Choosing to undergo penile implant surgery is a life-changing decision. For most men, an inflatable penile prosthesis restores intimacy, confidence, and quality of life.

Unfortunately, not every penile implant delivers the expected result.

Some men experience mechanical failure, while others are disappointed with penile length, pump position, cosmetic appearance, persistent pain, or erectile function. Many have been told that “nothing more can be done.”

That simply isn’t true.

As a urologist specializing in complex penile prosthesis surgery, revision surgery, implant exchange, and reconstruction, I frequently help men who have undergone previous penile implant surgery regain function, improve appearance, and restore confidence.

Why Do Penile Implants Need Revision Surgery?

Modern penile implants are extremely reliable, but no prosthesis lasts forever.

Revision surgery may become necessary because of:

Mechanical Failure

The implant itself can eventually wear out.

Common problems include:

• Fluid leak
• Cylinder leak
• Reservoir leak
• Tubing disconnection
• Lock-out pump malfunction
• Pump that no longer inflates
• Auto-inflation
• Failure to deflate
• Device no longer becoming rigid

Most modern penile prostheses function well for many years, but like any mechanical device, eventual replacement may become necessary.

Unsatisfactory Surgical Outcome

Some patients are unhappy despite a functioning implant.

Common concerns include:

• Loss of penile length
• Poor girth
• High-riding pump
• Pump difficult to locate
• Visible tubing
• Uneven cylinders
• Penile curvature
• Persistent bending
• Floppy glans
• Poor cosmetic appearance
• Difficulty with intercourse

Many of these problems can be corrected with revision surgery.

Implant Infection

Although uncommon, infection remains one of the most serious complications.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Drainage
• Fever
• Device exposure

In experienced hands, many infections can be treated using modern salvage techniques.

Device Erosion

Occasionally a cylinder or pump may erode into surrounding tissues.

This requires prompt evaluation by a penile prosthesis specialist.

Implant Malposition

The cylinders or pump may not sit in the optimal position.

Examples include:

• Pump too high
• Pump too low
• Cylinder crossover
• Cylinder displacement
• Distal erosion
• Proximal migration

Correct positioning often significantly improves comfort and function.

Why Revision Surgery Is More Complex Than Primary Penile Implant Surgery

Revision surgery is very different from first-time penile implant surgery.

Previous operations often leave:

• Scar tissue
• Corporal fibrosis
• Tissue contracture
• Altered anatomy
• Previous graft material
• Reservoir scarring
• Infection-related damage

These cases require advanced reconstructive techniques and careful surgical planning.

Not every surgeon performs complex penile implant revisions on a routine basis.

Experience matters.

Common Reasons Patients Travel for Revision Surgery

Many of my patients come from across the country after experiencing:

• Failed penile implant
• Mechanical breakdown
• Multiple prior surgeries
• Loss of penile length
• Poor cosmetic outcome
• Pain with inflation
• Difficulty cycling the implant
• Persistent curvature
• Floppy glans syndrome
• Unsatisfactory pump position
• Penile shortening after implant surgery
• Implant placed by another surgeon

These are often highly specialized cases that benefit from referral to a reconstructive prosthetic urologist.

Advanced Revision Techniques

Depending on your individual situation, revision surgery may include:

Complete Implant Exchange

Replacement of the entire prosthesis with a new device.

Pump Repositioning

Improving comfort and ease of use.

Reservoir Revision

Replacement or relocation of the reservoir.

Cylinder Upsizing

When appropriate, larger cylinders may improve penile length and rigidity.

Corporal Reconstruction

For patients with severe scarring or fibrosis.

Penile Straightening

Correction of persistent curvature associated with Peyronie’s disease.

Penile Length Restoration

Selected patients may benefit from advanced reconstructive procedures designed to maximize penile length while maintaining implant function.

Glans Support Procedures

Correction of floppy glans or distal penile instability when indicated.

Can Penile Length Be Restored?

Loss of penile length is one of the most common reasons patients seek revision surgery.

Although every patient is different, modern reconstructive techniques can often improve:

• Functional length
• Penile girth
• Cosmetic appearance
• Implant positioning
• Overall satisfaction

Your goals, anatomy, and previous surgeries determine which options are appropriate.

Choosing the Right Revision Surgeon

Revision surgery is one of the most technically demanding procedures in prosthetic urology.

