Why I Delayed an implant for Over a Decade

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Hawk

I was recently asked the question in a PM of why would I, as someone who seems so pleased with his implant and who generally promotes implants as a great solution, wait 15 years to get an implant.  I typically do NOT answer Peyronies Disease or Erectile Dysfunction questions by PM for several reasons.  I made an exception because this member was trying to avoid debate or even distraction with other members jumping in. I am paraphrasing, but he wondered if it was ignorance, satisfaction with other solutions, or psychological rejection that I had to overcome.  After typing my reply, I wanted other readers with the same question to be able to read my response.  I decided to post it with a few minor modifications.  I was undecided if I should post this as its own topic or add it to my journal.  I decided  I would post it here and then likely merge it with my journal later.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Great question! I wish you had asked me on the open forum since there are probably others that have the same question. With sixteen thousand members, I have a policy of answering only PMs related to forum operation and not Erectile Dysfunction or Peyronies Disease. I will make an exception for.....(reasons that are part of a private discussion)

The answer is a combination of many things.  Some of them you identified.

The first thing I want to say is delaying an implant was a serious mistake.

In the beginning, immediately after a prostatectomy, I used injections.  The plan given to me by the rather well known Dr. Mulhall was that this was actually rehabilitation to keep my penis functioning and help with recovery since I supposedly had nerve-sparing surgery.  I was confident this would happen since I was absolutely unstoppable in the erection department before surgery.  Due to some combination of arrogance and ignorance, I could not even conceive that I could have Erectile Dysfunction long term.  At that point, injections worked perfectly.  I am not squeamish about needles, and the shots were painless.  I felt I could do injections for life if needed because the results were great.  After eight months, I developed Peyronies Disease.  It was enough for me to go against Dr. Mulhall's advice to keep injecting.  I relied on Viagra and/or VED, and got satisfactory results but not as nice as injections.  I did not like the prep time and the mechanics, but the erections were fine. For two years, I held out hope that my erectile ability would return since I was starting to get some barely usable erections at eight months right before Peyronies Disease first hit.  I was also starting to get some morning erections.

The Peyronies Disease killed the progress I had made with erections.  At two years I pretty much intellectually accepted that it was never coming back, but frankly, even then it was just difficult to believe.  I could write a long story (and have) about years later still reaching down to see if I had an erection when I was aroused and always somehow expecting that maybe one would be there.  I am guessing I was at least three years in before I even knew about implants.  The idea was vague; I knew nothing about them, no idea who did them, no clue what it would be like to have one.  I think it just sounded drastic, unnatural, and extreme.  I was prejudiced, so I never worked to find out anything about them.  To me, it was almost like they did not exist because I never even casually considered one. For the next several years, I had fair results with VED, Rings, Viagra, and l-arginine (sometimes stacked on top of Viagra).  I have a very stable, intimate, relationship with my wife, and while things were not what they were, it was not bad.  I gradually grew to accept this "new normal."

JackP's posts (the 1st man to post the only journal of an implant on our forum) started getting my attention on our the forum and I began to at least think about the idea and do some minor research. Somewhere in my reading, I read that men often complain about size loss and that the glans is left totally flaccid.  I read about the nightmare of infection and the false information that the surgeon removes all the tissue from the cavernosa.  Since I had already lost more than an inch from Peyronies Disease and since I got bulging erections with an engorged glans with a VED/viagra I felt it would be spending money and taking a risk when the best outcome was less than I had.  Other than JackP, there was little to no discussion on the topic on our forum.  If it came up, most guys speculated and predicted negative outcomes.  I never looked further.

A couple of years before my implant my Erectile Dysfunction worsened so a VED combined with L-Arginine and a cock ring in combination never worked as it often had.  I always needed the VED and sometimes I would have to re-pump in the middle of a very active session.  The truth was that when I took Viagra, it was contributing next to nothing to the process. Next, I got a small hernia from the VED drawing fat (I am reasonably lean) or other tissue into the one side of the base of my penis when under vacuum.  It did not hurt, but the tempory bulge was concerning.  Combined with my worsening Erectile Dysfunction, I knew I was ready to risk whatever I had to risk to have a healthy, active sex life back.  I researched more extensively and went to another forum.  I found Dr. Eid's and Dr. Kramer's sites.  I talked to a couple of guys on the phone who had implants.  I met two men at Dr. Eid's office.  One of them was 80 years old and had a similar history to mine.  He was in great shape and said he and his wife used the implant 400 times the first year.  Both men were ecstatic with the results, and I saw first hand how natural their penises looked.

