What Changes After a Penile Prosthesis Implant? Key Differences from Sex Life to Daily Routine

O que muda depois do implante da prótese peniana? Principais mudanças da vida sexual ao cotidiano

What Changes After a Penile Prosthesis Implant? Key Differences from Sex Life to Daily Routine

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Besides restoring erectile function, what changes after a penile prosthesis implant is self-esteem. With more confidence, many patients report a more satisfying sexual experience. The penile prosthesis implant brings several changes, and we will explain each one. Check it out. The penile prosthesis implant is indicated when erectile dysfunction does not respond to conventional treatments, such as oral or injectable medications. In addition, the procedure may be recommended in severe cases of penile curvature, when the deformity compromises rigidity or makes penetration difficult. One of the main reported benefits is increased self-esteem. The prosthesis provides penile rigidity that can enable quality sexual intercourse. Learn more.

What changes after a penile prosthesis implant?

In addition to restoring erectile function, the prosthesis can improve sexual quality of life and boost a man’s confidence and self-esteem. Below, see what changes after the implant in a patient’s life, along with myths and facts about the penile prosthesis.

Pleasure with the penile prosthesis

The penile prosthesis implant surgery aims to restore erectile function without interfering with the nerves responsible for arousal, meaning pleasure is not harmed. However, it is important to remember that sexual desire starts in the brain, and arousal cannot be overlooked. Arousal is the brain’s response to sexual stimuli that can be visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory. Honest communication with your partner is also important for sexual satisfaction. Openly discussing concerns, desires, and fantasies helps the couple align expectations, overcome limitations, and find new possibilities in intimacy.

Orgasm and ejaculation after the implant

Orgasm and ejaculation do not change after a penile prosthesis implant. When the procedure is performed by a specialist urologist, the nerves linked to pleasure are preserved, ensuring sensitivity and the ability to feel sexual pleasure. The prosthesis can even intensify sexual sensation because it helps the man feel greater security regarding penile rigidity, which can contribute to increased sexual drive. There are also no changes in the quality or volume of ejaculation. The surgery does not interfere with the structures that produce or transport semen, so the man will not ejaculate more or less after the procedure.

Erection and penetration after the implant

The penile prosthesis is designed to create and maintain an erection that allows penetration.However, it is important to understand that the erection with the implant is not spontaneous. Depending on the type, it may be necessary to manually inflate or bend the prosthesis to achieve the required rigidity. In the case of the inflatable prosthesis, the man needs to operate a small pump located in the scrotum to become erect. This mechanism transfers saline from the reservoir to the cylinders implanted in the penis, producing a more controlled and natural erection. The semirigid prosthesis, on the other hand, keeps the penis in a permanent erection. When he wishes to have intercourse, he simply positions it upright and the organ is ready. Although the erection mechanisms differ, several studies show that many men report satisfaction and improved quality of sexual life after adaptation. Regardless of the type of prosthesis, the man can continue penetrating after ejaculation because the prosthesis allows the erection to continue for as long as both partners need to reach orgasm.

Urination after the prosthesis is placed

Urine flow is generally not affected by the implantation of a penile prosthesis. The urethra, the channel through which urine passes, is not altered during prosthesis implantation surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a recovery period during which minor changes in urine flow may occur. These changes are temporary, and normal urinary function should return after complete recovery.

Appearance of the penis after the implant

The goal of the prosthesis is to restore rigidity and erectile function, not to change anatomy. Therefore, appearance does not change after the implant, and the size of the penis also does not increase with the procedure. However, when erectile dysfunction is associated with loss of length and width, as occurs in Peyronie’s disease, the implant is combined with reconstructive surgery. In this specific situation, the appearance of the penis improves due to total or partial recovery of the measurements it had before the dysfunction.

Does the penile implant shift out of place?

It is possible for the penile implant to shift out of place — this is one of the potential complications of the procedure. However, it can be prevented.

