penile prostheses
Last reviewed 01/2018
Should be offered to all patients who are unwilling to consider, failing to respond to, or unable to continue with medical therapy or external devices.
They are particularly suitable for those with severe organic ED, especially if the cause is Peyronie’s disease or post priapism
- two types:
- semi-rigid malleable pair of silicone rods with a central metal core
- self-contained inflatable pair of cylinders with an inbuilt pump and reservoir
The erection produced by a prosthesis is 'not as good as a spontaneous erection, the glans will be soft and the penis cold (1).'
There is a risk of infection (up to 5%) associated with use of a prosthesis. Also there may be erosion of the prosthesis through the glans, especially in diabetic patients.
Reference:
- (1) Hackett G et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine guidelines on the management of erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2008;5(8):1841-65.
- (2) Prescribers' Journal (2000), 40 (1), 49-58