Contrary to what many men believe, the need for a penile implant is not cosmetic. Although it may have a positive impact in the aesthetic aspect, its main function is to solve problems regarding penile functionality, aiming to provide the necessary rigidity for sexual intercourse.
Before delving deeper into the subject, it’s important to clarify that a penile prosthesis is not implanted to increase penile size — that is a widely held myth among men.
The device. in fact, assists in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and ensures good penetrative ability.
The lack of firmness in the penis can be related to difficulty in maintaining an erection or, in rarer cases, the fact that the penis is thin and long. The relationship between the length and girth of the penis is significant and, therefore, should be studied by a doctor before any decision is made.
As important as the surgery to implant the prosthesis, is the assessment of whether the penis is shrinking or thinning, to consider a procedure with multiple relaxing incisions and the expansion of the penile tissues to recover lost dimensions.
This condition is an effect of other issues that may lead to the need for an implant and is often associated with acquired penile curvature, also known as Peyronie’s Disease. This does not occur to all men, but it is important to be aware of the issue to seek effective treatment options.
Due to poor erection quality, some men may not notice this loss, which is why it is important to ensure that your doctor makes this assessment. Currently, one way to perform this study is through an examination with artificially induced erection, combined with a high-definition ultrasound.
In situations where a loss of size is identified, in addition to the implant, it is important to consider performing a penile reconstruction before implanting the prosthesis. Penile reconstruction procedures aim to expand the penile tissues to accommodate a larger and wider prosthesis.
It is possible to perform the penile prosthesis implantation associated with a geometrically calculated reconstruction, all in the same surgical act. Learn more about the Egydio Technique on page 34 of this guide.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
The advantages of penile prosthesis implantation are numerous and can include both physical and psychological aspects. The procedure can bring numerous benefits to the patient’s quality of life — see some of them below:
The advantages of penile prosthesis implantation are numerous and can include both physical and psychological aspects. The procedure can bring numerous benefits to the patient's quality of life — see some of them below:
Men with erectile dysfunction often face additional psychological factors that directly interfere with their well-being. The lack of confidence in knowing whether the penis will function during sexual intercourse can even worsen the quality of the erection.
Acquired Penile Curvature, or Peyronie's Disease, occurs due to the formation of scar tissue in the tissue lining the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Often these scars are formed by traumas or microtraumas during sexual intercourse, fissures that tend to occur when the penis is not rigid enough to penetrate safely. This is where the prosthesis comes into play, allowing for the best possible rigidity to enable a pleasurable act without discomfort to the couple. If the erection problem is not resolved when treating Peyronie's Disease, the penis may become curved again.
There is no age to retire sex life. Many men with dysfunctional problems, sometimes at an older age, end up giving up on this important aspect of life because they feel there is no way out. The reality is that there is a solution, and the prosthesis can be a great ally to maintain a healthy and active practice.
There is no age to retire from sexual activity. Many men with erectile dysfunction, sometimes at an older age, end up giving up this important aspect of life, believing there is no longer a solution. The reality is that there is indeed a solution, and the prosthesis can be a great ally in maintaining a healthy and active sexual practice.
Is There a Disadvantage to Having a Penile Prosthesis?
Amidst so many positive aspects of getting a prosthesis, there is only one issue that can be considered a disadvantage: financial planning. Since in Brazil there is still no full medical insurance coverage for this type of treatment, the available budget can be an obstacle to overcome. On the positive side, in many cases, it is possible to request partial reimbursement of the investment from your health plan, but this must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
There are different types of penile prostheses on the market. Knowing the various styles and functionalities is essential for those who need this treatment.
However, the type of prosthesis to be used will depend on a pre-evaluation at the time of consultation with the surgeon. Besides the patient’s preference, other factors are assessed for the decision, such as medical condition, lifestyle, and costs.
Learn About the Different Types of Penile Prostheses by Clicking the Links Below:
Malleable or Semi-rigid Penile Prosthesis
Inflatable or Hydraulic Penile Prosthesis with 2 and 3 Pieces
Great rigidity and malleability of the penis. These are the primary features of the malleable or semi-rigid prosthesis, which also has the benefit of not having fluid leaks, rarely ceasing to function, and having a low replacement need, especially when compared to inflatable models.