As everyone knows, I had the surgery.  The result was size gain over my presurgery size with a VED.  We experienced spontaneity like we had not known for over a decade and firm, lasting erections in any position. Simply stated, the results were so good I felt like a fool. How ironic that I had founded and been the administrator of the largest forum in the world for Peyronies Disease and led discussions on our Erectile Dysfunction board.  Yet, I had missed what now seems like the obvious solution.  I think the rest is pretty much found in the first few posts of my Implant Journal.

I know I seem to be on a soapbox at times.  I plead guilty to that but I don't want others to look past this like I did.  I also don't want to feel responsible for giving the impression that we are the forum where patients can become educated about options and stupidly omit what is undeniably the very best option for many men.  I honestly think it is likely a better option for a deformity than Nesbit or grafting when a deformity is present even without Erectile Dysfunction, although I do not promote that unless asked.  

I hope this answers your question.  If not, I am happy to respond to any follow-up questions.

Cheers
PS: I add here that the delay process was no doubt lengthened because I am almost obsessive about researching facts.  I have been known to make charts and graphs with the ingredients of different house paints when choosing a brand.  One canoe outfitter used to refer customers with questions to me because I researched canoe design and materials and knew them better than the store owner before I bought my canoe.  
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Roddy

Wow, Hawk, that's an eye-opening account of one man's long term struggle with Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronies and very well written. Thanks for sharing with the wider audience. Don't feel that you're 'on a soapbox'. This whole area, unless one has read extensively, is a minefield of lack of information/misinformation and I for one have benefited immeasurably from your wisdom and support.
Aged 51 congenital curvature and then Peyronies onset, excision and grafting not successful,
Coloplast Titan implant on June 3rd, 2019 (aged 47) to correct a 90 degree bend
Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow, Scotland.

Inky

This was pretty much the point of one of my threads. And sorry, not hijacking your thread. Everyone can please just ignore me here. I know this is meant to be about Hawk and how his experience can help others. Sort of just agreeing with him. It all ends with implant, so why not just get an implant to begin with. I know that isn't exactly what you're saying here. But there just doesn't seem to be a point to struggling with years and years of "therapy" when they all seem fairly useless in one way or another. Why fight? I feel like the very second you get diagnosed with peyronie's they should whisk you against your will into an operating room and perform implant surgery because you are just going to go through mental and physical hell for years only to end up there anyway.
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Hawk

Inky, I know you intentionally somewhat overstated your opinion but truthfully, if I knew then what I know now, that is exactly what I would have done.  If I had done that, my penis would be a solid inch longer than it is.  

One or two men on the forum did immediately move to an implant within months of developing ED from prostate surgery.  I salute them for their decisive action.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Inky

Is it your opinion then that the same applies to peyronie's sufferers without erectile dysfunction? That as soon as someone is diagnosed with peyronie's period, that they should just cut with all the rigmarole (pentox, VED, cialis, blah, blah) and skip straight to an implant? That is what I meant. I recognize that prostate surgery is a whole different animal. But to me, after all the reading I have done for the last month, peyronie's seems just as hopeless and futile to fight.  And so do grafting and plication,  meaning peyronie's will just come back. So why not just get an implant asap and forgo all the torture? It all seems to end that way anyway. The only people I see here "healing" are yound people with scar tissue due to an obvious trauma. And the percentages do not seem high there. So far I only see Neo and Christopher say anything good. And the people that "healed" from xiaflex, etc. seem to just be kidding themselves. Peyronie's will come back and claim them as well. Give unto Caesar it seems. I could be wrong. But it all seems so pointless. I'm sitting here in traction writing this. I should just be calling doctors to schedule interviews.
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Hawk

Inky, that is a tough, tough, question and an area where I tread lightly.  It is such an individual decision.

