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Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be overwhelming, but it is a treatable condition. At Happy Urology, our team of expert urologists in Miami provides clear answers to common erectile dysfunction FAQs to help you regain confidence and control over your sexual health. Whether you're in the early stages of exploring treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) or have more complex erectile dysfunction questions, we are here to guide you.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED can limit your intimacy, affect your self-esteem, and impact your most important relationships. Beyond the physical manifestations, ED causes emotional damage, and there is a strong link between ED and mental health.
ED is a surprisingly common condition experienced by more than 39 million men in the United States.
While there are real physical and psychological reasons for ED, there’s no single cause.
You may have to start the conversation with your doctor to get an answer to the question, “Do I have ED?” A personal history and physical exam set the groundwork for most conditions. Lab tests and other tests may identify a source such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, or other conditions that affect the nerves and blood flow to the penis.
Hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup—atherosclerosis—limits blood flow to various parts of the body. The arteries supplying blood to the penis are much smaller than the ones supplying blood to the heart. As a result, heart disease may first manifest as difficulty achieving an erection.
Diabetes damages the blood vessels and nerves that supply the penis with blood to form an erection. The constant change in blood sugar levels can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to loss of sensation in the feet and hands and can affect sexual activity. More information can be found in our erectile dysfunction FAQs.
The two most feared radical prostatectomy side effects are loss of erections and bladder leakage. These side effects can occur, but there are successful treatment options available. Also, after total removal of the prostate, there is no ejaculation, although the ability to have an orgasm remains unchanged.
If the cancer is detected early and patients are treated by an experienced surgeon using nerve-sparing techniques, then sexual activity may return to normal after surgery. This can take 3 to 6 months with continued improvement for 2 or 3 years. If sexual activity does not return on its own, there are many different ways to support an active sex life (medications, pumps, injections, and penile implants).
ED treatment is available to all men with ED. Oral medications are a common first step, but they don’t work for everyone. If men don’t respond to oral medications, they may try other options such as pump devices, injections, and penile implants.
Once in place following your surgery for ED, your implant will be completely undetectable. It’s fully concealed in the body. No one will know unless you tell them—even in the locker room.
To inflate a penile implant (La Bombita), you squeeze the pump in your scrotum, which will send fluid into the cylinders in the penis. This requires good manual dexterity but penile implants should not be painful. If you experience pain, contact your doctor.
When inflated, the implant makes the penis stiff and rigid, similar to a natural erection. Your erection will last as long as you desire. And you’ll still share the same intimate experience. Typically, ejaculation and sensation will feel similar to the way they felt before the implant.
You can learn about your unique causes of ED and begin research on surgery for ED with any physician, but eventually, you will need to see an ED specialist. At first, you can speak with your primary care doctor about erectile dysfunction treatments. Later, you will discuss the situation with an ED specialist or clinic with experience in all forms of treatment for ED, including penile implants. Contact Dr. Gheiler's office for more info.
Penile implant surgery generally takes about an hour. Typically, it is performed on an outpatient basis. While you’re under anesthesia, a small incision is made at the base of the penis or in the scrotum, and the implant is placed through that incision. Pain should not be severe during the healing process following surgery for ED.
Most men return home within a day of ED implant surgery and are back to all their normal activities within a week, typically having intercourse around 6 weeks post-surgery.
It is impossible to predict how long a particular implant will function in a particular patient. As with any medical device, penile implants are subject to wear and mechanical failure over time. A recent study of more than 39,000 patients showed that the 7-year mechanical survival of an AMS 700 Penile Implant (La Bombita) is 91-94%. To prolong the life of your implant, follow the advice of your urologist.
An implant should not affect your ability to travel and go through airport security. Of course, implants like those for knees or hips contain metal and will be detected by a wand or a walk-through scanner. Since most inflatable penile implants have minimal metal parts, they should not set off a metal detector. Some of the non-inflatable penile implants may, however, contain more metal. You will receive a patient ID card that identifies you as a medical device patient. To help avoid these types of situations, just carry it with you.
Because each type of implant offers unique features, you will want to discuss the risks and benefits of each device with your doctor before scheduling your penile implant surgery. Then choose the option that is right for you.
Boston Scientific implants are MRI conditional—meaning a patient with this device can be scanned under certain conditions but not all.
Most insurers cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of ED. Medicare has a national policy for ED, which includes penile implants, although coverage may depend on where you live. Insurance coverage for penile implants varies, so work with your doctor’s office and insurance carrier to check coverage levels prior to receiving treatment.
It's recommendable that you work with your physician’s office to verify insurance coverage and benefits prior to the penile implant surgery procedure being performed.
Read your insurance policy. It’s better to know what your insurance company will cover or require for ED treatments before you receive a service. If you still have questions about your insurance coverage for penile implants, call your insurance company and ask a representative to explain it.
For patients with no insurance coverage for penile implants, they typically start at $25,000. Fortunately, we offer flexible payment options including credit card payment and financing. While we offer a premium service, we aim to work with patients to make this life-changing procedure available to as many men as possible. Call our surgical coordinator to discuss your options.
Erectile dysfunction can be challenging to navigate, especially when alcohol consumption is a contributing factor, but it is a manageable and treatable condition. At Happy Urology in South Florida, our team provides expert advice and a variety of treatment options to restore your sexual health and confidence. Whether you're considering lifestyle changes or exploring advanced solutions like penile implants for alcohol-related erectile dysfunction, we’re here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and be sure to explore additional urology-related articles for more insights into maintaining optimal urological health and finding answers to erectile dysfunction FAQs.
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