Navigating the world of erectile dysfunction treatments can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand which one might be the best fit for you.
One such option is the inflatable penile implant, a surgical solution that has transformed the lives of many men. But who exactly can benefit from this procedure?
Let’s break down the eligibility criteria for inflatable penile implants, explaining who can truly benefit from inflatable penile implants.
What Are Inflatable Penile Implants, and How Do They Work?
An inflatable penile implant is a device implanted inside the penis to help men achieve an erection.The implant itself is made up of three main components:
Two Cylinders
These are soft, expandable tubes that are surgically inserted into the penis, replacing the corpora cavernosa, the two spongy tissues that normally fill with blood during an erection. These cylinders remain within the penis permanently and can be inflated or deflated as needed.
A Pump
A small, round pump is placed in the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles. This pump is connected to the two cylinders in the penis and acts as the control mechanism for the implant. When the pump is squeezed, it sends fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders.
A Fluid-Filled Reservoir
This component is placed in the lower abdomen, near the bladder. It stores sterile saline solution (saltwater) that’s used to inflate the cylinders. The reservoir is connected to both the pump and the cylinders via small tubes.
The process of achieving an erection with an inflatable penile implant closely mimics the body’s natural erection process. When a man desires an erection, he simply squeezes the pump located in the scrotum.
This action pushes the saline solution from the reservoir into the two cylinders in the penis, causing them to expand and harden, much like a natural erection.
Following sexual activity, the man can return the penis to its flaccid state by activating a release valve on the pump. This allows the saline solution to drain back into the reservoir, thus deflating the cylinders and causing the penis to become soft again.
This mechanism gives the man complete control over his erections, both in terms of timing and duration.
Candidacy Criteria for Inflatable Penile Implants
While inflatable penile implants can be a life-changing solution for some men, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Here are the main factors that determine candidacy:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Men who have persistent ED — meaning they consistently struggle to achieve or maintain an erection — may be candidates for an inflatable penile implant. This is especially true if their condition hasn’t improved with natural methods, such as changes in diet or lifestyle, or with conservative medical treatments like medications (Viagra or Cialis, for example) or a traction device.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes curvature of the penis due to scar tissue, often leading to pain and difficulty in having sexual intercourse. If a man has Peyronie’s disease that hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatments, he may be considered a good candidate for a penile implant.
Physical Condition
To get a penile implant, a person needs to be healthy enough to undergo surgery. This means they should not have any serious health problems that would make the operation risky or affect their recovery.
For example, if someone has uncontrolled diabetes, they might not be a good candidate for a penile implant. Diabetes can slow down healing after surgery and increase the risk of infection.
Similarly, if a person has serious health problems like heart disease, it might not be safe or possible for them to get this procedure.
Psychological Readiness
Getting a penile implant is a big decision because it’s permanent – once it’s done, it can’t be undone. That’s why it’s really important for a person to understand what they’re getting into.
They need to have realistic expectations about what the implant will do. For instance, it can help someone get an erection, but it won’t make their penis bigger or increase their sexual desire.
In some cases, a person might need to talk to a counselor or psychologist before getting a penile implant. This can help them make sure they’re making the right decision and help them deal with any worries or fears they might have about the surgery.
Inflatable Penile Implant in Phoenix, AZ
If you are considering an inflatable penile implant for your erectile dysfunction, look for further. At Ironwood Urology, Dr. Desi Avila specializes in the surgical implantation of inflatable penile prostheses for the treatment of ED and Peyronie’s disease. Our urologist opts for non-surgical treatment for men’s health conditions before recommending surgical options.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our urologist,call our office today at (480) 961-2323 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you!