The two rods – metallic filaments wrapped in silicone – aid in concealing the erection in everyday situations by making the penis flexible and allowing it to be gently positioned downward or to the sides. When it’s time for sexual activity, simply adjust it to the upright position and you will be ready to commence the act.
However, the degree of penile malleability and the sensation of residual erection do not depend solely on the type of prosthesis.
A satisfactory outcome primarily relies on an appropriate surgical procedure that preserves the internal structures of the corpora cavernosa.
The key to a better result is the reconstruction of tissues aiming at the recovery of penile length and girth, coupled with the accurate sizing of the implant in the reconstructed organ. When the prosthesis is implanted without a prior reconstruction, the patient’s chances of dissatisfaction are significant.
The major advantage of this type of prosthesis is the ability to inflate and deflate the penis at will, making it a discreet option favored by many men. However, it involves a mechanism that requires more attention to operate.
In this implant, the man achieves an erection by manipulating a pump placed in the scrotum, which uses a saline solution. The fluid flows into cylinders implanted in the penis, activating the hydraulic system and inflating them. To deflate, simply press the release button on the pump in the scrotum for a few seconds, allowing the liquid to return to the reservoir and the penis to revert to its flaccid state.
The inflatable prosthesis can come in two or three-piece designs, and both operate in very similar ways. The difference is that the three-piece model allows for a greater exchange of fluid within the system, enabling a more significant inflation of the cylinders when activated for erection and, consequently, a greater degree of flaccidity when deactivated. This is because, in addition to the two cylinders and the pump, this model also includes an extra reservoir of saline solution, imperceptibly installed in the patient’s abdomen.
The disadvantage of the inflatable prosthesis, whether it is a two or three-piece, is the potential for saline leakage. Due to its complexity, the system is prone to mechanical failures due to liquid leakage, pump malfunction, and loss of the cylinders’ wall resilience, which may necessitate another surgery for replacement.
In this context, the surgeon’s experience and skill become even more crucial, both during the implantation and in connecting the entire system to prevent potential issues.
Typically, this prosthesis would be recommended for patients who are particularly concerned with discretion, usually younger men, or for those who have organic problems with blood filling in the penis, where the malleable prosthesis would not provide a satisfactory solution. However, this matter is more complex and should be discussed during an in-person medical assessment.
The articulated penile prosthesis can be bent more easily than the malleable type. It is also coated in silicone, which further facilitates the concealment of the erected state. However, the small articulated sections that make up the prosthesis contribute to a scenario of less firmness during penetration, also known as low vertical or axial rigidity.
It is a less popular model of penile implant compared to others, but it is important to be aware of its existence to clear up any questions about the different types of prostheses.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
A penile prosthesis is recommended for patients with functional problems of the penis, that is, when a lack of rigidity makes sexual intercourse less pleasurable or impossible.
The most accurate way to diagnose the need for an implant is through a functional examination. It must be conducted by a specialist physician, who will induce an artificial erection and perform a detailed ultrasound of the penis.
When discussing sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction, it’s important to understand that both terms refer to the same clinical condition. The choice to use the term erectile dysfunction to classify the clinical picture of erection problems in a patient is recent, as the term sexual impotence has been considered offensive by many men and health specialists.
With this explanation, it is crucial to comprehend that erectile dysfunction is a disorder characterized by the difficulty in achieving and/or maintaining a penile erection that is adequate and sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity, from penetration to ejaculation.
According to research by the Brazilian Society of Urology, this condition affects half of the men between the ages of 40 and 70, and it can also affect younger men. It has varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild to severe.
Due to misinformation, fear, or embarrassment of seeking professional treatment, many men end up compromising their relationships, missing out on a healthy and happy sexual life with quality. Therefore, understanding the problem, overcoming prejudice, and seeking specialized medical help are decisive factors in treating erectile problems.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
Though it’s a sensitive subject that raises many questions for men, particularly regarding how the penis will function after the prosthesis, there’s no cause for concern if the procedure is done correctly. Receiving specialized medical care and guidance are crucial aspects of making the penile implant a safe and effective treatment, not just for the man but also for his partner.