When choosing a surgeon, consider:

• Fellowship training
• High-volume penile implant practice
• Experience with complex revisions
• Management of corporal fibrosis
• Expertise in implant salvage
• Experience with Peyronie’s disease reconstruction
• Length restoration techniques
• Reoperative prosthetic surgery

Successful outcomes often depend more on surgical experience than on the implant itself.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Every revision consultation begins with understanding what happened after your original surgery.

Your evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical history
• Review of prior operative reports
• Physical examination
• Imaging when necessary
• Assessment of implant function
• Evaluation of penile length and anatomy
• Discussion of realistic expectations
• Individualized surgical planning

No two revision surgeries are exactly alike.

You Do Not Have to Live with an Unsatisfactory Penile Implant

If your penile prosthesis no longer works, feels uncomfortable, has lost rigidity, or simply does not meet your expectations, there may be options to improve your outcome.

Whether your implant has developed a mechanical failure, requires replacement, or you are seeking expert revision after previous surgery, specialized reconstructive techniques may help restore function, confidence, and quality of life.

A consultation with an experienced penile prosthesis revision surgeon can help determine the best path forward.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing:

• Penile implant mechanical failure
• Fluid leak
• Lock-out pump malfunction
• Penile implant revision
• Inflatable penile prosthesis exchange
• Penile implant infection
• Floppy glans after penile implant
• Penile shortening after implant surgery
• High-riding pump
• Penile implant dissatisfaction
• Peyronie’s disease after implant
• Complex penile implant reconstruction

Contact our office to discuss your options. Even if you’ve been told that nothing more can be done, a specialized evaluation may reveal solutions that restore both function and confidence.

The post Penile Prosthesis Revision Surgery: When Your Implant Doesn’t Meet Expectations, There Are Solutions appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

When testosterone levels drop—a condition often referred to as Low T—it can have significant physical, emotional, and social impacts, affecting overall life quality. Let’s explore how low testosterone affects your health, the symptoms to watch for, and available treatment options.

The Role of Testosterone in the Body

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It regulates key functions, including:

• Development of muscle mass and strength
• Maintenance of bone density
• Red blood cell production
• Fat distribution
• Libido and sexual function
• Mood and cognitive performance

Optimal testosterone levels help maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. When levels decline, either due to aging or medical conditions, the effects can be profound.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can manifest in various ways, including:

• Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density.
• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
• Sexual Symptoms: Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual satisfaction.

These symptoms can lead to a diminished sense of well-being, affecting confidence, motivation, and social relationships.

How Low Testosterone Impacts Health

Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass. Low T can lead to muscle loss and reduced strength, making physical activity and daily tasks more challenging.

Bone Density

Low testosterone contributes to reduced bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in older adults.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that low testosterone levels may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels can support heart health and circulation.

Mood and Cognitive Function

Low T can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and brain fog, significantly impacting mental health and daily functioning.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Fortunately, Low T can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Options include:

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT involves administering testosterone via injections, gels, patches, or pellets to restore hormone levels. This treatment can improve energy, mood, libido, and muscle mass while reducing symptoms like fatigue and depression.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can naturally boost testosterone levels. Key strategies include:

• Regular exercise, particularly strength training
• A balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients
• Stress management and adequate sleep

Regular Monitoring

It’s important to monitor testosterone levels regularly, especially if you experience symptoms of Low T. Regular check-ups can help tailor treatments to your individual needs and ensure long-term health.

Low Testosterone Treatment in NYC

Low testosterone can significantly impact your health and quality of life, but with early detection and proper management, you can regain vitality and well-being.

If you suspect you may have Low T, contact Robert Valenzuela, MD at (212) 781-9696 to explore treatment options and take steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The post How Low Testosterone Affects Your Health and Quality of Life appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

Penile Implant Options

Penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with ED, or sometimes Peyronie’s Disease, to have erections and regain sexual function.

In general, there are two types of penile implants: inflatable and semi-rigid.

The inflatable implant has two cylinders, a pump in the scrotum and a reservoir filled with fluid. When an erection is desired, the man presses the pump inside the scrotum which allows the fluid to transfer to the cylinders producing an erection. You are able to control the level of hardness and the erection will not deflate until you press a valve on the pump to return the fluid to the reservoir.

