The penile prosthesis is a treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction, potentially contributing to sexual function, sexual health, and self-esteem when there is appropriate medical indication.
When it comes to male sexual health, many myths still surround the available treatments — and the penile prosthesis is one of the topics that generates the most questions.
Contrary to popular belief, this type of implant is not intended for aesthetic purposes but rather functional: to restore the rigidity necessary for sexual intercourse in cases of erectile dysfunction.
The penile prosthesis is a therapeutic alternative that can be considered in selected patients, aiming to improve erectile function and, in some cases, contribute to quality of life and self-esteem.
In this guide, you will understand what a penile prosthesis is for, who can benefit from this treatment, the necessary care, and the options currently available.
Penile Prosthesis: Common Questions About Its Purpose
Contrary to what many men think, the indication for a penile implant is not aesthetic. Although it may impact body perception in some cases, its main function is to assist in treating erectile dysfunction by providing sufficient rigidity for sexual intercourse.
Before we delve deeper into the subject, it is important to clarify that the penile prosthesis is not used to increase penis size, a widely spread myth among men.
The device assists in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and provides good penetrative capability.
Lack of firmness in the penis may be related to difficulty maintaining an erection or, in rarer cases, to the penis being thin and long. The relationship between penis length and girth is very important and should be studied by the physician before any decision.
Care Regarding Penis Shortening and Thinning
As important as the surgery to implant the prosthesis is evaluating whether there is penis shortening or thinning, to consider, when indicated, techniques aimed at expanding penile tissues and improving anatomical conditions for the implant.
This condition is a consequence of other problems that may lead to the need for the implant and is generally associated with cases of acquired penile curvature, also known as Peyronie’s Disease.
This does not happen to all men, but it is important to be aware of this issue to seek effective treatment.
Due to poor erection quality, some men do not notice this loss, so it is important to ensure your doctor performs this evaluation. Currently, one way to conduct this study is through an exam with artificially induced erection combined with high-definition ultrasound.
In cases where size loss is identified, in addition to the implant, a penile reconstruction approach may be considered before placing the prosthesis. This approach aims to expand the penile tissues, when technically possible, to adapt the implant to the patient’s anatomical characteristics.
It is possible to perform penile prosthesis implantation combined with geometrically calculated reconstruction, all in the same surgical procedure. Learn more about the Egydio Technique on page 34 of this guide.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Prosthesis?
The penile prosthesis implant can impact physical and psychological aspects, depending on clinical indication, the technique used, and each patient’s progress. Some aspects to consider include:
Recovery of Rigidity and Penetrative Ability
The prosthesis may be indicated for men with loss of penile rigidity associated with erectile dysfunction, especially when medication treatment does not provide an adequate response or is not recommended. The implant can contribute to the rigidity necessary for sexual intercourse, according to medical evaluation and individual progress.
Recovery of Self-Confidence
Men with erection problems may experience associated psychological factors such as anxiety or loss of confidence, which interfere with well-being and sexual function. In selected cases, the prosthesis can help achieve sufficient penile rigidity for sexual intercourse.
Preventing Peyronie’s Disease
Acquired Penile Curvature, or Peyronie’s Disease, may be associated with scar formation in penile tissues. In some cases, trauma or microtrauma during sexual intercourse can contribute to this process, especially when there is insufficient rigidity for penetration. When erectile dysfunction is associated, the prosthesis may be considered to improve penile rigidity, according to medical evaluation.
Resuming Sexual Life
Sexual life can remain relevant at different stages of life. Some men with erectile dysfunction, including older men, stop seeking help because they believe there are no alternatives. The penile prosthesis can be a therapeutic option in selected cases.
Are There Disadvantages to the Penile Prosthesis?
Among the aspects to consider before placing a penile prosthesis are costs, insurance or health plan coverage, surgical risks, recovery, and realistic expectations regarding the outcome. The possibility of reimbursement or partial coverage should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
Penile Prosthesis: Common Questions About Available Types
There are different types of penile prostheses on the market. Knowing the different styles and functionalities is essential for those who need this treatment. The choice of the type of prosthesis to be used depends on a pre-assessment during the consultation. Besides patient preference, other factors are evaluated for the decision, such as medical condition, lifestyle, and costs.
Learn about the different types of penile prostheses by clicking the links below:
How Does the Malleable or Semi-Rigid Penile Prosthesis Work?
