Penile Prosthesis: Classic Q&A

Who are the best patients? Internationally recognized treatments for ED (erectile dysfunction, or what used to be called “impotence”) include first-line (psychotherapy and behavioral therapy, oral medications, vacuum suction), second-line (urethral medications, cavernous injections), and third-line treatments (penile vascular surgery, penile prosthesis implantation). Which patients are suitable for penile support implantation (penile prosthesis) as the last line of treatment for erectile dysfunction? Theoretically, the implantation of a penile prosthesis is suitable for all patients in whom the first and second line of treatment has failed (including those with severe psychogenic ED, who have not responded to relevant treatments, and whose couples strongly desire surgical treatment). I believe that ED after pelvic fracture, diabetic ED in patients who have not responded to medication, and ED after radical prostatectomy are the best indications. Can I have normal intercourse? There are differences from normal intercourse. For example, the glans will not be enlarged, some patients will complain that the penis is short without pre-operation, manual manipulation is required to accomplish erection and weakness, etc.; in addition there is a risk of infection, mechanical failure, and erosion. However, the prosthesis also has advantages that natural erection does not have: erection can be unaffected by mood, fatigue and other factors; higher success rate than taking erection-aiding drugs and so on!