The semi-rigid implant has two firm but flexible rods implanted in the penis. With this one you simply move the penis in place for sexual intercourse and move it back afterward.

Penile Implant Lifespan

Most penile implant devices will last an average of 20 years.

If it should stop working, it can be replaced.

The Benefits of a Penile Implant

Aside from the long lifespan of the device, there are numerous other benefits including:

• They are very durable.
• You are once again in control of your body.
• No one will know you have an implant as it is contained within the body.
• Discretion. You operate the pump when you are ready. There is no waiting like with a pill.
• You can achieve an erection in 15 seconds and keep it as long as you wish.
• The devices do not affect your ability to ejaculate or have an orgasm.
• They do not affect the sensation of the skin on your penis.
• Your partner will not be able to tell any difference between a naturally erect penis and one with a device.
• Over 90% of men are very happy with the results.
• Implanting the device is an outpatient procedure and you go home the same day.
• It will restore your self esteem and confidence.

Contact Dr. Robert Valenzuela at (212) 781-9696 for an evaluation at our urology clinic in Manhattan. Have all your questions answered, and find out if an implant is right for you.

The post How Long Do Penile Implants Last? appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

How Do You Develop Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s Disease begins with a build up of scar tissue within the penis. This scar tissue causes the penis to bend, curve, or lose length or girth. This scar tissue, known as plaque, is non-cancerous, does not cause infertility, but does cause pain. It is estimated that the condition goes undetected in up to 23% of men.

The scar tissue may feel like hard flat bumps under the skin or as a band of tissue. It can develop from some trauma or injury to the penis or during sexual intercourse. In addition, family history can play a part.

Signs Of Peyronie’s Disease

It is important to know the early signs of Peyronie’s Disease to get an early diagnosis and be treated.

• With Peyronie’s Disease the penis will bend or curve up, down, or side to side during an erection depending where the scar tissue develops.
• Another type of deformity is a narrowing of the penis and indentions like an hourglass shape. This occurs when the scars go all the way around the penis.
• In most cases the scars will form on the top of the penis causing it to curve upwards. If the scars are near the bottom of the penis, it will bend downward, and if the scars are one the side, the penis can bend side to side. If the scars are on both the top and bottom of the shaft, the penis can be dented or become shorter.
• There may be pain both during an erection and if the penis is in its natural shape.
• It can make an erection difficult and cause ED.

Treatment

How Dr. Valenzuela treats Peyronie’s Disease depends on the severity and stage of the condition.

Stage 1, or the acute stage, is when the first signs appear with this being the optimal time for diagnosis and treatment.  While in the acute stage, Dr. Valenzuela may recommend therapeutic exercises and penile traction to avoid losing any length along with oral medications or injections.

During stage 2, or the chronic stage, the changes stop and they become stable. Sometimes physicians will conduct “watchful waiting” with the patient checking in regularly to decide about treatment. Injections may be performed. Surgical intervention and a penile implant may be recommended if other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Don’t wait to contact Dr. Robert Valenzuela in NYC if you think you are having any early signs of Peyronie’s Disease. Call (212) 781-9696 to schedule a visit.

The post Peyronie’s Disease: Signs And Treatments You Should Know appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

Common Occurrence

The inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse is the definition of erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.

How common is erectile dysfunction? It is perfectly normal for men to have at least one incidence of ED in their lifetime. However, it is believed that about 30 million men have ED on a recurring basis. So don’t feel like you are alone or embarrassed to seek treatment from Dr. Robert Valenzuela.

How Men Get an Erection

Getting an erection is all about blood flow. When aroused, your nervous system causes the tissue in the penis to relax allowing blood to flow in. The penis then traps the blood helping to keep it erect until you have an ejaculation.

Although ED is more common in older men, younger generations can be affected too. The good news is whatever is preventing a man from enjoying healthy sex, there are options to treat it.

Possible Causes of ED

Many men think their inability to get an erection is some fault of their own or something missing in their manhood. Forget that.

ED often has more than one single cause. Many conditions can cause blood flow problems, damage nerves, arteries, and muscles which interfere with sexual function.

Underlying Medical Problems

Since erection involves blood flow and arousal, many causes could involve the vascular, endocrine, or nervous system like the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Atherosclerosis

Once these underlying causes are treated, many times ED is resolved.

