Urologist explains the purpose of penile prostheses and how they help with erectile dysfunction: 'The goal is to restore rigidity.'
Urologist Pablo Mateo, in his column published in 'Listín Diario,' explained that the placement of a penile prosthesis is the definitive therapeutic alternative for men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction .
This condition affects millions of men worldwide and is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for penetration.
When conventional treatments such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, among others), intracavernous injections, or shock wave therapy fail to achieve satisfactory results, implantation of a prosthesis offers a lasting solution.
The specialist emphasized that the goal of surgery is not to change the size of the penis, but rather to restore the rigidity that allows for an active and functional sexual life.
Pablo Mateo details the types of implants available and clarifies myths about size. Photo: Via Listín Diario. GDA
Dr. Mateo described two main modalities:
- Malleable or semi-rigid prostheses: Made with silicone cylinders that remain firm yet flexible. They are easy to implant and manipulate, but offer a less natural appearance.
- Three-component inflatable prostheses: These allow for simulating an erection almost identical to a physiological one. They work by using a device in the scrotum that fills the penis with fluid to achieve rigidity and then allows it to return to a flaccid state.
The specialist clarified that prostheses are not designed to significantly increase the length or girth of the penis. "There are no prostheses specifically designed to significantly increase the length or girth of the penis beyond what the patient's anatomy allows," he emphasizes.
The surgery focuses on adapting the implant to the patient's actual anatomy:
- During the operation, the urologist precisely measures the cavity of the corpora cavernosa to select the most suitable cylinder.
- The implant occupies the internal and external space of the penis, but does not artificially lengthen it.
- Many patients perceive their penis to be shorter after surgery, which is related to the loss of tissue elasticity due to years of erectile dysfunction, not the implant itself.
- Some inflatable models, when expanded, can give a more robust appearance in thickness, although this effect is limited and depends on the anatomy of each individual.
Penile prostheses are the definitive option for severe erectile dysfunction. Photo: iStock
Modern urology has developed strategies to optimize the aesthetic and functional results of prostheses:
- Rotating expansion prosthesis: latest-generation models that allow, in addition to longitudinal rigidity, a certain expansion in the diameter of the penis, giving it a thicker appearance.
- Combined surgical techniques: In some centers, additional procedures are performed in conjunction with implantation, such as penile suspensory ligament release or pubic fat grafting. These techniques aim to improve the perception of length, but are more cosmetic than functional and are not always routinely recommended.
- Penile rehabilitation prior to surgery : Using vacuum pumps or stretchers before implantation helps maintain tissue elasticity, allowing for maximum utilization of the available length when the cylinders are inserted.
Its primary goal is to restore rigidity, not increase size. Photo: iStock
The specialist emphasized that, rather than focusing on centimeters gained or lost, the success of the prosthesis should be measured in terms of functionality, sexual satisfaction, and restored quality of life. If you have any questions, he recommended consulting with a urologist certified in penile prosthetics for a personalized and reliable evaluation.
"Studies show that more than 95% of patients and their partners report satisfaction after the implant, especially because they regain confidence, spontaneity, and the ability to have relationships without relying on medications or external devices," the specialist concluded.
Listín Diario (Dominican Republic)/ GDA
More news in EL TIEMPO *This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information published by Listín Diario (GDA), and reviewed by the journalist and an editor.
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