It depends a lot on:
1. Whether they are currently able to have mutually satisfying sex
2. Access to a high volume surgeon that does 100 + implants a year
3. Patient age, since they could need a revision surgery every 2 -16 years
4. Their psychological acceptance/satisfaction with the idea of an implant.

Some men cannot help but see the concept as being an artificial plastic dick.  It seems almost like body dysmorphia to me because I can't help but see it as very natural.  The first two items would be my personal deciding factors.  Though very rare, some men do resolve with Peyronies Disease.  Knowing what I know now, if I developed Peyronies Disease and could still have satisfying sex I would hold off and closely monitor my precise length, girth, and deformity with objective measurements.  If I started to lose more length, I would schedule surgery with a high volume surgeon with a great reputation.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Stabler

I have a question out of curiosity,

Do you feel like the prostatectomy or injections contributed in any way to your getting Peyronies or were there other factors involved in that? It seems like your penis had a lot done to it with surgery injections VED etc... I am only asking because it seems the Peyronies came after the other things.

Stabler
Moderator since 2015- Missouri- I work in the medical field and have strong knowledge of insurance and how to obtain coverage for medication and other treatments. Being a woman I do not have Peyronies but you can ask me anything. I am happy to help.

Hawk

Prostate surgery, in fact, Erectile Dysfunction which typically follows prostate surgery are both risk factors for Peyronies Disease.  Strangely Peyronies Disease also often results in Erectile Dysfunction.  In my case, I am certain my Peyronies Disease was caused by injections of bimix (papaverine and phentolamine).  Some people think the injection causes Peyronies Disease and the needle can trigger it especially if you do not compress the injection for 5 minutes to prevent any bleeding.  Blood by itself can cause scar tissue, even adhesions after surgery.  The real culprit, however, is the Papaverine which can cause penile fibrosis.  My fibrosis started in the base where I injected and I am certain (as is Dr. Eid) that it was likely the Papaverine in the bimix.  
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Inky

I am terrified now. I just had a bimix injection 2 days ago. Will I get a new plaque now? Do I need to sue this doctor? Why would a doctor do this to me? Why is this not in big red letters somewhere on this forum to never get done? I am furious with all of you now. I was told on this forum to get a doppler ultrasound. They use bimix to do this. If I knew this I never would have got this procedure.  
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Hawk

Inky, relax.  I injected bimix 3 times a week for 8 months.  Some men have injected for years without an issue.  One injection is very unlikely to cause any issue.  It is just a possible side-effect with some men with regular use.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

SW01

Not much I can really add here. I feel that if the first urologist I had met with would have done his job I would have a solid 7 inch erection with an implant. Instead I saw one who listened to me tell him I fell a few months ago and have had some issues getting an errection.

He listened told me it would not cause ed and I was just getting old. Gave me a prescription for viagra.

Took it a while. Kept having sex. Not a good hard erection with 100 mg of viagra. Hurt myself. Guess what. Peyronies showed up with a curve. Kept trying to figure out what happened. 1.5 inches shorter and 2 years later I discovered implants.

Then talked to my dr about implant. He never mentioned it till i did. 2 years mind you. Not one fin word. Then started research and 3 docs later found one who told me i had injured myself. Could cause issues especially if i had no prior ed problems. Venous leak. Blood flow issues, almost 60 degree curve. 7 inches long to 5.5.

To say I was irritated would be an understatement. Looked at going to see Eid or Kramer for an implant then. Have fed retiree insurance so had a lot of options. Personal reasons I decided to go with a more local doc. The last one I saw. One reason was when I mentioned Eid his words were you would be in good hands. I would choose him as well.

I do not want to hijack a thread but want to say this.

See your doc. Determine if there is a reason for ed. Make sure they do the proper tests. Not just. Your are getting old. Viagra or injections will fix it. It might or not. Or cause more problems. Caused me more issues.

Short story. Maybe to late. I would have gotten implant 3 years ago if my doc had done proper tests. Said you have injured yourself, not much we can do. Blood going out as fast as coming in. An implant will do a good job of taking care of issues.

I would have scheduled asap. Luckily. I am now at 6.25 inches, not my old 7, but no curve, pretty straight where probably I only could tell a very slight curve.