To aim for a good outcome, however, it is important to be aware of certain special precautions that will directly influence your pleasure and self-esteem. Patients who get the implant without considering the potential reduction in penis size, for example, are often dissatisfied with the final result.
When this occurs, there is a solution, but it’s somewhat inconvenient — it is necessary to remove the prosthesis and redo the procedure, this time with a prior penile reconstruction. The new prosthesis will be placed during the same operation, this time with a larger gauge and size.
To avoid such scenarios, it is critical to evaluate the doctor’s experience and the techniques that will be employed for the penile prosthesis surgery. A skilled professional will perform the best surgical approach for each case and select the most suitable type of implant in collaboration with the patient.
When implanted correctly, the prosthesis preserves as much as possible of the structures, tissues, and nerves associated with pleasure, sensitivity, and the temperature of the penis.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
Erection issues can occur in men of any age. They may have psychological causes (such as anxiety, stress, and depression) or physical ones, such as hormonal problems, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, traumas to the penis, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate surgeries, among other factors.
Understanding what causes erectile dysfunction is important both in its prevention and in the search for the most suitable treatment.
The proper functioning of the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa relies on healthy levels of testosterone to maintain the relaxation and contraction functions of the penis, which directly affects the quality of the erection and its sustainability.
That is why men, especially those over 40, should periodically check the levels of this hormone in their bodies, whether through a blood test or by assessing the functioning of the testicles.
Besides erection difficulties, a low testosterone level can lead to other problems that affect quality of life, such as increased abdominal fat, fatigue, and a lack of libido.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of erection problems because the condition results in increased blood sugar levels.
The quality of an erection is directly related to the blood flow within the penis; however, uncontrolled sugar levels can damage the functioning of blood vessels and nerves, compromising penile rigidity. In some patients, erectile dysfunction may also be a side effect of the medications used to treat diabetes.
Peyronie’s Disease does not always cause erectile dysfunction; it is usually the other way around. Erection problems are the primary cause of the development of Acquired Penile Curvature, as a lack of rigidity in the penis during sexual intercourse predisposes to the occurrence of traumas and microtraumas that result in the formation of fibrosis.
These fibrotic tissues, which can be internal and/or superficial, limit the elasticity of the penile tissues and cause them to bend. In other words, Peyronie’s aggravates erectile dysfunction but is not the main cause of this male condition.
Prostate cancer is one of the most curable types, but it can have some consequences for men that must be carefully managed.
Radical prostatectomy is usually the most recommended treatment for cancer cases, but this directly interferes with the nerves located near the prostate, making patients who have undergone this procedure prone to developing partial or total erection problems.
Other treatments for prostate cancer, such as radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or hormone therapy, can also cause erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to have the monitoring of a urologist throughout the entire recovery process.
Priapism is a prolonged erection, lasting more than 3 hours, persistent, usually painful, and without sexual stimulus.
One of the causes of this condition is that blood fills the corpora cavernosa, causing the erection, but it does not circulate properly and becomes deoxygenated. This leads to the death of cells, causing fibrosis and scarring inside the penis which, in turn, can cause erectile dysfunction.
Vascular problems can harden the arteries and slow the flow of blood within the penis, affecting the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. In the case of high blood pressure, the condition prevents the arteries, which are responsible for transporting blood to the penis, from dilating as they should. This means the penis does not receive enough blood to remain erect.
The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, both legal and illicit, can greatly exacerbate the problem of erectile dysfunction. Smoking can lead to vascular diseases or other health problems that inhibit blood flow to the penis. Alcoholism disrupts hormone levels and can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Certain medications can also affect blood flow within the penis, so it is important to consult with a doctor before choosing any medication and clarify any concerns about its effect on erectile function.
The use of antidepressants can cause erectile dysfunction due to the interference these medications have on the blood flow to the penis. Coupled with the low sexual desire often observed in patients suffering from depression and users of antidepressants, this contributes to an unfavorable scenario for the patient’s well-being.