Medications

Many medications are linked to ED.

Things like anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, appetite suppressants, prescription sedatives, ulcer medications, and anti-androgens can cause ED.

Your physician may be able to substitute or change dosage.

Lifestyle Behaviors

Here are some things you can control.

• Being overweight, obese, or living a “couch potato” lifestyle.
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Illicit drug use

All of these behaviors can affect your sexual health. 

Emotional Issues

Problems like depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, or sexual performance anxiety can all affect your ability to get and keep an erection. Any of these can cause or worsen symptoms of ED. 

Treatment Options for ED

The first step is to talk with Dr. Robert Valenzuela to look for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the ED, medication issues, emotional issues, and discuss your lifestyle. 

There are a variety of methods for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Dr. Valenzuela can discuss all of these options with you in more detail. All decisions regarding your best option for treating ED should be made between you and your physician, with consideration given to your individual needs and the risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Remember that early intervention and treatment to detect a medical condition causing ED increases your likelihood of reversing it.

The post Is Erectile Dysfunction Permanent? What You Should Know. appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease

You might have recently noticed television ads about this issue. It is a condition where a man has an abnormal curve to his penis. You might have a minor curve that does not affect your sex life. However, if you have pain that keeps you from having sex, it’s time to do something about it, because you can.

You’re not alone, since almost a third of men complain they have painful sex.

What About ED?

Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction seem to occur concurrently. 75% of men with Peyronie’s Disease also experience ED.

For those men who have both Peyronie’s and ED, implanting an inflatable prosthesis can treat both problems.

There are many treatment options for both issues including meds, vacuum devices, injections, suppositories, and penile implants. Implants have been used for over 40 years with great success. An inflatable implant is private and completely undetectable, and your partner does not need to know you have one. In addition, it will not affect your ability to have an orgasm or ejaculate.

Inflatable penile implants have the highest rate of satisfaction of all treatments as reported by men and their partners with 86-90% of patients with both Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction satisfied with an inflatable penile prosthesis.

Some Additional Benefits Of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

• Erections will look and feel natural
• Does not change sensation or ability to climax
• Will not affect urination
• Covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare

It’s time to enjoy your sex life again and without pain!!

Talk with Dr. Robert Valenzuela about an inflatable penile implant if you have issues with Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction. Call (212) 781-9696 to schedule a consultation at our urology clinic in Washington Heights.

The post Can A Penile Implant Correct Peyronie’s Disease? appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

Over 25,000 penile implants are placed annually in the United States. This procedure has demonstrated a satisfaction rate of up to 93%. Despite this high level of satisfaction, a subset of patients remains dissatisfied with surgical outcomes due to multiple factors. These may include loss of penile length and girth, poor esthetic outcome, poor rigidity, hypermobility of the glans (tip of the penis) herniation of reservoir.

Patient and Partner Satisfaction

Satisfaction is largely due to perception and attitude towards the medical encounter and procedure. This is driven by parameters such as patient expectations, comorbidities, surgical complications or premature device failures and partner’s response to the procedure. Therefore, it is very important to consult a specialist doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Only with specific exams, carried out during the consultation, it is possible to evaluate the presence of fibrosis, loss of size, thinning and curvature.

The function of the implant is to restore rigidity to the penis. Often the placement of the prosthesis is performed without concerns of length preservation or restoration. As surgeons we are concerned with the treatment of the medical condition. The surgeon’s focus is the surgical correction of erectile dysfunction. After the surgery, patients may present with complaints that may lead to decreased satisfaction. These conditions may not be apparent until the patient has recovered and is ready to resume sexual activity.

In this article we will review some of the causes of patient dissatisfaction and the treatment options.

PENILE PROSTHESIS REVISION OR EXCHANGE FOR GIRTH AND LENGTH RESTORATION.

LOSS OF LENGTH (SHORTENING OF THE PENIS)

A common complaint after penile prosthesis implantation is loss of penile length. This has been shown to have a negative impact on overall patient satisfaction. Some studies have shown that the subjective feeling of loss of penile length occurred in over 15% patients.  In fact, the loss of length has been reported to be 1” to 1.75”.