I am. If you could not tell, an implant advocate. There is a place for drugs and injections. But if not. Talk to your doc about it. Then find a doc who does enough of them to know what he is doing. I took a chance and got lucky with one who was honest and informative. I would never let one touch me who says. Why go somewhere else. It is no big deal. I can do it. This is someone when I pushed who did a few a year.

Nope. If a problem comes up. So be it. Travel back and let someone who deals with those issues on a regular basis take care of it. Life is not without risks. Mitigate what you can.

Last words. Look for the positive, and there are a lot of them with an implant. If a negative shows up, use the balls you have and deal with them. If it goes bad a soft erection is a soft erection either way.  
Dealt with ED, Peyronies, & venous leak for 3 yrs.
implant on March 7, 2019 w/ a Titan 18 cm plus 1cm RTE
Revision after hernia surgery. Dr. Andrew Todd, Richmond KY
Removed Titan and put in LGX 18 cm plus 2 RTE's, 20 cm total.

Werther

Thank you Hawk for sharing your experience on this subject.

I think this is valuable for any member, no matter if their only and last resort is an implant, considering this is the ultimate stage that might be always down the road since the evolution of peyronie's disease seems to be quite unpredictable for everybody.

Quote from: SW01 on July 05, 2019, 11:44:55 PM
I do not want to hijack a thread but want to say this.

I think that the goal of this thread - Hawk, please correct me if I'm wrong - is to gather as much reports as possible from guys who underwent this surgery so I don't think that you were hikacking it. In fact, it would be useful if other bionic dudes chimed in and shared their experiences on this subject (i.e. what process did they go through - psychological included - while forming and finally accepting this "last" decision).

Even if there's now an implant board on this forum I personally think that little has been shared as of today with regards to the mental aspects regarding this decision and getting others' advices would be immensely useful since we're talking about one of the most sensible surgical procedures - IMO - a guy could ever choose in his life.

Roddy

Hi Werther. In terms of the psychological aspects of the decision to go bionic, I don't know whether you have or have not read any of my journal at all? I had surgery in May 2018 (excision and grafting) to fix my badly deformed penis. I was told that it was the worst case of peyronies that the surgeon had seen and that he wasn't sure how much this excision would fix it. Ultimately, if it didn't, I would be looking at an implant. To be honest, with hindsight after a badly failed first procedure, I honestly wish the surgeon had just performed to implant back then. All I ever wanted was a straight dick and to be able to have sex again.

As soon as I knew the grafting had failed I just wanted the implant ASAP. I've never had any drugs, other than Potaba 25 years ago which was a joke - I'd have been better doing nothing - no injections, nothing. To make matters worse, the excision took out a large chunk of my dick, and greatly shortened it by almost 2 inches, that maybe never needed to happen if I had just jumped to implant.

My psychology was that whilst my wife and I had a rock solid relationship and friendship, there was no intimacy. I had no ED just a perfectly hard right angled penis that was perfectly useless. From a psychological perspective, that was really quite damaging for me as well as for our relationship.

Now, 5 weeks after my Titan implant, the act of standing in front of a mirror admiring my new straight and rock hard bionic penis has provided many hours so far of life changing psychological positivity, that my wife just laughs and shakes her head. And that's before I get the long awaited green light to start using it properly. I can only imagine what that day will do for my psychological state. I would imagine my confidence and self image will be boosted no end. The cat that got the cream my wife says.

So, to answer the question "why wait?" I would say that if you are at a real low point and have a dick that's almost useless then there should be no hesitation to be implanted (other than for financial reasons for you guys over in the USA/Canada). As my surgeon who performed my implant surgery said during our consultation "it's the worst I've seen and I'm not sure how successful I'll be at curing this for you, but things cannot possibly be any worse for you. Anything is better than nothing."
Aged 51 congenital curvature and then Peyronies onset, excision and grafting not successful,
Coloplast Titan implant on June 3rd, 2019 (aged 47) to correct a 90 degree bend
Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow, Scotland.

Hawk

Though I started this topic with a long post, I wish I could sit around a fireplace or campfire with the guys here and chat.  I never mentioned the psychological aspects in that post.  I don't think there was ever a second of psychological hesitation on my part once I understood what an implant is and what it means.  

