Penile prosthesis is a surgical treatment for men with erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction refers to a man's inability to achieve or maintain an adequate erection. Penile prostheses are devices that are surgically implanted into the penis and help the user regain erectile function. Penile prostheses offer a permanent solution when medication or other methods are not effective and play an important role in improving patients' quality of life.
Why is Penile Prosthesis Implanted?
Erectile dysfunction is a common health problem in men and can negatively affect sexual life. Although many men experience sexual dysfunction from time to time, in some cases this problem may become permanent. Drug treatments, psychological support and other temporary solutions may not be effective for every individual. At this point, penile prosthesis comes into play.
Penile prosthesis offers a permanent solution for men who have difficulty achieving an erection. This treatment is an ideal alternative, especially for patients who do not respond to other methods and seriously affect their quality of life. Causes of sexual dysfunction can include factors such as diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer treatment. These diseases can cause erection problems by affecting blood flow and nerve function.
Penile prosthesis insertion may be the most effective solution to restore erectile function in such cases. In addition, the decision to get a prosthesis can be a big step towards improving self-esteem and overall quality of life. Considering both its physical and psychological effects, penile prosthesis treatment is not only a solution to a health problem for many men, but also a method that can open the doors to a more satisfying sex life.
Who is Penile Prosthesis Suitable for?
Penile prosthesis is an effective method preferred as a last resort in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, it may not be suitable for every individual. Therefore, it is very important to identify suitable candidates before penile prosthesis is applied. So, who is penile prosthesis suitable for? Let's take a closer look at the answer to this question.
- Men Not Responding to Drug Treatments: Medications and other non-invasive treatments are usually the first choice for treating erectile dysfunction. However, some men may not respond to medications such as PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Cialis) or hormone therapy. In this case, penile prosthesis treatment offers a permanent solution for men with erection problems.
- Diabetes Patients: Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction in the long term by affecting the vessels and nerves.Especially in advanced stages of diabetes, erection problems can become more complicated.Diabetes patients may be suitable candidates for penile prosthesis when they do not respond to medication and other treatment methods.
- Men Treated for Prostate Cancer: Surgical interventions or radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer can negatively affect penile erectile function. Men who experience erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment and do not get results with other treatment methods may benefit from penile prosthesis treatment.
- Men with Nerve or Vascular Damage: When the blood vessels or nerves that supply blood flow to the genitals are damaged, erection difficulties can occur. Traumas, spinal cord injuries, nerve disorders, etc. can cause permanent erection loss. In such cases, penile prosthesis can be an effective solution to restore erectile function.
- Erectile Dysfunction Negatively Affecting Quality of Life: If erectile dysfunction affects the person psychologically and emotionally, seriously impairs quality of life and other treatment methods are inadequate, penile prosthesis may be considered. This treatment can increase self-confidence by restoring satisfaction in sexual life.
In conclusion, penile prosthesis is a viable option for men who have difficulty achieving an erection due to certain health problems and have not responded to other treatments. However, like any treatment, penile prosthesis should be evaluated by a specialist physician. Therefore, it is important to consult a urologist before penile prosthesis insertion for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Types of Penile Prosthesis?
Penile prostheses offer permanent solutions used as a last resort in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Various types of prostheses are available according to different needs. Here are the types of penile prosthesis:
1. Şişirilebilir Penil Protez (Hidrolik Protez)
This prosthesis works with a fluid-containing system. The user achieves an erection with a pump located in the scrotum. The erection can be inflated as needed and then emptied conveniently.
Advantages: Provides a natural look and feel.
Disadvantages: It can be more surgically complex.
2. Sabit Penil Protez (Katı Protez)
This prosthesis remains permanently rigid and contains no mechanism for erection. It is inserted by simple surgical intervention.
Advantages: Simple and low cost.
Disadvantages: Unnatural appearance and constant erection.
3. Yarı Şişirilebilir Penil Protez
The semi-inflatable prosthesis normally remains semi-rigid and is simply inflated when needed.
Advantages: Natural look and easy handling.
Disadvantages: Because it is semi-rigid, it may not be ideal for some users.
How Does Penile Prosthesis Surgery Work?
Penile prosthesis surgery is a surgical procedure that offers a permanent solution for men experiencing erectile dysfunction. How this surgery is performed ensures that patients have accurate information about the treatment process. Penile prosthesis surgery is usually performed in the following steps.
It starts with a detailed interview with the doctor before the surgery. In this interview, the patient's health condition is evaluated, medications and allergies are reviewed. Blood tests and health screenings are usually performed to ensure that the surgery can be performed safely. These preparations are the most important steps before the operation.
Penile prosthesis surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This ensures that the patient is fully asleep and does not feel pain during the procedure. The surgeon inserts the prosthesis through a small incision, usually in the lower part of the penis or in the scrotum (egg sack) area. The type of prosthesis is determined by the patient's needs and can be inflatable, fixed or semi-inflatable. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon controls bleeding and the incision is closed properly.
After surgery, patients are usually kept under observation in hospital for a few days. There may be mild pain and swelling in the first days, but these can be managed with painkillers. In the post-operative period, patients may need to perform heavy physical activities.
What Are the Processes Before and After Penile Prosthesis Surgery?
Penile prosthesis surgery offers a permanent solution for men with erectile dysfunction. However, it is of great importance to manage both pre- and post-operative processes correctly in order to achieve a successful result. In this article, we will examine the before and after processes of penile prosthesis surgery in detail.
The Process Before Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Before deciding on penile prosthesis surgery, a detailed assessment is made with your doctor. This process is critical to the success of the treatment. The first step is to consult a urologist and assess your health condition. Your doctor will investigate the cause of erectile dysfunction and treatment options. Generally, penile prosthesis is an option if medication and other methods have been tried with no results.
In the preoperative process, the patient's medical history is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to whether there are health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. Information is also obtained about medications and allergies, if any. The patient usually undergoes blood tests and some investigations. These preparations are important for the surgery to take place safely.
Process After Penile Prosthesis Surgery
The recovery process after penile prosthesis surgery usually consists of several stages. After surgery, patients are monitored in the hospital for a few days. During this time, there may be pain, swelling and mild bruising, but these can usually be controlled with painkillers.
In the first few days, the patient is advised to avoid physical activity. Sexual intercourse is especially forbidden during this period and the prosthesis is not yet activated. A healing process is necessary for the prosthesis to start working properly. On average, within 4-6 weeks after surgery, patients can return to normal activities with the permission of their doctor.
The use of the prosthesis for erectile function is possible with the doctor's approval at the end of the healing process. During this process, your doctor will guide you and give you information on how to use the prosthesis.