The increasing prevalence of problems such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension has led to an increase in the number of people with erectile dysfunction. Today, stress factors brought about by modern life and unhealthy lifestyle habits are further exacerbating this situation. Erectile dysfunction is a serious health problem encountered in approximately half of men between the ages of 40-70.
Current treatments for erectile dysfunction include oral medication, injections, and penile prostheses. Penile prostheses are inflatable or malleable devices composed of various materials that are surgically implanted into the penis. Penile prosthesis surgery offers an effective solution for patients who do not benefit from other treatment methods. Thanks to a penile prosthesis, patients can resolve their erectile dysfunction issues and actively continue their sexual lives.
What is a Penile Prosthesis?
Erectile dysfunction is a disease that has existed as a significant problem from the past to the present, significantly affecting sexual life. For hundreds of years, people have tried all the technological possibilities of their time to solve this problem. The limited benefit of treatment methods, primarily medical therapy, folk remedies, and injections, has created a necessity for surgical intervention for patients with advanced erectile dysfunction.
Penile prosthesis prices and penile prosthesis price options vary depending on the type of prosthesis the patient prefers. The surgical intervention for erectile dysfunction is the application of a penile prosthesis, also known as a happiness rod.
This procedure, known by names such as penile prosthesis surgery or penile implant implantation, is safely applied to patients with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to other treatment methods. Penile prosthesis surgery is one of the most effective solutions offered by modern medicine. During the procedure, malleable or pump-assisted inflatable implants are placed inside the penis to restore sexual function.
After selecting the prosthesis by considering the patient's individual needs, lifestyle, and expectations, a comprehensive antibiotic treatment is initiated to prevent possible infection, and the patient is prepared for the operation. Penile prostheses offer a permanent and reliable solution for patients with erectile dysfunction to regain sexual activity.
In Which Situations Is a Penile Prosthesis Used?
Penile prosthesis application is primarily performed on individuals experiencing erectile dysfunction who do not respond successfully to medication or other methods. It is particularly recommended for older men with multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or those who have undergone prostate cancer surgery, as medication treatment would increase the rate of side effects and drug interactions due to the use of multiple medications.
A penile prosthesis is also preferred in the presence of conditions that cause structural changes in the penis, such as Peyronie's disease, trauma, or scarring. The absence of any age restriction for penile prostheses and the fact that penile prosthesis prices can be covered by health insurance also increase the accessibility of the procedure.
What Are the Types of Penile Prostheses?
Penile prostheses are divided into 2 main categories based on the material and mechanism features used during penile prosthesis surgery: malleable and inflatable. Malleable penile prostheses consist of silicone bendable rods containing special steel extensions, covered with high-quality synthetic material. In some modern models, durable materials other than metal are used to minimize the risk of potential damage. Thanks to the rear-tip extenders found in malleable prostheses, the necessary size adjustments can be made for the patient. Before penile prosthesis surgery, these prostheses are carefully cut to fit the anatomical characteristics of the patient's sexual organ and prepared for the operation.
Inflatable penile prostheses are designed as 2-piece or 3-piece systems depending on the number of mechanisms. Three-piece inflatable prostheses consist of three basic components: a pump, a reservoir, and cylinders. Penile prosthesis prices may vary according to these technological features. In modern penile prosthesis types, all parts are equipped with advanced technology antibiotic coatings to minimize the risk of infection.
Two-piece inflatable prostheses are a more compact system consisting of a pump and cylinders. The pump mechanism is placed inside the scrotum. An erection is achieved by manually squeezing the pump before sexual intercourse. This system, which is one of the most practical answers to the question of what a penile prosthesis is, can be switched to a flaccid position by manually bending the penis. Although 3-piece systems are considered more advantageous in terms of patient satisfaction, 2-piece prostheses are also widely preferred.
How Does a Penile Prosthesis Work?
A penile prosthesis works with two basic mechanisms. Malleable prostheses are designed so that the patient can easily adapt to their daily life after penile prosthesis surgery. These prostheses have a flexible structure that can be shaped by hand according to the area of use and need. Thanks to their semi-rigid structure, they can be brought to the desired position with minimal intervention. Before sexual activity, the prosthesis is lifted upwards to achieve an erection position, and it can be directed downwards during daily activities, dressing, and urination. Malleable prostheses, which are a more economical option among penile prosthesis prices, have a very low failure rate and are extremely practical to use.
Although the working mechanism of inflatable prostheses is more complex, it offers an experience closest to a natural erection. This system is based on the principle of transferring an isotonic solution from a special reservoir area to the cylinders inside the penis with the help of a precise pump mechanism. In this system, which provides the most technological answer to the question of what a penile prosthesis is, the patient can bring the penis to an erection position with the help of a pump whenever they want and return it to the normal position after intercourse.
How Is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Performed?
Penile prosthesis surgery is a delicate operation performed by expert urologists. For the procedure, a small surgical incision is made under the head of the penis, at the base of the penis, or in the lower abdominal region. The spongy tissue called the corpus cavernosum, which is responsible for natural erection, is carefully dilated. Implant cylinders, specially prepared according to the patient's anatomical measurements, are placed inside the penis. When an inflatable type of implant is preferred, a pump and valve mechanism are also placed inside the scrotum. For these types of prostheses, the operation is usually performed from two different incision points. After the implant is placed and its position is adjusted, the incisions are sutured and closed. Penile prosthesis surgery takes an average of 45 minutes.
