Erectile Dysfunction Surgery: What You Need To Know

Erectile dysfunction is a fairly common condition, affecting millions of men worldwide. It is the inability to obtain or maintain a sufficient erection for sex. ED is treated with drugs and psychotherapy, but also through surgery for people who did not respond to the drug and psychotherapy component of ED treatment. Let us examine the erectile dysfunction surgeries, the pros and cons, and what you need to consider when trying to determine if it’s right for you.

Types of Erectile Dysfunction Surgeries

There are three main types of surgical procedures for ED: penile implants, vascular surgery, and penile reconstruction.

1. Penile Implants: This is the most common ED surgery. It’s the technique of inserting an inflatable or semi-rigid device into the penis to provide an erection. The inflatable balloon has two tubes inserted surgically into the penis, a pump implanted into the scrotum, and a reservoir implanted in the abdomen. When you press the pump, the fluid from the reservoir flows into the cylinders and raises the penis. The semi-rigid system, however, remains rigid all the time but can be pulled into a more natural position for sex.

2. Vascular Surgery: It is performed to increase the blood supply to the penis. The procedure is normally performed on men who have clogged or narrowed the arteries leading to the penis. The most frequent ED-related vascular surgery is referred to as penile revascularisation, and it involves crossing the narrowed or blocked arteries via a vein or artificial tube.

3. Penile Reconstruction: It is performed to correct physiological malformations of the penis that may result in ED. Sometimes it involves straightening a bent penis (Peyronie’s disease) or healing a penile wound or birth defect. This procedure is relatively rare and is usually performed only when other options have not worked.

Benefits of Erectile Dysfunction Surgery

The primary outcome of ED surgery is sexual resumption. After surgery, many ED men report increased sexual happiness and intimacy. Additionally, surgery, in contrast to other forms of treatment, can end ED permanently without the need for further medication or treatment.

Risks of Erectile Dysfunction Surgery

As with all surgeries, ED surgery carries risks. They can be infections, bleeding, and anaesthesia related complications. It can also lead to mechanical failure of the penile implant, requiring further surgery. Rarely, the nerves can get damaged, leaving the penis numb or painful.

An additional thing to take into account is the chance that your penis will shorten after surgery. Inflatable penile implants may shorten and thicken the penis; vascular surgery can cut the penis shorter and narrower. Yet, most men report that the added benefits of improved sexual function outweigh any concerns about growing the penis.

What You Need To Know Before Considering Surgery

1. Surgical Options for ED:

The two main surgical approaches to ED are penile implant surgery and vascular reconstruction surgery. In penile implant surgery, an inflatable or flexible rod is implanted in the penis to produce erections. Vascular reconstruction surgery, by contrast, seeks to increase blood supply to the penis by repairing infected blood vessels. It is essential to be aware of these two surgical options and how they are different in terms of their success, risks and benefits.

2. Success Rates and Effectiveness:

The insertion of penile implants is a fairly successful procedure, and most men have good sexual function following it. Yet, the outcome of vascular reconstruction surgery depends on how severely the blood vessels have been damaged. Vascular reconstruction surgery generally has a lower success rate than penile implant surgery and is typically performed for specific men with vascular disorders. You need to discuss with a physician the success rate and efficiency of the surgical options to determine the right course of treatment.

3. Risks and Complications:

ED surgery is as risky as any surgery. They can include infection, hemorrhage, burns, and faulty equipment. Sometimes penile implant surgery can lead to reduced sensitivities or a changed appearance of the penis. The surgery to reconstruct the arteries can injure nerves or vessels in the surrounding area, leaving patients feeling either numb or unable to have sex. It’s important to discuss these risks with a physician and balance them against what the surgery might bring.

4. Alternative Treatment Options:

If ED is to be treated surgically, you should explore alternative options. ED is typically treated with oral drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Sexual function is also enhanced through lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol. Vacuum constriction devices and penile injection therapies are other options for treatment that may be beneficial for some men. Talking to a medical professional about these options can assist people in making a clear determination on whether surgery might be the best option for them.

5. Cost and Insurance Coverage:

ED surgeries are expensive, and coverage for such procedures depends on individual circumstances. The price for penile implant surgery can range from $15,000 to $20,000, whereas vascular reconstruction surgery will range between $5,000 and $15,000. Make sure to speak with the insurance companies about coverage and costs. Additionally, some medical device manufacturers offer financing for penile implant surgery.

Conclusion: Erectile Dysfunction Surgery: What You Need To Know

Other treatments, the eventual cure from, might give men no excuse not to take erectile dysfunction surgery. That’s because it delivers a lifetime cure for ED and might even improve sex functioning and pleasure. But that’s after being thoroughly informed about all the risks and benefits before performing such surgery. Before using alternative therapies, you should talk to a doctor and agree on what you want. If you do your research or speak to a doctor, then it will be easier for you to determine if you should or should not undergo erectile dysfunction surgery.