Dr. Paulo Egydio explains that the first measure to avoid implant displacement is to position it correctly, respecting the anatomy of the penis.

According to the specialist, sometimes it is not that the implant has changed position, but rather that there was an error in sizing during the surgery.

Does sexual satisfaction change?

Sexual satisfaction can improve after prosthesis implantation, especially for those who have suffered from erectile dysfunction for a long time. The ability to achieve and maintain a firm erection can restore sexual confidence and allow a more active and rewarding sex life. Although initial adjustment to the implant may take some time, most men and their partners report high levels of satisfaction and a significant improvement in their quality of sexual life. relieved couple hugging outdoors

Temperature and sensitivity

After the implant, it is possible for the penis to become slightly cooler compared to its normal temperature.This occurs because the prosthesis has no blood flow. However, most men do not feel a significant temperature difference, and when it does occur, this slight reduction does not hinder pleasure or sexual experience.

Sports and physical activities

Many men wonder what changes after a penile prosthesis implant regarding sports activities. The answer is that nothing changes. When the surgery is well performed and the patient correctly follows postoperative guidelines, the prosthesis does not cause discomfort or pain. Return to exercise usually occurs 60 days after the procedure, and we provide some tips. For example, recommendations for football lovers with a semirigid prosthesis are to position the penis close to the body and wear tight underwear. Cycling enthusiasts with an inflatable prosthesis and a large scrotum need underwear with reinforcement for the scrotal area. If that is not possible, the scrotum should be lifted so it is not pressed against the seat.

Will the partner like it?

Many men wonder if they will be able to resume sexual activity and have quality relations. We bring three studies that prove penile prosthesis satisfaction rates are high. This research with 190 patients analyzed between January 1999 and January 2012 concluded that the implant restores the ability to have satisfactory sexual relations both for men undergoing their first procedure and those receiving a second implant. Another article concluded that the three-component inflatable prosthesis is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and that sexual satisfaction rates for patients and partners are significant. Finally, the authors of this literature review focused on the LGBTQ+ population observed partner sexual satisfaction rates after penile implant between 50 % and 90 %. couple posing in front of the sunset

What is it like to live with a penile prosthesis?

The implant may require an adaptation period, but for many men, the potential benefits outweigh initial difficulties, since the implant is a therapeutic option for severe erectile dysfunction, enabling a return to sexual life. In addition, the prosthesis can restore confidence and improve quality of life, not only sexually but also emotionally. With proper support and medical follow-up, many patients report satisfactory adaptation and improved quality of life.

Care routines for better adaptation and healing after surgery

Respecting the postoperative recovery period is essential to obtain the benefits of the penile prosthesis. Follow the schedule below:
  • First 5 days: the penis will be bandaged;
  • Next 5 days: the dressing should be changed daily;
  • Between days 7 and 10: cleared to return to work, but without exertion;
  • 30 days after surgery: gradually resume physical activities;
  • Between 45 and 60 days after surgery: resume sexual life.
The inflatable prosthesis requires a return visit 28 days after the procedure. At this appointment the doctor will assess results and guide the patient on handling the device.

Talk to Dr. Paulo Egydio and learn all about the penile prosthesis implant

The penile prosthesis implant is a surgery to treat erectile dysfunction. As with any surgical procedure, the professional’s experience is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction. Dr. Paulo Egydio has more than 25 years of experience with implants and has already performed over 6,000 procedures, therefore possessing the expertise necessary to recommend the best type of prosthesis and perform the surgery with precision. You now know what changes after a penile prosthesis implant. Consult a specialist to assess whether the penile prosthesis implant is indicated for your case. Contact us to schedule your appointment and find out whether you are a good candidate for the device.

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Paulo Egydio, M.D.

PhD in Urology from USP, CRM 67482-SP, RQE 19514, Author of Geometric Principles (known as “Egydio Technique”), as well as other articles and scientific books in the area. Guest professor to teach classes and live surgeries at conferences in Brazil and abroad.

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