What Is the Recovery Process After Penile Prosthesis Surgery?
The recovery process after penile prosthesis surgery proceeds quite quickly and comfortably. After penile prosthesis surgery, while the incision area heals rapidly thanks to the use of modern surgical techniques, temporary edema and swelling may be seen in the area where the implant is placed. Within the first week after the surgery, pain associated with the procedure gradually decreases and disappears completely. The first 48 hours after surgery are particularly critical; during this period, ice packs can be applied regularly to prevent swelling.
In terms of personal hygiene, one should wait 24-48 hours to take a shower. After this period, bathing can be done provided that the area around the penis is treated gently. One of the important points to consider during the recovery process after penile prosthesis surgery is to avoid sitting in bathtub baths for the first 10 days. In addition, swimming in a pool or the sea should be avoided for 2 weeks to minimize the risk of infection.
It is normal for a small amount of blood to stain the gauze from the surgical area during dressing for the first 3 days after surgery, and this should not be a cause for concern. This is part of the natural healing process and resolves on its own within a few days. Since self-dissolving sutures are used in modern surgical techniques included in penile prosthesis prices, there is no need for a separate suture removal procedure.
Most patients can perform light activities and take short walks on the day the operation is performed. Sexual intercourse can usually be started after 4-6 weeks, at the end of the period deemed safe by the doctor.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Penile Prosthesis?
Penile prosthesis surgery has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include:
The procedure has high success rates,
The procedure has high reliability rates,
High satisfaction rates among patients who apply with complaints of erectile dysfunction.
Disadvantages of penile prosthesis surgery include the following:
Since penile prosthesis surgery requires a surgical intervention, a small incision must be made during the operation. This incision is usually made in the penile root area and is performed in a minimally invasive manner with modern surgical techniques.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection in penile prosthesis surgery. This risk is attempted to be minimized with sterile conditions in the operating room and antibiotics used after surgery. High-quality implants, which are included in penile prosthesis prices, are produced with antibiotic coatings.
In malleable penile prosthesis models, the penis is constantly in a semi-rigid state. This may cause cosmetic concerns for some patients in daily life and regarding clothing. When looking for an answer to the question of what a penile prosthesis is, it is important to consider this feature.
After penile prosthesis surgery, pain that can last for 1-2 months may be seen in the perineal region. This pain is usually mild and can be controlled with appropriate painkillers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penile Prosthesis (Happiness Rod)
Although there is no definitive age limit for a penile prosthesis, a medical necessity usually arises in patients between the ages of 40-70. However, penile prosthesis surgery is contraindicated in some cases:
Active urinary tract infections or other systemic infections
Lower urinary tract symptoms such as prostate problems or frequent urination
Patients who do not accept possible revision surgery
Situations where sexual activity is risky due to serious cardiovascular diseases
Apart from these contraindications, a penile prosthesis can be safely recommended and applied in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
People who have undergone a penile prosthesis procedure report that they have a performance as healthy as their old days in terms of sexual life. The vast majority of patients state that they are satisfied with their sexual lives after penile prosthesis surgery. However, a penile prosthesis does not cause a change in a man's sexual skill and ability to reach orgasm. Furthermore, the prosthesis does not cause any change in sensation in the penile skin and tissue, which provides a natural sexual experience. Getting a penile prosthesis is not a painful procedure. A very small incision is made to perform the implantation. The period can be spent quite comfortably with low-dose painkillers to be used after the surgery. People who have undergone a penile prosthesis procedure report that they have a performance as healthy as their old days in terms of sexual life. However, a penile prosthesis does not cause a change in a man's sexual skill and ability to reach orgasm. Furthermore, the prosthesis does not cause any change in sensation in the penile skin and tissue. People who have a penile prosthesis can continue their sexual lives normally. Modern penile prosthesis technology offers an experience almost similar to a natural erection. However, if the implant is desired to be removed after a while, these individuals may have completely lost their natural erection ability. For this reason, patients should evaluate all alternatives before deciding on penile prosthesis surgery. After penile prosthesis surgery, doctors wait for a while to activate the mechanism and forbid the person from having sexual intercourse during this time. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for the period recommended by the doctor, and the recommended medications should be used regularly. In addition, intense and strenuous physical activities should be avoided during this process. Getting a penile prosthesis can cause some complications. These complications include: Bleeding, infection formation, scarring and wound formation at the surgical incision site. A penile prosthesis is an implant used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. There are malleable and inflatable types. While malleable prostheses can be shaped by hand, inflatable prostheses provide an erection with a pump mechanism. A penile prosthesis is used in patients with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to medication and other treatments. It is especially preferred in older men with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Its advantages include high success and reliability rates, and high patient satisfaction. Disadvantages may include surgical incision, risk of infection, cosmetic concerns in malleable prostheses, and pain. As the Hisar Hospital Urology Department, we offer comprehensive answers to the question of what a penile prosthesis is and make a detailed evaluation according to each patient's specific situation. Regarding penile prosthesis surgery, we apply current surgical approaches by using the latest technological versions of malleable and inflatable prostheses. We provide transparent information about penile prosthesis prices and offer full support to our patients during the pre- and post-treatment process.
Penile prosthesis application is a reliable solution that provides the restoration of long-term sexual function for suitable candidates. We provide detailed information about penile prosthesis price options and insurance coverage.
To get more information, have your individual evaluation done, and meet with our specialist physicians, you can visit our Urology Clinic page or easily apply via the appointment page.