Good rigidity and malleability of the penis. These are the main characteristics of the malleable or semi-rigid prosthesis, which also has the advantage of no fluid leaks, rarely malfunctioning, and a low need for replacement, especially compared to inflatable models.
The two rods – metal filaments covered by silicone – help disguise the daily erection by keeping the penis malleable and allowing it to be gently positioned downwards or to the sides. At the moment of sex, simply position it straight, and you are ready to begin.
The degree of penile malleability and the sensation of residual erection do not depend solely on the type of prosthesis.
A satisfactory result mainly depends on an adequate surgical procedure that preserves the internal structures of the corpora cavernosa.
In some cases, tissue reconstruction and proper implant sizing may be considered to improve the anatomical and functional conditions of the penis. The need for this approach should be evaluated individually, according to clinical findings and complementary exams.
How Does the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Work?
The greatest advantage of this type of prosthesis is the ability to inflate and return the penis to flaccidity when most convenient. This makes many men consider it the most discreet option; however, it requires more attention in operation.
In this type of implant, the man produces an erection by manipulating a pump located in the scrotum filled with saline solution. The fluid travels through the cylinders implanted in the penis, activating the hydraulic system and inflating them. Simply press the deflate button on the pump, which is located in the scrotum, for a few seconds to allow the fluid to return to the reservoir and return to the resting position.
The inflatable prosthesis can have two or three chambers, both functioning very similarly. The difference is that the three-chamber model allows greater fluid exchange in the system, enabling greater cylinder filling when activated for erection and, consequently, greater flaccidity when deactivated. This happens because this model, in addition to the two cylinders and the pump, also has an extra saline reservoir installed imperceptibly in the patient’s abdomen.
The disadvantage of the inflatable prosthesis, whether two or three chambers, is the possibility of saline leakage. Being more complex, its system is susceptible to mechanical failures caused by fluid leakage, pump malfunction, and loss of cylinder wall resistance, which may require another surgery for replacement.
In this case, the surgeon’s experience and skill are even more important, both during implantation and in connecting the entire system to avoid possible problems.
This prosthesis is usually indicated for patients who are more concerned with discretion, generally younger men, or for those with organic blood-filling problems in the penis, where the malleable prosthesis would not satisfactorily resolve the issue. However, this matter is more complex and should be discussed during an in-person medical evaluation.
How Does the Articulated Penile Prosthesis Work?
The articulated prosthesis can be bent more easily than the malleable one. Additionally, it is coated with silicone, which further facilitates concealing the erection. However, the small articulated sections that make up the prosthesis contribute to a scenario of lower firmness during penetration, also known as low vertical or axial rigidity.
This is a less popular penile implant model compared to others, but it is important to know about its existence to clarify all doubts about prosthesis types.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
What Is the Relationship Between Penile Prosthesis and Erectile Dysfunction?
The penile prosthesis is indicated for patients with penile functional problems, that is, when lack of rigidity makes intercourse unpleasant or impossible.
The most accurate way to diagnose the need for an implant is through a functional exam. It must be performed by a specialist physician who will artificially induce an erection and perform a detailed ultrasound of the penis.
The Difference Between Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence
When hearing about sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction, it is important to know that both terms mean the same clinical condition. The choice of the term erectile dysfunction to classify the clinical picture of erection problems in a patient is recent, as sexual impotence has been considered pejorative by many men and health specialists.
With this explained, it is important to understand that erectile dysfunction is a disorder characterized by difficulty obtaining and/or maintaining an adequate and sufficient penile erection for satisfactory sexual activity, from penetration to ejaculation.
According to research by the Brazilian Society of Urology, this condition affects half of men between 40 and 70 years old, can also affect younger men, and has varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild to severe.
Due to misinformation, fear, or shame to seek professional treatment, many men end up compromising their relationships, missing out on a healthy and happy sexual life with quality of life. Therefore, knowing the problem, overcoming prejudice, and seeking specialized medical help are decisive factors in treating erection problems.
What Are the Causes and Consequences of Erection Problems?
Erection problems can happen to men of any age. They may have psychological causes (such as anxiety, stress, and depression ) or physical causes, such as hormonal problems, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, penile trauma, cardiovascular diseases, prostate surgeries, among other factors.
Understanding what causes erectile dysfunction is important both for prevention and for seeking the most appropriate treatment.
Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone
The proper functioning of the smooth muscle of the corpora cavernosa depends on good testosterone levels to maintain the relaxation and contraction function of the penis, which directly impacts erection quality and maintenance.
That is why men, especially over 40 years old, should periodically check their hormone levels through blood tests or by assessing testicular function.