If you have noticed significant loss of length and girth after the placement of a penile prosthesis, in most cases, it is possible to reconstruct the penis to restore or recover length and girth.  Dr. Valenzuela employs a series of techniques that can mediate these conditions. A small midline scrotal incision allows for the removal of the existing implant. He then uses a strategy call Tunica Expansion Procedure or TEP (term developed by Dr. Egydio). TEP allows for stretching of the corpora to recover the largest possible size and diameter of the penis. The length is limited to the maximum stretch of the nerves, vessels, and urethra. This procedure has been shown to restore up to 1.5” in length and girth.

TEP is a series of cuts are made on the capsule of the penis to allow for expansion

TEP for Girth expansion

TEP for length expansion

FLOPPY GLANS (head of the penis)

Another complaint after surgery is hypermobility of the glans or head of the penis when the penis is erect. This can make penetration difficult and even painful. The tips of the cylinders can be palpated and often visible below the glans. This is easily identified by inflating the prosthesis to the maximum and tilting the head of the penis forward and back. Depending on the surgical approach this can result in 5-20% of patients. This condition may result from fibrosis of the cavernosum (tissue inside the penis) These patients tend to low levels of satisfaction with outcome.

CORRECTION OF FLOPPY GLANS

The post implant surgical correction of floppy glans depends on the extent of hypermobility and location of the cylinders. A simple procedure can relocate and fixated the glans directly over the cylinders and eliminate the hypermobility. This procedure can be performed in office under local anesthesia or in the operating room depending on the extent of hypermobility.

1.  A circumcision is created

2. Sutures are then placed to “fix” the glans in place

3. These sutures are then tested for strength

4. The circumcision is then closed

In cases where the cylinders may be too short, fixation of the glans decrease the length of the penis. As a result, we recommend a penile prosthesis exchange and re-sizing of the prosthesis.  At the time of the procedure the penile prosthesis is removed, the corpora are rechanneled to the level of the mid-glans and placement of a larger penile prosthesis. This will help restore penile length and improve esthetic outcome and function.

VISIBLE TUBING OR HIGH RIDING PUMP

Despite having a functional prosthesis, this condition can be very disturbing to the patients. Patient will often avoid sexual encounters due to feeling insecure and embarrassment. Relocation of tubing or pump to maximize esthetic results, can easily be achieved with an outpatient procedure.

Here are some examples of pump placement: 

The pump is high in the scrotum. This makes it more visible due to its location may interfere with sexual activity.

Pump located visible high in the scrotum and at the penoscrotal junction.

Pump low in the scrotum but midline and visible.

In the ideal location the pump should be low in the scrotum, should not interfere with sexual activity and maximize esthetics.

In this case the pump is low in the scrotum, behind the testicles and it is not visible regardless of the angle of the penis

GOALS OF PENILE PROSTHESIS REVISION OR EXCHANGE SURGERY

• Recover axial rigidity and give good penetrative ability.
• Restore girth and length with Tunica Expansion Procedure (TEP).
• Treat the fibrosis that may have appeared after the first surgery.
• Maximize function and esthetics.
• Use national and international protocols to minimize complications
• Rescue a healthy sex life.

Dr. Valenzuela utilizes a series of adjunct procedure to achieve these goals. The choice of prosthesis is made together with the patient, at the time of the consultation, based on a careful evaluation and the needs of the patient. Each case is treated individually, considering the medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference, and cost-effectiveness.

The post PENILE PROSTHESIS REVISION OR EXCHANGE: TREATMENT OPTIONS appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

Basic Facts About BPH

The prostate gland is a small gland about the size of a walnut located below the bladder and near the urethra. It is an important gland since it produces semen.

It does not cause prostate cancer and is not a risk factor for cancer.

About one out of four men will have uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate by age 55. By age 80 about half will have symptoms that require treatment.

Some of the most common risk factors besides age include family history, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. There is other information that there may be factors resulting from rising testosterone and changes in the cellular level in the testes.

The Effects Of BPH

When the prostate gland enlarges, it restricts urine flow due to its proximity to the urethra.

The prostate continues to enlarge until it begins to constrict the ability for a man to urinate.