Dr. Eid has a video interview that I don't remember much about except he said when a man has Erectile Dysfunction or cannot have sex he does think about it when in intimate situations or even when he sees an attractive woman.  He thinks about it all the time, every minute.  It takes a toll on him....."  I will never forget that because even with years on this forum I don't think I ever heard it cooked down to such clear, plain, language.  If you want to know how ofter Erectile Dysfunction jokes come up on TV or in the movies, or when friends are joking around, just ask a man that suffers from the issue.  It seems constant.  Most people think of me as a matter-of-fact, no-nonsense, guy that is in control of my emotions.  I do not come off as a very "touchy/feely" man although I can be when behind closed doors.  I take charge in emergencies and have had men and women die in my arms.  Even with the most supportive wife, and even though I was mindful of not looking weak or needy, every time a joke like that would come up, I would have to fortify myself against the sting.  While the ecstasy of sex would carry me through an episode of love-making when it was over, I would feel inclined to almost apologize for not being what I used to be.  My wife of course always said the perfect things, but it was not her problem, it was mine.  

I mentioned once, probably in a topic on the Psychological Component board that one of the lowest points is when we walked into a huge, busy auction room and out of nowhere it struck me that almost every guy in there was probably capable of screwing my wife on the spot except me.  I know they weren't in the sense that she would not tolerate it but the fact that the physical capability was there was enough.  I knew it, and whether she ever thought it or not, she knew it.  

Purging all of those silently borne stings from my life, those dark thoughts that would jump to my mind in a second and usually be purged within a minute, that is what an implant has done for me.  That is the part no one knows or sees, not even my wife.  That is the part that I probably denied was even there because it would be an admitted weakness or vulnerability.  That is what the implant replaced.  Sex could not be better, but for me, that is in reality 2 or 3 hours out of a 168 hour week.  That is not even 2% of my life, but an implant has changed most of that 168 hours, including much of the time spent sleeping.  

I am truly happy for men that are comfortable with Erectile Dysfunction or a non-functioning deformed penis that they think an implant would be a step backward. I cannot relate to it.  When I had a fairly rare opportunity of watching Dr. Eid pump up a man's penis and then saw another 80-year-old man with life in his eyes as he talked about the transformation in the life of him and his spouse, that is all the psychological processing it took.  After 15 years of running my own penis Bootcamp, trying to push my penis beyond its capacity with traction, VED's, manual stretching, PDE5 inhibitors, injections and more. I was psychologically ready  - times ten.

Partway through after I had a surgical date in Manhattan, my wife said, "I think you will probably call this off before surgery.  I think she wanted me to do it and was feeling me out.  I assured her that once this decision was made.  Once I knew what an implant meant, there was no chance it was not going to happen.

PS: I only remember hearing one Erectile Dysfunction joke in the past year but there must have been a thousand since then but they didn't even register.  It was the first one after we started having sex at 3 weeks.  My wife called me up to replay it on tv for me.  We both laughed.  She would have never done that in the years before.  That is an indication of what it did for us.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Werther

Well, it looks like being in a stable relationship - marriage or not - does make the whole process a lot easier at least based on what you guys reported. It kinda makes the choice a shared one even if only the man, obviously, suffers directly from the problem and he's the only one who get the surgery done.

Pfract

Well... you are right in a way.... but i can guarantee you, then even being single i don't see it being a problem later in the game. What i do see it being a big problem, is being unable to keep erections and risking another penile fracture due to a soft penis.Not to mention the other consequences that come from ED long term...

Hawk

Hi Werther,

When I read your last post hurridly I did not click with me at the time as something I would whole-heartedly embrace and say "yeah, exactly,  you got it"!

It was not until I laid down to go to sleep that it passed through my mind again, and I had a moment to consider your post.  I was trying to concentrate on what I said that gave the impression that my implant journey had anything to do with my stable relationship.  I asked myself if that is accurate.  It became immediately clear to me that my stable relationship had far more to do with my struggles before my implant than it has to do with my journey since.  The only exception would be that it was nice to have someone caring for me the first few days after surgery.