Besides erection difficulty, low testosterone levels can lead to other problems affecting quality of life, such as increased abdominal fat, fatigue, and lack of libido.
Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the main causes of erection problems because the disease increases blood sugar levels.
A quality erection is directly related to blood flow inside the penis; however, uncontrolled sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, compromising penile rigidity. In some patients, erectile dysfunction may also be a side effect of medications used to treat diabetes.
Erectile Dysfunction, Penile Fibrosis, and Peyronie’s Disease
Prostate cancer is one of the most curable types, but it can bring some consequences for men that must be treated with caution.
Radical prostatectomy is usually the most indicated treatment for cancer cases, but it directly affects the nerves near the prostate, leaving patients who underwent this procedure predisposed to partial or total erection problems.
Other prostate cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or hormone therapy, can also cause erectile dysfunction; therefore, it is essential to have urologist follow-up throughout the recovery process.
Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Surgeries
Prostate cancer is one of the most curable types, but it can bring some consequences for men that must be treated with caution.
Radical prostatectomy is usually the most indicated treatment for cancer cases, but it directly affects the nerves near the prostate, leaving patients who underwent this procedure predisposed to partial or total erection problems.
Other prostate cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or hormone therapy, can also cause erectile dysfunction; therefore, it is essential to have urologist follow-up throughout the recovery process.
Erectile Dysfunction and Cases of Priapism
Priapism is a prolonged erection lasting more than 3 hours, persistent, usually painful, and without sexual stimulation.
One cause of this condition is that blood fills the corpora cavernosa, causing the erection, but it does not circulate and becomes oxygen-deprived. This leads to cell death, causing fibrosis and scarring inside the penis, which in turn can cause erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction, Vascular Problems, and High Blood Pressure
Vascular problems can harden arteries and slow blood flow inside the penis, affecting the ability to have or maintain an erection. When it comes to high blood pressure, the disease prevents arteries responsible for transporting blood to the penis from dilating as they should, causing the penis not to receive enough blood to remain erect.
Erectile Dysfunction, Smoking, Alcoholism, and Other Drugs
The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, both legal and illegal, can greatly worsen erectile dysfunction. Smoking can lead to vascular disease or other health problems that inhibit blood flow to the penis. Alcoholism disrupts hormone levels and can cause permanent nerve damage.
Some medications can also affect blood flow inside the penis, so it is important to consult a doctor before choosing any medication and clarify any concerns about its effect on erectile function.
Erectile Dysfunction, Depression, and Antidepressants
The use of antidepressants can cause erectile dysfunction due to their interference with blood flow to the penis. Combined with low sexual appetite, commonly observed in patients suffering from the problem, this contributes to an unfavorable condition for the patient’s well-being.
Attention to Psychological Erectile Dysfunction
Psychological problems such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, among others, can affect the response to sexual stimuli, which cause the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and hormones to work together to rapidly increase blood flow into the penis. However, psychological treatment should be accompanied by hormonal exams to ensure there is no related physical problem.
The Consequences of Erectile Dysfunction
Erection is an involuntary reaction in response to sexual or erotic stimuli. Both cause the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and hormones to work together to rapidly increase blood flow into the penis.
The organic erection process includes five phases. It begins with psychological stimulation, where neurotransmitters cause relaxation of the smooth muscle of the penis and increase blood flow to the corpora cavernosa. The increased flow lengthens and expands the penis, leading to the second phase, when penile arteries expand to accommodate the increased blood flow needed to lengthen and expand the penis.
Phase three is the full erection, when the volume of blood inside the penis is prevented from draining and promotes its expansion until full erection. When maximum rigidity is reached, the process reaches the fourth phase. The glans and corpus spongiosum enlarge until the penile veins are vigorously compressed, maintaining maximum penile rigidity.
The final phase of erection is the return to flaccidity. Muscle contractions result in blood flow out of the penis, thus decreasing its length and thickness.
Difficulty Having and Maintaining an Erection
During erection, blood remains inside the two spongy chambers (corpora cavernosa) located in the penis body. When filled with blood, they cause the penis to become rigid, increasing in size and diameter.
If difficulty having or maintaining an erection happens constantly, it is a sign that some blood flow processes are not functioning correctly. In these cases, consulting a doctor is essential to find the cause and seek appropriate treatment.
Lack of Firmness for Penetration
Often the penis is erect but lacks the firmness necessary for safe penetration. This happens when the man cannot achieve maximum rigidity during the erection process due to low blood flow inside the penis.
