The Complete Guide to Penile Implants

Roughly 30 million males have some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States alone. Men who cannot get or maintain an erection more than 25% of the time should consider talking to a urologist about ED. The first step towards dealing with erectile dysfunction is diagnosing the problem and ensuring it isn’t caused by a significant health concern. After diagnosis, a urologist can review your options for maintaining healthy sexual activity.

There are several surgical and nonsurgical forms of treatment available for ED. When other therapies, such as medications, injections, or other procedures, are unsuitable, a penile implant may be recommended. At Carolina Urology Partners, we are experts in all areas of men’s health, including penile implants. That’s why we created this complete guide to penile implants, to help you better understand your options.

All About Penile Implants

A penile prosthesis is an artificial component that can be surgically implanted to enable men to engage in sexual intercourse. A penile implant can allow a man to achieve and maintain an erection. They are easy to use and discreet. Penile implants are invisible; your partner will not know you have one unless you tell them.

Several different kinds of penile implants can assist men diagnosed with ED. Some penile implants are bendable, made from surgically implanted rods within the chambers of the penis. Bendable penile prosthetics are malleable and can provide a satisfying sexual experience, including successful ejaculation and orgasm.

Other forms of penile implants are designed to inflate. These require the placement of a reservoir in the abdomen, dual cylinders within the penis, and a pump in the scrotum. When activated, the pump fills with fluid, causing engorgement of the penis with a natural appearance and feel. The pump can be easily deflated using only one hand.

Reasons to consider a penile implant include the following:

•       A safe, discreet way to treat erectile dysfunction
•       Most implants are covered by medical insurance
•       Minimal recovery time (usually 4-6 weeks of recovery time is sufficient to become sexually active again)

·     High patient satisfaction rates. Research has shown that over 93% of men are moderately or completely satisfied with their implant versus injections and medications, which have average satisfaction rates of between 40%-51%

Only a qualified urologist can advise if a penile implant is right for you. Dr. Richard Natale, a board-certified urologist and winner of Charlotte Magazines’ Top Doc award for 2013, is an expert on all forms of ED treatment. Whether you need help for low testosterone (low T), ED, or any other urological or men’s health issue, Dr. Natale has the experience and skills you can trust.

If you or someone you care about needs to be evaluated for erectile dysfunction, a penile implant, or any other male health-related issue, please call our office at (704) 786-5131 today. You can also request an appointment using our convenient online form.