As men begin to have symptoms of BPH, they may experience the following effects:

• A weak stream
• Difficulty starting and stopping urination
• Urgency
• Frequent feeling of needing to urinate
• Sense that the bladder is not empty
• Getting up several times at night to urinate
• Painful urination and ejaculation

Why BPH Should Be Treated

Some men will have minimal symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia at first. When the prostate begins to grow, there is a reduced ability for the bladder to hold urine. In addition, as the prostate grows larger, there can be some serious consequences if a man doesn’t have treatment.

This can lead to a complete blockage of the urethra, kidney damage, the development of both kidney and bladder stones and infections, urinary tract infections, and back up of pressure that damages the kidneys, plus other conditions that can require medical intervention.

Luckily, today there are minimally invasive treatments to open the urethra, drugs to shrink the prostate, and others to relax the muscles. There is no one treatment that is best for all men. There are surgical options as well.

The decision to treat BPH is between the patient and Dr. Robert Valenzuela. This is usually based on a man’s age, his general health and the severity of the symptoms.

The post The Dangers Of Leaving BPH Untreated appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

First Look At Your Options

There are basically two types of penile implants: bendable and inflatable.

• With bendable implants flexible silicone rods are placed into the erection chambers of the penis. When you want an erection, you manually adjust the rods.
• With an inflatable implant the silicone rods are implanted into the erection chambers which you inflate using a pump hidden in your scrotum.

Talk with Dr. Valenzuela about the pros and cons of both types before you choose which is best for you.

Then Look At The Benefits

Effective And Discreet

The satisfaction rate of men with a penile implant and their partners is between 90 to 95%. In addition, 80 to 90% of those who had a penile implant have no regrets and would have the surgery again.

When you are ready, your erection will be ready in 15 seconds. You can discreetly create your erection when you choose.

You Are In Control

Just like a natural erection, you don’t have to excuse yourself, make plans to have an erection, or wait. As an added bonus, it lasts as long as you want.

Penile Implants Are Safe

The post surgical infection rate of a penile implant is extremely low at approximately 1%. Of course, it is essential to choose an experienced urologist like Dr. Valenzuela to reduce the chances of any complications.

You Can Once Again Be Spontaneous

Your sex life can be fun again without waiting or planning.

Natural Sensations

You still will have natural looking erections and full sensation plus the ability to climax. Your partner will not know you have an implant unless you tell them.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance companies pay for the device and the surgery, including Medicare.

The post When Is It Time To Consider A Penile Implant For Erectile Dysfunction appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.

Some Facts About Erectile Dysfunction

Occasionally having trouble initiating or sustaining an erection is probably not erectile dysfunction. Change the word occasionally to regularly and you are closer to the definition of ED. To clarify further, if satisfactory sexual performance has persistently been impossible on a number of occasions (and for sometime), it is considered erectile dysfunction.

ED is usually caused by a medical condition, but it can also be related to prescription and recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, and in some cases a result of psychological issues. ED becomes more common as you get older, but it’s not a normal result of aging.

How to Know If You Are a Candidate for a Penile Implant

A penile implant is a custom fit medical device which is surgically placed into the penis to produce a naturally looking and feeling erection.

The best candidates for a penile implant are those who:

• Have a problem with blood flow to the penis
• Have nerve injuries
• Have side effects from prostate cancer
• Have not had positive responses to oral medication or penile injection therapy

Penile Implant Types

There are basically two types of penile implants: inflatable and semi-rigid but flexible rods. Inflatable implants are more common and consist of a 3 part type and a 2 part type.

The 3 Part Inflatable Device

This type of device includes a fluid reservoir in the abdomen, a pump and release valve in the scrotum, and two inflatable cylinders inside the penis. 3 part inflatable penile implants will create the most rigid erection that is also able to mimic the look and performance of a natural erection.

The 2 Part Inflatable Device

This inflatable device includes the reservoir as part of the pump that is placed inside the scrotum, and the inflatable cylinders are placed in the penis. This is a less complicated alternative to the standard 3 part penile implant.

Semi-rigid Rods

With this device, the penis remains rigid all the time. This allows the penis to be placed close to the body or moved away from the body for sex. Other versions of semi-rigid rods will have segments with springs on each end that make it easier to maintain the position of the penis once in place.

Because the semi-rigid rods stay taut, this implant can be difficult to hide under clothing.

The post Penile Implant Types and How to Know If You Are a Candidate appeared first on Valenzuela Urology.