In a nutshell
This study looked at whether men who had erectile dysfunction were satisfied with their penile implants. It concluded that the implants were functional and patients were satisfied with them.
Some background
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you cannot get or keep an erection firm enough to have sex. ED can occur from a physical cause such as disease, injury or side effects of drugs. Emotional issues, psychological issues or mental health issues can also worsen ED symptoms. ED is often treated by lifestyle changes, medications, using a vacuum device (to improve blood flow to the penis) or even surgery.
Surgery is often used if the other treatment options for ED fail. Devices being implanted into the penis are one surgical option. One type of device works by implanting rods into the penis. The rods are connected to a fluid-filled ball (a hydraulic implant). A pump is squeezed under the skin to allow the fluid to fill the rods. This makes the penis erect. Another type of device are bendable rods (a non-hydraulic implant). Implants that bend most often have two rods that are placed together in the penis during surgery.
Penile implants can be difficult for patients to adjust to using but studies have found them to be effective.
Methods & findings
142 men with ED were assessed. These men were selected from a database of patients with ED who had already received implants. The patients were assessed using a quality of life questionnaire. Follow up questionnaires were carried out at 1 year after surgery. Patient satisfaction was measured by questionnaires assessing implant function, couple sexual life, the patient's relationship with the outside world and patient self-esteem.
77% of the men in the study had a hydraulic implant (rods connected to a fluid-filled ball). 14% of the men had non-hydraulic implants (bendable rods). Men who had the hydraulic implants experienced better sexual function after surgery. Though the study notes that the surgeon's experience also had an effect on the outcome of the surgery.
The bottom line
This study concluded that penile implants in men with ED improved sexual function. It also found that patients were still satisfied with the implants 1 year after surgery.
The fine print
The authors note that the response rate to the questionnaire was low at 1 year after surgery. This may have affected the study's results.
What’s next?
If you are interested in learning more about penile implants to treat ED, contact your doctor.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
Jun 29, 2018
