctor, they will give you an idea of how things will look after your procedure.
Is a Penile Implant right for me?
A penile implant may be the right ED treatment for you if pills, injections, or medications no longer work or if you dislike any of the previously mentioned treatments. The biggest benefit of your implant is that it will make your penis rigid and that you are able to control when you would like to have your erections whenever you feel aroused.
How much is a penile implant?
The good news is, most penile implant surgeries are covered by Medicare and most major insurance companies! The typical cost for the implant, surgeon’s fee, surgical center fee, and anesthesia fee ranges from 12,000 to 19,000 dollars depending on your surgeon and chosen facility. Depending on these factors, no-interest payment plans may be offered as well.
If a penile implant is something you want to talk to your urologist about further, then feel free to drop us a note or give us a call at 512-694-8888. Rest assured that we take our discretion as seriously as the procedures themselves.
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