The penile prosthesis is a device that is inserted into the corpora cavernosa to give it the necessary hardness for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
The most modern or 3-component prostheses consist of cylinders that are inserted into the corpora cavernosa, a reservoir where the serum is housed that communicates with the cylinders to inflate the prosthesis and a pump that is placed in the scrotum, between the testicles, which allows the prosthesis to be activated.
In which cases is the penile prosthesis indicated?
Penile prosthesis is indicated when there is no response to specific erection medications. It is also typical after radical prostate surgery, when the patient is unable to have quality erections for penetration.
How is it implanted?
It can be implanted via the scrotal or infrapubic route, i.e. through a single incision. The two cylinders are inserted in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, a small pump in the scrotum that allows its inflation and the reservoir containing serum in the lower part of the abdomen.
The operation of a penile prosthesis is simple: the patient squeezes the pump (which is like a “small plastic ball”) located between the testicles and opens the fluid reservoir located in the abdomen (it is like a small bag filled with serum).
When the reservoir is opened, the fluid from the reservoir is transferred to the 2 cylinders that are inserted into the corpora cavernosa of the penis which are filled and thus simulate an erection. In this process, the glans penis is not filled because part of it has no corpus cavernosum. None of the components of these penile prostheses can be seen when the patient is naked.
How long does a penile prosthesis last?
A penile prosthesis can last a minimum of 10 years, although there are many cases described of up to 15 years and more.
What are the benefits for the patient?
The penile prosthesis changes the patient’s life at the sexual level and that of his partner. Many patients who do not wish to continue with oral medication also opt for it because it allows them to have the erection they want for as long as they wish. It is a radical positive change in their lives.
In a recent article I wrote on satisfaction with penile prostheses, I mentioned the article published in the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” which describes that the majority of the men who underwent surgery were “very satisfied” (62%) and “satisfied” (17%), as opposed to 11% who responded that they were very dissatisfied.
The main reasons for their high satisfaction are as follows:
- The improvement of erectile and sexual function.
- Achieving vaginal penetration
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved relationship with their partner
The conclusion is that satisfaction levels in relation to this surgery are very high with a very positive impact on the psychological and sexual sphere of men.