MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Between oral medication and various medical procedures, erectile dysfunction is very treatable and there is help. Surgery is used to implant an erection causing device, reconstruct arteries that cause an erection and block off veins in order to maintain an erection. Let’s detail six different procedures that will help men with erectile dysfunction.
- Penile prostheses: surgically implanted devices for a rigid erection.
- AMS Ambicor Inflatable Penile Implant: The fluid-filled device consists of a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis and a pump implanted in the scrotum. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid to the cylinders, creating an erection. Deflating the device is a simple one-step process.
- AMS 700 Inflatable Penile Implant: The device consists of a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis, a pump implanted in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir implanted in the lower abdomen. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid to the cylinders, creating an erection. To deflate the device, press the deactivation button on the pump.
- AMS Spectra Concealable Penile Implant: The device consists of a pair of cylinders, which are implanted to provide rigidity. The cylinders are bendable, allowing the penis to be positioned for concealment or intercourse.
- Vacuum erection device: uses a pump to draw blood into the organ. Considered a “safe alternative”.
- Penile injection therapy: send vasoactive drugs directly into the corpora cavernosa where they expand the vessels, relax the tissue and increase blood flow for an erection.
- Oral therapy: We discussed the medications on the pharmaceutical treatments page.
- Penile arterial revascularization: This procedure is designed to keep blood flowing by rerouting it around a blocked or injured vessel. Used for men that is not known to have cardiovascular disease and under 45 years of age.
- Venous ligation surgery: This procedure focuses on binding leaky penile vessels that are causing penile rigidity to diminish during erection. Long-term success rates are less than 50 percent, this technique is rarely a choice for correcting ED.
Oftentimes when the cause of erectile dysfunction is medically related (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), Medicare will cover the cost of surgery.
Which implant is safest and most effective?
Which implant is safest and most effective depends on different factors such as age and cause of erectile dysfunction. Consult with your physician to determine which implant would be most effective for you.