Psychological problems such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and others can affect the response to sexual stimuli, which require the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and hormones to work together to rapidly increase the amount of blood flowing into the penis. However, any psychological treatment must be accompanied by hormonal examinations to ensure that there are no related physical problems.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
The harms caused by erectile dysfunction extend far beyond the inability to have a fulfilling and satisfactory sexual life. It can lead to serious issues with a man’s quality of life. Erectile difficulties can generate low self-esteem and bring various negative feelings to the patient, such as frustration, anxiety, and sadness.
When men are in a relationship, the problem can also cause significant disturbances in the intimate relations, leading to fights, arguments, and even breakups.
The inability to fulfill sexual desires can also lead to psychological problems for a man, which only increases the incapacity for erection. Among the psychological causes, sexual dysfunction can induce stress, depression, and feelings of guilt — and even exacerbate other issues that are not directly linked to the lack of erection — such as financial worries, bills to pay, job instability, and many others.
For these reasons, treatment for this condition is of fundamental importance, and often the most recommended solution is the implantation of a penile prosthesis.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
An erection is an involuntary response to a sexual stimulus or eroticism. Both prompt the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and hormones to work together to quickly increase the flow of blood into the penis.
The process of an organic erection includes five stages. It begins with psychological stimulation, where neurotransmitters cause the smooth muscle of the penis to relax and increase blood flow to the corpora cavernosa. This increased flow lengthens and expands the penis, leading to the second phase, where the penile arteries expand to accommodate the increased blood flow needed to lengthen and enlarge the penis.
Phase three is the full erection stage, when the volume of blood within the penis is prevented from draining, facilitating its expansion until full erection is achieved. The moment maximum rigidity is reached marks the fourth phase of the process. The glans and the spongy body swell until the penile veins are vigorously compressed, maintaining maximum penile rigidity.
The final stage of an erection is the return to flaccidity. Muscle contractions result in blood flow out of the penis, thus reducing its length and thickness.
During an erection, blood stays within the two spongy chambers (corpora cavernosa) located in the body of the penis. As they fill with blood, they cause the penis to become rigid, and increase in size and diameter.
If the difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection occurs consistently, it is a sign that some of the processes of blood flow are not functioning correctly. In these cases, consulting a doctor is essential to identify the cause of the problem and to seek appropriate treatment.
Often, the penis is erect but lacks the necessary firmness for safe penetration. This occurs when a man cannot achieve maximum rigidity in the erection process due to low blood flow within the penis.
Attention to firmness should be doubled at the time of sexual intercourse because, without the necessary rigidity, there is a high chance of the penis slipping out, causing traumas and other conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease.
Many people wonder why so 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 lead men to imagine that they have become impotent because of the disease. Usually, the opposite is true.
Erection problems are the primary cause of the development of Peyronie’s, as the lack of rigidity in the penis during sexual intercourse predisposes it to traumas and microtraumas. This leads to the formation of internal and/or superficial fibrosis that limits the elasticity of the penile tissues and causes the member to bend sideways, upwards, or downwards.
That is why, in cases of Peyronie’s Disease, it is important to assess the need for a penile prosthesis implant, as this condition also exacerbates erectile dysfunction.
Responsible for restoring the quality of erection when clinical treatments are ineffective, the prosthesis will improve the rigidity of the penis and provide a quality sexual life, minimizing the risks of the curvature returning.
Nocturnal or involuntary erections, those that occur during sleep or without sexual stimulus, indicate that blood flow within the penis is healthy. They are necessary to oxygenate the penile tissues when not in use and thus prevent the appearance of fibrosis in the corpora cavernosa, caused by low blood circulation. The more blood that circulates in your penis, the more oxygenated it is, and the greater the assurance of good erections in the future.
If these do not occur or happen less frequently, the first step is to seek a urologist to determine if the cause is a hormonal imbalance or if it is linked to the onset of erectile dysfunction.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
Many men begin treating erectile dysfunction with medications and injections. However, this is a palliative treatment, which may solve the situation temporarily but does not bring a definitive cure. Even with increased dosages of the medications, erectile dysfunction can continue to cause problems, as their effects tend to diminish with continuous use.