Attention to firmness should be heightened during sex because, without necessary rigidity, there is a high chance of the penis slipping, causing trauma and other diseases, such as Peyronie’s.
Associated Penile Curvature
Many people ask why many cases of Acquired Penile Curvature, also known as Peyronie’s Disease, are linked to erectile dysfunction. The connection between one problem and the other raises questions that make men think they became impotent because of the disease. Usually, the opposite happens.
Erection problems are the main cause of Peyronie’s development, as lack of rigidity during sexual intercourse predisposes to trauma and microtrauma. This causes the formation of internal and/or superficial fibrosis that limits the elasticity of penile tissues and causes the penis to bend sideways, upward, or downward.
That is why, in Peyronie’s Disease cases, it is important to evaluate the need for penile prosthesis implantation, as this condition also worsens erectile dysfunction.
When clinical treatments do not provide an adequate response, the prosthesis may be considered to improve penile rigidity and contribute to sexual function, according to medical evaluation. The impact on curvature and its progression should be analyzed case by case.
Decrease in Involuntary Erections
Nocturnal or involuntary erections, those that occur during sleep or without sexual stimulation, indicate that blood flow inside the penis is functioning well. They are necessary to oxygenate penile tissues while not in use and thus prevent fibrosis in the corpora cavernosa caused by low blood circulation.
Adequate blood circulation contributes to oxygenation of penile tissues and may be related to maintaining erectile function over time.
If they do not occur or occur less frequently, the first step is to consult a urologist to check if the cause is mild hormonal imbalance or if it is linked to the onset of erectile dysfunction.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Medications, Injections, or Penile Prosthesis?
Many men start erectile dysfunction treatment with oral medications or injections. In some cases, these options may temporarily improve erection, but the response varies according to the cause, clinical progression, and medical guidance.
In some cases, especially when other options do not provide an adequate response or are not recommended, penile prosthesis implantation may be considered. The goal is to improve the penile rigidity necessary for sexual intercourse, with expectations and possible outcomes discussed individually with the doctor and, according to the São Paulo State Health Department, with a high satisfaction rate overall, both for men and their partners.
The most accurate way to diagnose the need for an implant is through a functional penile exam. It must be performed by a specialist who will artificially induce an erection and perform a detailed ultrasound of the penis to evaluate its internal structure and blood flow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Medication Treatment
Medications or injections to stimulate erection may work, but it is important to note that their use is conditioned to some side effects, such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial flushing. Not all men experience these, but they are common effects. In older patients, medications or testosterone replacement to improve erection may also increase prostate cancer risks.
Another disadvantage of this type of treatment is the inconvenience of injections. They must be administered shortly before penetration, which can disrupt the mood. In such situations, it is common for men to hide this from their partners and use injections secretly. This is not recommended as it may lead to misunderstandings, such as assumptions about illicit drug use.
Why Is the Penile Prosthesis Indicated? (Surgical Treatment )
There are different degrees of erectile dysfunction, which can be divided into acute, moderate, and severe. Generally, treatment for acute and/or moderate erectile dysfunction consists of oral or injectable medications to achieve penile rigidity and good penetrative capacity.
According to a multicenter study published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers, penile prosthesis implantation is the most indicated treatment for severe erectile dysfunction cases.
While medication treatment may have adverse effects and does not always produce sufficient response, the penile prosthesis can be an alternative for selected patients, aiming to improve penile rigidity necessary for sexual intercourse.
The implant can help improve penile rigidity in selected erectile dysfunction cases. In some patients, it may also be part of the approach to associated conditions, such as Peyronie’s Disease, with benefits and limitations evaluated individually.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
How Is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Performed Using the Egydio Technique?
The technique described by Dr. Paulo Egydio was published in scientific literature and is cited in studies on correcting penile curvature. Its indication should be evaluated individually, considering diagnosis, anatomy, and therapeutic objectives of each patient.
The method uses geometric principles to plan incisions and expand penile tissues when there is clinical indication, respecting anatomical limits of nerves, vessels, and urethra. The goal is to improve conditions for the implant and align realistic expectations with the patient.
The application of reconstructive techniques should be evaluated by a qualified physician, considering the patient’s clinical condition and anatomy. Information about publications, awards, or professional experience can be presented factually and contextually, without suggesting superiority or guaranteed results.
Click here to see the full AUA19 article [ENGLISH]
Currently, in some cases, tissue expansion through multiple incisions without graft use may be considered, combined with reconstructive techniques, according to medical indication.
