Cardiovascular Diseases and Penile Prosthesis: How Are They Connected?
Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, heart valve diseases… Some conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels can contribute to difficulties in the bedroom, making the relationship between Cardiovascular Diseases and Penile Prosthesis relevant for certain patients. Most men take an average of three to five years to seek help from a urologist when an erection problem arises. Cardiovascular diseases are among the physical causes of erectile dysfunction and can make the penis less reliable precisely when a man needs it most. In addition to erectile dysfunction, any tissue that receives reduced blood flow is more prone to developing fibrosis, and in the penis, this can lead to curvature, reduced size, and thinning. Learn more about why a penile implant may be necessary for this patient profile.
What Is a Cardiovascular Disease?
This term refers to all types of coronary artery disease, that is, conditions related to the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). Essentially, it describes any disease that affects the cardiovascular system.
Why Is Erectile Dysfunction Common in Patients with Heart Problems?
Erectile dysfunction in men with heart conditions is more common than one might think, given that both situations have underlying causes related to vascular health. These diseases hamper blood circulation, whether due to plaque buildup in the arteries, less arterial dilation, altered nitric oxide levels, or other factors. As a result, the penile cylinder is not adequately supplied. Keep in mind that many cardiac patients also have diabetes and high cholesterol, which worsen the problem even further.
How Can This Affect an Erection?
Each cardiovascular condition has its own characteristics, but they can all influence penile circulation. Here are a few examples:
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the arteries reduces blood flow to the penis.
- High Blood Pressure: Damages blood vessels, making them less elastic and reducing the circulation needed for an erection.
- Heart Failure: The heart pumps blood less efficiently, affecting blood supply throughout the body.
- Endothelial Dysfunction: Impairs the production of nitric oxide, essential for dilating blood vessels and allowing an erection.
When the veins that hold blood in the penis during an erection are damaged, the penis may not remain erect until the end of sexual activity. Such problems can lead to fibrosis formation, penile curvature, reduced size, and thinning.
Diagnostics for a Penile Prosthesis
The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction must be confirmed by a urologist using specific exams, such as artificially induced erection tests and high-definition ultrasound. If low blood flow to the penis is found, a complete cardiac and vascular evaluation is also crucial, with assistance from other healthcare professionals. In some cases, patients had serious heart problems but were unaware until their penile evaluation, which allowed for simultaneous treatment of the heart. If Peyronie’s disease is present along with erectile dysfunction, it can be difficult for the patient to notice if the penis is smaller, as he does not achieve a good erection. Only during the tests does he notice the loss of size.
After All, Can Heart Patients Get a Penile Prosthesis?
Cardiac patients may be candidates for a penile prosthesis, provided there is a thorough cardiovascular evaluation and the indication is appropriate for the situation. When properly indicated, the prosthesis can help improve one’s sex life. The decision about surgery depends on the patient’s overall health status. Adequate control of heart disease may help reduce surgical risks. Preoperative tests are performed, along with an assessment by a cardiologist. If the patient’s condition is not stable, the surgery can be postponed. Note that erection medications are generally not recommended for heart patients, which is why a penile prosthesis is indicated for these cases.
Is Surgery Safe for Cardiac Patients?
A penile prosthesis procedure can be safely performed in heart patients as long as the necessary precautions are taken and the indication is correct for the specific case. Typically, the urologist and cardiologist work together to ensure everything goes well.
Patients with severe heart failure, unstable coronary artery disease, or those who have recently had a heart attack may require more rigorous monitoring before being considered fit for surgery. In addition, the use of anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding. If the man’s condition is not stable, the surgery is not performed, as there is a risk of complications and a difficult recovery.
Is Surgery Risky for Those Who Have Already Had a Heart Attack?
Penile implant surgery may pose risks for those who have had a recent heart attack. Before the procedure, in addition to a careful evaluation, waiting is recommended to avoid cardiovascular events during surgery, such as arrhythmias or another heart attack. However, if the man has already received a stent or undergone a bypass, he may be at a better point for the implant, since his cardiovascular health has improved. The use of anticoagulants, common in people with a history of heart attack, can increase bleeding risks and require medication adjustments. If the patient’s cardiac condition is under control and the cardiologist grants approval, the surgery can be performed safely.
Necessary Precautions
Penile implant surgery is carried out with various measures to prevent infections and boost patient satisfaction with the procedure. However, individuals with cardiovascular diseases need specific care. First, the heart condition must be controlled to proceed with surgery. Anesthesia also requires attention. There are anesthetics that minimally affect the heart, but even so, they should be administered individually by an experienced team. After the procedure, the patient should follow the postoperative guidelines properly, including penis hygiene, antibiotic use, rest, and follow-up with the urologist. Continuing treatment for the heart condition is also crucial. When cleared for sexual activity, if the cardiovascular disease is not fully stabilized, one must exercise caution during intercourse, opting for positions that require less physical effort.
Can a Penile Prosthesis Harm the Heart?
A penile prosthesis, when correctly indicated and implanted with proper care, does not directly affect cardiac function. However, deciding on the procedure should take into account each patient’s clinical condition. In some cases, replacing erectile dysfunction medication with a penile prosthesis may be an option for heart patients, considering that these medications can interact with other cardiovascular drugs. If a prosthesis is deemed necessary, controlling cardiovascular health can improve treatment outcomes and help minimize associated complications. Contact Dr. Paulo Egydio to make the best decision for your sexual health.
Learn more:
- Sexual Health: Egydio Medical Center EMC
- How Not to Fail at the Right Moment? Tips to Avoid Impotence
- When Is a Penile Prosthesis Necessary in Curvature Surgery?
- What Causes Hormonal Disorders in Men? Find Out!
- Penile Prosthesis: Detailed Advantages and Disadvantages
- Penile Prosthesis Rejection: Risks and Cases
- Does prostate removal affect ejaculation? What changes in sexual life
- Penile Prosthesis Maintenance: Do I Need Frequent Replacements?