In these cases, the most likely treatment will be the implantation of a penile prosthesis, which addresses erectile dysfunction with a significant improvement in penetration rigidity and, according to the São Paulo State Health Department, a high level of overall satisfaction with the results, both for the man and his partner.
The most accurate way to diagnose the need for an implant is through a functional examination of the penis. This should be conducted by a specialist doctor, who will artificially induce an erection and perform a detailed ultrasound of the member to assess its internal structure and the blood flow within it.
Medications or injections to stimulate erection can be effective, but it’s important to note that their use is associated with 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 therapy to improve erection can also increase the risks of prostate cancer.
Another disadvantage of this type of treatment is the inconvenience of administering injections. They must be done moments before penetration, which can disrupt the mood. In such situations, it’s common for men to hide this from their partners and use the injection secretly. This is not advisable, as it can lead to misinterpretations by the partner, such as the suspicion of illicit drug use, for example.
There are various degrees of erectile dysfunction, which can be categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. Generally, the treatment for mild and/or moderate erectile dysfunction consists of oral or injectable medications to achieve penile rigidity and good penetrative capability.
According to a multicentric study published in the journal Nature Reviews Disease Primers, the implantation of a penile prosthesis is the most recommended treatment to resolve cases of severe erectile dysfunction.
While treatments with medications may bring side effects and not correct the problem permanently, the prosthesis is a good option, adaptable to the man’s needs, and aimed at ensuring reliability when needed.
The implant not only recovers the rigidity and health of the penis but also prevents the progression to other conditions arising from poor erection quality, such as Peyronie’s disease. Moreover, its use contributes to the maintenance of self-confidence, health, and well-being for many couples.
The Egydio Technique, published by Dr. Paulo Egydio in 2002 in the Urology journal, is considered a “safe, reproducible, simple, and effective method” for the correction of penile curvature, according to experts from a multicentric study published in the Arabic Journal of Urology.
The method employs geometric principles to lengthen and recover the maximum possible size and diameter of the penis, up to the maximum limit of the nerves, vessels, and urethra. This brings greater satisfaction to patients after the prosthesis implant, which is performed in the same surgical act, as men rarely cope well with the reduction in penis size. If the loss of size is not identified and treated appropriately, the situation could even bring psychological problems to the patient.
The application of this technique by an experienced physician is safe and reliable. Dr. Paulo has performed thousands of surgeries based on these principles over the past years. This surgical method, with 75% of the votes, won the American Urological Association (AUA19) award as the most recommended procedure for the treatment of severe Peyronie’s Disease associated with erectile dysfunction.
Click here to see the full article from AUA19 [ENGLISH]
Currently, Dr. Paulo employs the tissue expansion method through multiple incisions in the tissues, without the use of grafting, in conjunction with the Egydio Technique.
The need for a prosthesis stems from erectile dysfunction, which may be associated with Peyronie’s disease, advancing age, or other diseases that impair the proper functioning of the penis.
Conditions such as prostate cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases can affect not only the ability to achieve an erection but also reduce the length and girth of the penis.
The application of geometric concepts, known as the Egydio Technique, will allow for the prosthesis to be placed after all the necessary procedures for the treatment of the penis are carried out in the same surgery.
The prosthesis implantation is recommended when the patient has already used medications to solve the problem of erectile dysfunction, and even increased the doses, but did not achieve a satisfactory response or experienced uncomfortable side effects.
Among the most common cases where the penile prosthesis and the Egydio Technique are necessary, we can mention the patient who notices a reduction or thinning of the penis, along with erection problems; patients who have not had an erection for years and have given up on their sexual life — as well as men who can achieve an erection but have difficulty maintaining it until the end of the sexual act, making it less enjoyable.
There are situations where the patient has already had a prosthesis implanted to treat erectile dysfunction, but the outcome was not satisfactory. Typically, this occurs due to the lack of a detailed evaluation of the penis to identify other issues linked to the erection problem.