Main Cases for Penile Prosthesis
The need to place a prosthesis arises from erectile dysfunction, which may be related to Peyronie’s, aging, or other diseases affecting proper penile function.
Conditions such as prostate cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases can affect not only erection capacity but also reduce penis length and girth.
Applying geometric concepts, known as the Egydio Technique, allows all necessary procedures for penile treatment to be performed in the same surgery during prosthesis placement.
The treatment is indicated when the patient has already used medications to address erectile dysfunction and even increased doses but did not achieve a satisfactory response or experienced uncomfortable side effects.
Among the most common cases where penile prosthesis and the Egydio Technique are necessary, we can mention patients who notice penis shortening or thinning along with erection problems, patients who have not had an erection for years and have abandoned sexual life, as well as men who can achieve an erection but have difficulty maintaining it until the end of intercourse, making it less pleasurable.
Cases of Penile Prosthesis Surgeries That Went Wrong
There are situations where the patient has already had a prosthesis implanted to treat erectile dysfunction, but the result was unsatisfactory. This usually happens due to a lack of detailed evaluation of the penis to identify other issues linked to the erection problem.
Most of the time, patients complain that the penis became smaller or very thin; that the prosthesis was implanted in an incorrect size and ruptured the glans or caused it to droop; that it was necessary to replace the prosthesis due to poor adaptation; or even that the implant did not resolve the lack of rigidity.
In other cases, in an attempt to meet the patient’s expectations, the urologist implants a penile prosthesis larger than the penis can accommodate. This maximizes the risk of Penile Prosthesis Extrusion.
The first step in these cases is to perform a functional reevaluation of the penis through an ultrasound of the corpora cavernosa. This is because it is essential to assess whether there was penis size loss or thinning to correct the problem in the same surgery or if there are fibroses that, when removed, improve the final implant result.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
Penile Prosthesis Implant: How Does Pre- and Post-Operative Care Work?
The secret to the success of any surgery is planning. And for penile prosthesis implantation, it is no different.
The first step in preparing for surgery is to check blood circulation inside the penis and the presence of fibroses that may be hindering erection. For this, a test with induced erection and color Doppler ultrasound is performed to evaluate penile functionality and help the doctor understand the procedure to be performed.
If erectile dysfunction is associated with Peyronie’s Disease and/or penile deformity, it is possible to treat them in the same surgical procedure using geometric principles known as the Egydio Technique.
With all exams completed, it is time to choose the prosthesis model to be implanted. The decision is made after a conversation with the doctor, combined with the exam results mentioned above.
Factors evaluated for the choice include patient preference, lifestyle, existing medical condition, and costs. Besides personal preference, the prosthesis type indication also depends on a precise study of penile anatomy to ensure good vertical rigidity after implantation.
After identifying the penis condition and choosing the prosthesis model, it is time to schedule the surgery. The procedure lasts on average between 2 and 3 hours and generally does not require overnight hospitalization.
Patients living outside São Paulo should reserve 5 to 7 days in the city: one day for consultation and exams, another for surgery, and 3 to 5 days for medical follow-up during early recovery. Those opting for the inflatable prosthesis should consider the possibility of an additional in-person follow-up after surgery to receive guidance on implant handling. If there are no doubts, this can be reassessed jointly with the patient.
Before Surgery
When the penile implant surgery finally has a date and time scheduled, just wait for the day to arrive and think about the confidence it will bring.
If exams indicated the presence of fibroses, they will be treated before placing the prosthesis but in the same surgical procedure. This is extremely important to preserve the corpora cavernosa, blood circulation, and penile temperature after prosthesis placement, as well as to ensure its proper functioning, help the malleability of the semi-rigid model, and allow full inflation of the inflatable prosthesis.
The procedure does not require major preparations. As with any surgery, blood tests, urine tests, and cardiological evaluation will be necessary to avoid any complications. It is important that glucose levels are controlled to ensure good healing and reduce infection risk. Additionally, fasting for eight hours, both solid foods and liquids, is required before surgery.
The patient may also receive instructions on cleaning the pubic area with antibacterial soap in the days before surgery. Furthermore, preoperative recommendations should be followed, and adequate rest taken before the procedure.
The Day of Surgery
With planning and prior care completed, the doctor performs the procedure according to clinical indication and the patient’s anatomical characteristics. The goal is to improve penile function and, when possible, preserve or optimize aspects related to girth and length, respecting anatomical limits.
