Monthly Archives: May 2018

5 Common Myths About Penile Implants

Penile implants are still fairly new on the scene and there are plenty of myths and misconceptions floating around about them. While some of these myths are benign, many of them are based on fear and could actually deter people from getting the procedure done. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about penile implants.

The Surgery and Recovery Are Going to Be Painful

That couldn’t be further from the truth. First of all, nothing will be removed during the procedure and the surgery will only take a few minutes in total. And as far as recovery goes, most patients are fully recovered within 4 weeks at best, and 3 months at worst, and can barely feel anything inside them. From this point, you can resume your normal sex life with no problem.

The Implant May be Difficult to Control

With a penile implant, you can have total control over your erection. You can control both the time and rigidity of the erection. And there is no chance that your pump will activate itself by accident. In many ways, a penile implant is even more controllable than a natural erection, so there is nothing to fear.

Everyone Will be Able to See It

Again, this is totally false. The pump itself will be concealed in your scrotum, so there is no way anyone else will be able to see it. Whether it’s your partner or in the locker room, no one will ever be able to tell that you have had penile implant surgery done.

It’s Too Expensive

Many people may think that a penile implant may be out of reach or that their insurance won’t cover it. But penile implants are actually covered by Medicare, as a matter of fact, they have been covered since 1975. And many private insurance plans cover it as well.

The Chance for Complications is too High

Infections are very rare during penile implant surgery. The rate is around 1% for non-diabetics and between 3% to 5% for patients with poorly controlled diabetes. And doctors are constantly working to reduce this rate, so the chances you’ll have to deal with complications are very small.

Now that you’re aware of the myths and misconceptions about penile implants, you should consider contacting a reputable doctor in your area who can answer your questions and see if this is truly the solution for you. If you live in the greater New York area, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best penile implant doctor in NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penile Implants

While penile implant surgery has been around for a while, it’s still surprising how many people are completely in the dark about the procedure. Penile implants were introduced in the early 70s and were actually the most common treatment for erectile dysfunction before Viagra was introduced. If you were thinking of getting a penile implant, you may have plenty of questions, which is perfectly understandable. Here are some of the most common questions people may have about penile implants.

Will I Be Able to Have Orgasms After Getting a Penile Implant?

Well first, it’s very important to understand that orgasm, erection and ejaculation are 3 completely independent functions. Many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction are still able to have an orgasm and ejaculate. So, all that the penile implant will do is restore the erection allowing the patient to do all three. However, if you have the procedure after you’ve undergone radiation therapy or a radical prostatectomy and lost the ability to ejaculate, then there will be no ejaculation even if you’re able to achieve orgasm or get an erection.

What Are the Risks Involved with Penile Implants?

While the procedure is very safe, it is still important to understand which risks are involved. Some of the risks include implant erosion through the patient’s skin, small bowel intestine, and urethra. In some extreme cases, patients may deal with artery injuries as well. You could also experience temporary pain around the surgical area as well as mechanical failure of the device.

Will the Implant Affect Physical Activity?

In most cases, you should be able to perform most of your regular activities after you get your implant. However, just like any other procedure, you’ll have to exercise caution depending on the activity. When it comes to cycling for instance, the way the pump is positioned is crucial. If you cycle regularly, then you might have to invest in a wider seat with a gap in the center.

Is There Any Chance That My Body Will Reject the Implant?

No, your body won’t “reject” the implant per se, but like any procedure, when a foreign object is inserted there is a risk for infection, though it’s very rare. In the case of infection, the patient will be prescribed antibiotics and the implant will be replaced.

Now that you understand the procedure a little better, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision and see if penile implants are truly for you. If you have more questions about penile implants and erectile dysfunction treatments in general, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best penile implant doctor in NYC.