Most often, patients complain that the penis has become shorter or too thin; that the prosthesis was inserted at the wrong size and either caused a tear in the glans or made it ‘fall’, as if the glans wasn’t fixed in place; that it was necessary to exchange the prosthesis due to a lack of adaptation, or even that the implant did not resolve the lack of rigidity.
In other instances, to meet the patient’s expectations, the urologist may implant a penile prosthesis larger than what the penile body can accommodate. This greatly increases the risk of Prosthesis Extrusion.
The first step in these cases is to perform a functional reevaluation of the penis using an ultrasound of the corpora cavernosa. This is crucial to assess whether there has been a loss in size or a thinning of the penis to correct the problem during the same surgery, or if there are fibroses which, when removed, improve the outcome of the implant.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
The key to the success of any surgery is planning, and the implantation of a penile prosthesis is no exception.
The initial step in surgical preparation is to assess the blood flow within the penis and the presence of any fibrosis that might be hindering erections. To do this, a diagnostic test is conducted involving an artificially induced erection and a color Doppler ultrasound, which will evaluate penile functionality and aid the physician in determining the appropriate course of action for the surgery.
If erectile dysfunction is associated with Peyronie’s Disease and/or penile deformity, it is possible to treat them in the same surgical procedure, applying geometric principles known as the Egydio Technique.
Once all the examinations are over, it is time to choose the model of the prosthesis to be implanted. The decision is made based on a discussion with the doctor, in conjunction with the results of the aforementioned tests. Factors considered in the selection include patient preference, lifestyle, existing medical conditions, and costs. Besides personal preference, the recommendation for the type of prosthesis also depends on a precise study of the penile anatomy to aim for satisfactory vertical rigidity after the implant.
After identifying the condition of the penis and selecting the prosthesis model to be implanted, it’s time to schedule a date. The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours and usually does not require an overnight stay at the hospital.
Patients residing outside of São Paulo should plan for a 5 to 7-day stay in the city: one day for consultation and examinations, another for the surgery, and 3 to 5 days for medical follow-up at the beginning of the recovery period. Those opting for an inflatable prosthesis should also consider the possibility of an additional in-person visit after the surgery to receive instructions on handling the implant. If there are no doubts, this can be reassessed in consultation with the patient.
When the date and time for the penile implant surgery are finally set, all that remains is to wait for the day to arrive and to think about the confidence that it will bring you.
If the examinations have indicated the presence of fibrosis, it will be treated before the placement of the prosthesis, yet within the same surgical procedure. This is of utmost importance to preserve as much as possible the cavernous bodies, blood circulation, and penile temperature after the prosthesis is placed. Moreover, the goal is to ensure the proper functioning of the prosthesis, to aid in the malleability of the semi-rigid model, and to allow for the complete inflation of the inflatable prosthesis.
The procedure does not require extensive preparation. As with any surgery, it is necessary to undergo blood and urine tests, as well as a cardiological assessment to avoid any complications. Glucose levels must be controlled to ensure good healing and minimize the risk of infection. In addition, an eight-hour fast of both solid and liquid foods is required before the start of the surgery.
You will also be advised on how to clean the pubic area with antibacterial soap, which should be done for two days before the surgery. After that, simply have a good night’s sleep and prepare for the day to address erectile dysfunction once and for all.
With the planning complete and the pre-surgical care taken, it is time for the doctor to apply all their knowledge and experience, taking care to achieve excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. In addition to restoring the firmness of the penis, it is possible to regain its girth and length up to the maximum limit allowed by the nerves and the urethra.
The complete procedure is generally not overly lengthy. The patient is admitted to the hospital early in the morning and, usually by early afternoon, will likely be discharged to go home. The surgery takes between 2 to 3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia.
Shaving of the pubic hair is done in the surgical center itself by the doctor and their team. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about this, as they will take the utmost care to ensure there is no risk of infection.
Just like the procedure itself, the postoperative care for a penile prosthesis implant requires attention but is not overly complicated.