The complete procedure is usually not very long. The patient is admitted to the hospital early in the morning and, at the latest, by early afternoon, will likely be discharged to go home. Surgery lasts between 2 and 3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia.
Pubic hair shaving is done in the surgical center by the doctor and team. Therefore, there is no need to worry about this, as they will take great care to avoid any infection risk.
After Penile Prosthesis Surgery
As with any procedure, post-operative care for penile prosthesis implantation requires attention but is not complicated.
The follow-up with the doctor occurs the same day as surgery, in the afternoon. During this consultation, the surgery’s success will be evaluated, and final instructions given to ensure the best possible healing and adaptation.
The penis will have a bandaged dressing that does not need to be removed for the first five days. After this period, the bandage should be changed daily for another five days. Due to the simplicity of the change, the patient does not need to return to the doctor for this; it can be done alone in a few minutes.
Patients opting for the inflatable prosthesis are requested to attend one or more in-person follow-ups after 28 days. Since it requires greater knowledge for manipulation, the doctor needs to monitor surgery progress and instruct the patient on proper use. This way, you will have no doubts and aim for better performance when it matters.
There are three stages for the patient to return to normal life: between 7 and 10 days, it is possible to return to work if it does not require physical effort; from 30 days, physical activities can be resumed; and between 45 and 60 days, sexual activities can be resumed.
* This estimate may vary case by case, depending on each patient’s recovery.
The recovery process is further simplified because the surgical stitches are absorbable, minimizing possible post-operative discomfort. Generally, about two months after the procedure, they will have naturally fallen out.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance about your condition in a simple and discreet manner.
What Changes for Men After Penile Implantation?
The penile prosthesis implant is indicated for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Many feel uncomfortable not only because we are talking about an organ directly linked to pleasure but also due to fear of undergoing surgery.
If this is what prevents you from seeking treatment, it is time to change your mind. Prosthesis surgery is a quick and smooth procedure. For this, planning and good medical guidance are important.
Of course, upon leaving the hospital, the patient goes through an adaptation period using the prosthesis. This time may vary for each person and also depends on the type of prosthesis chosen, as discussed in the third topic of this guide. But this is not a lengthy or painful process, nor something that will prevent you from improving your quality of life.
After the initial adaptation period, the patient can resume usual activities, including sexual life, according to recovery and medical guidance. The evolution of penile function and sexual health should be monitored individually.
It is important to emphasize that the implant’s goal is to preserve, as much as possible, the penis’s functions and sensations. However, results and risks should be discussed individually with the doctor before surgery.
Regardless of the type chosen, the doctor must ensure the implant does not damage any penile nerves and, consequently, does not interfere with the patient’s pleasure, orgasm, and ejaculation patterns.
Penile Prosthesis Implant and Penis Size
The penile prosthesis does not increase penis size; its goal is to restore penile rigidity lost due to erectile dysfunction. However, other diseases associated with erection problems can cause the penis to shrink, thin, or bend.
The surgical process using the Egydio Technique for implant placement aims to make geometrically calculated incisions to expand penile tissues that have lost elasticity.
Penile Temperature and Sensitivity After Implantation
A constant concern for patients needing the prosthesis is whether the penis will become cold, like an artificial member, or lose sensitivity. It is most likely that this will not happen.
Penile temperature is maintained by the amount of blood circulating inside the penis during erection. To keep blood flowing after the prosthesis, it is necessary to preserve the internal structures of the penis, also known as the sponge or corpus spongiosum.
A procedure performed with necessary care will probably not affect this part, and the implant cylinders should be placed aiming not to impair blood flow.
The glans, the most sensitive part of the male sexual organ and popularly known as the penis head, generally does not lose sensitivity because the numerous nerve endings that bring pleasure to the man, known as the neurovascular bundle, are preserved.
Orgasm and Ejaculation After Penile Prosthesis Placement
It is important to emphasize that sexual arousal is relevant to assess sensitivity, pleasure, and orgasm. In many cases, the implant does not aim to directly alter orgasm or ejaculation, but results may vary depending on clinical condition, technique used, and patient adaptation.
With a more rigid and functional penis, the patient will have more confidence that penile function is adequate, naturally reflecting in sexual performance. The prosthesis, correctly implanted, preserves as much as possible the structures, tissues, and nerves related to pleasure, sensitivity, and penile temperature. Furthermore, it does not interfere with the volume or quality of ejaculation, as it does not affect the structure that transports semen.
