As people advance in age, there are some pronounced psychological variations that often have a massive impact on sexuality among both genders. However, for men who have erectile dysfunction (ED), the quality of life significantly compromised.
The past couple of years have seen new advancements in developing suitable solutions aside from penile implant surgery, to handle this condition 1. Numerous medications try to eradicate erectile dysfunction such as intraurethral prostaglandins and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which are system agents.
Other mechanical options include the use of vacuum constriction technology intending to avoid surgery further to treat this condition.
However, whenever there lacks a viable alternative treatment, surgery is done to insert a penile implant within the penile structure to help achieve an erection.
The different kinds of penile implants include the inflatable and semi-rigid penile implants. They vary in terms of overall cost as well as their functionality principles.
A Partner’s Contribution
Men who have ED often require support from their partners as it can get quite frustrating no to be unable to bond deeper through sexual activity. It often results in physical and psychological strain for the man, which eventually builds up some adverse mental issues 2.
In this case, the male partner could do with a bit of support from his partner during such times as there are effective treatment options specifically aimed at eliminating this problem. In some cases, erectile dysfunction comes as a result of aging.
Cultural and social factors come into play as it becomes harder for couples to express their sexuality. When it comes to getting a penile implant, it is highly essential first to put the expectations of your partner into consideration. They have to be satisfied with what this procedure has to offer as well.
Impact on Relationships
Studies from the ’80s and 90’s handled the satisfaction of the female partner collectively. Women with partners who had penile implants exhibited high levels of satisfaction from their partners’ penile prostheses 3.
By then, it was believed that erections were a sign of desire and love towards the partner. However, artificial erections have faced some level of prejudice from a section of the female population.
There was a new unprecedented problem where women who had already gotten used to their partners’ ED found it challenging to keep up with the new expectations that came with the insertion of a penile prosthesis.
What to Watch out For
After being married for a long time, it is typical for the sexual spark to disappear, which is then replaced by companionship and partnership. With the penile implant surgery, the other partner may not be prepared for sexual activity, which can become an obstacle for the couple or, even worse, ruin their union.
Both partners need to discuss what they expect and believe that the procedure will do for them. They should lay out all their concerns to have their doubts cleared, and any source of conflict between them will be handled accordingly.
Life After Penile Implant Surgery
Couples are advised to participate in couples therapy to help deal with the various factors that may come between them in their partnership. Sexual counseling is also recommended to help deal with some adverse impacts related to penile implants towards their relationship.
Links to Sources Used:
- Recent advancements in penile prosthetics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6381800/
- Quality of Life, Psychological Functioning, and Treatment Satisfaction of Men Who Have Undergone Penile Prosthesis Surgery Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29111200/
- Patient and partner satisfaction with the AMS 700 penile prosthesis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1729553/