The follow-up with the doctor occurs on the day of the surgery, in the afternoon. During this appointment, the success of the surgery will be assessed and final instructions will be provided to ensure the best possible healing and adaptation.
The penis will be bandaged with a 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 doesn’t need to return to the doctor for this to be done. It can be done alone, in just a few minutes.
For patients who opt for the inflatable prosthesis model, one or more in-person follow-up visits are requested after 28 days. Since it requires greater knowledge for its manipulation, the doctor needs to monitor the progress of the surgery and instruct the patient on the correct way to use it. This ensures that you will have no doubts and will aim for better performance at the crucial moment.
There are three stages for the patient to return to normal life: between 7 and 10 days, it is possible to return to work, provided it does not require physical effort; after 30 days, physical activities can be resumed; and from 45 to 60 days, sexual activities can be fully taken up again.
* This estimate may vary from case to case, depending on the recovery of each patient’s body.
The recovery process is further simplified as the surgical sutures are absorbable, minimizing potential post-surgical discomforts. Generally, about two months after the procedure, they will have naturally dissolved.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
The penile prosthesis implant is recommended for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Many feel uncomfortable not only because this concerns an organ directly linked to pleasure, but also due to the fear of undergoing a surgical process. If this fear is what prevents you from seeking treatment, it’s time to reconsider. The prosthesis surgery is a quick and straightforward procedure. For the desired outcome, proper planning and adequate medical guidance are essential.
Of course, after leaving the hospital, the patient goes through a period of adaptation to the use of the prosthesis. This time can vary for each person and also depends on the type of prosthesis chosen, as discussed in the third section of this guide. But this is neither a lengthy nor painful process, nor is it something that will prevent you from improving your quality of life. After this initial period, your life will continue as normal and, likely, more happily since you will return to a healthy sexual routine, avoid future problems due to poor erection quality, and consequently, your concerns about the health of your penis will diminish.
It’s important to emphasize that the implantation of the prosthesis will not negatively interfere with the natural functions and sensations of the penis — the patient stands only to gain if the device is properly placed.
Regardless of the type of prosthesis chosen, the doctor must ensure that the implant does not damage any nerves of the member and, consequently, does not interfere with the patient’s patterns of pleasure, orgasm, and ejaculation.
The penile prosthesis does not increase the size of the penis; its purpose is to restore the penile rigidity that was lost due to erectile dysfunction. However, other diseases that are associated with erection problems can cause the penis to shrink, thin out, or become curved. The surgical process using the Egydio Technique for implant placement aims to make geometrically calculated incisions to expand the tissues of the penis that have lost elasticity.
Questions? Send your question to Dr. Paulo and receive specific guidance on your condition, simply and discreetly.
A common concern for patients who need a prosthesis is whether the penis will feel cold, as if it were an artificial limb, or whether it will lose sensitivity. Most likely, this will not happen.
The temperature of the penis is determined by the amount of blood circulating within the penis during an erection. To maintain blood circulation after the prosthesis has been implanted, it is necessary to preserve the internal structures of the limb, also known as the spongy body or corpus spongiosum.
A procedure carried out with the necessary care will most likely not affect this part, and the cylinders of the implant should be placed with the aim of not impeding blood flow.
As for the glans, which is the most sensitive part of the male sexual organ and popularly known as the head of the penis, it usually does not lose its sensitivity, as the numerous nerve endings that provide pleasure, known as the nerve bundle or neurovascular bundle, are to be preserved.
It is important to highlight that eroticism in sexual activity is essential to evaluate sensitivity, pleasure, and orgasm. With erotic stimulation, there is no significant difference in a man’s orgasm before and after the insertion of a prosthesis. Given that the patient is coming from a background of erectile dysfunction, the expectation is actually of improvement.
With a firmer penis that is more suitable for use, the patient will have greater confidence that everything is functioning well with the penile performance, and this will naturally reflect in the performance during sex. The prosthesis, when correctly implanted, preserves as much as possible the structures, tissues, and nerves related to pleasure, sensitivity, and penile temperature. Moreover, it does not interfere with the volume or quality of ejaculation, as it does not affect the structure that transports semen.