Don't get me wrong; I love my wife. I am not suggesting I only value her as hired help when I am sick.  We have a strong bond, but I feel completely confident and self-assured in the sex department.  I could feel equally self-assured; with a partner in a stable relationship, with a one-night stand, or starring in a porn movie. If we are talking strictly about sexual persona or intimacy, The value and need for a close relationship were crucial when my penis was performing in a substandard way, not now.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Zeckelbaum

Interesting read. I would love to get one but feel at 28 I'm far too young. As I already have flaccid glans those wouldn't be improved with a implant either. I'm just
Hoping technology improves because if  you can only use it once or twice a week for 10 years before it breaks that's depressing. I would bedone with it at 4 years using it every day
28 years old
Had an injury with GF on top
Slight curve, dent, trouble keeping erections and Glans does not engorge.

Roddy

I've convinced myself that by the time I need a new one, technology will have moved on somewhat. 10 years from now my new implant will be attached to my central nervous system, will sense when I'm having sexy thoughts and will self inflate. When I'm done, my new friend will react to voice command and will deflate on command. LOL!
Aged 51 congenital curvature and then Peyronies onset, excision and grafting not successful,
Coloplast Titan implant on June 3rd, 2019 (aged 47) to correct a 90 degree bend
Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow, Scotland.

Hawk

Quote from: Zeckelbaum on July 12, 2019, 06:39:14 AM
If  you can only use it once or twice a week for 10 years before it breaks that's depressing. I would be done with it at 4 years using it every day
What if a truck runs over you in three years?  

I have had an implant for 11 months.  If it broke today I would not regret it. I would call Dr. Eid before the day was over and have him put me on a cancellation list for the first surgery I could get (even if I knew the new one would only last a year).

Keep in mind that the cost of the device is under warranty with free replacement for life.  That reduces the cost to those that have to pay.  I am fortunate that with my insurance and Medicare the only cost to me was the motel room for one night.

If mine broke today and they stopped making implants last year, I would still not regret getting one because it has given me a great year of spontaneous intimacy that I would have never known.

In regard to your glans.  If it were me, I would get a doctor to prescribe Muse to see if it induces an erection or at least engorges the glans.  If it did, I would get an implant and use Muse with it if the glans made that much difference to me.  You could decide if you wanted to use it or not depending on the situation but you would have the option if it works.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

DELETED

Quote from: Hawk on July 12, 2019, 07:41:11 AM
What if a truck runs over you in three years?  

I have had an implant for 11 months.  If it broke today I would not regret it. I would call Dr. Eid before the day was over and have him put me on a cancellation list for the first surgery I could get (even if I knew the new one would only last a year).

Keep in mind that the cost of the device is under warranty with free replacement for life.  That reduces the cost to those that have to pay.


Yeah but... as you know every next revision inrease the chanse of infection. If I remember correctly, the 4th or 5th revision may have a close to 100% chance of infection (there was a scientific paper about it).

Hawk

Alex,

Dr. Eid has about a .5% (1/2 of 1%) risk of infection.  That does climb somewhat with each revision but NEVER gets anywhere near the numbers you reference.  No surgeon would do surgery on a patient if it is more likely that they will get worse than there is that they will get better.  In fact, they would not do surgery even if there was a very substantial risk.  Also, those stats are based on past results and not valid for future results with newer methods and technologies.

At any rate, nothing about an increased risk with revisions would change anything I said in my post.  I would still get an implant even if I knew it would last 1 year and I could not replace it.  I will not worry about when it might go bad because even something as critical and valuable as life itself has no guarantee.  We all know friends and acquaintances our age that are dead.

It would really tick me off if I put off an implant for 5 years so I would have fewer revisions and in four years find out I had one or two years to live, or if I looked up and saw a truck and realized I was dead.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Zeckelbaum

I understand your perspective hawk but at 68 things are different for you. I don't know what it's like to be 68 but I assume your sex drive is much lower than it used to be and your wife is ok with once a week or less. And by time people get to their mid 70s they probably don't really even have sex anymore so an implant would last a long time and you'd only need one replacement or perhaps two in your lifetime, and that's if you go hard on it.

As far as I understand it the technology for penile implants hasn't really moved much in the last 30 years - the technique for the operation has but the utility of the actual pump hasn't improved. At my age girls expect to be given it much more often and if I had a bionic dick I would be using it every day and wear it out super quickly. By the time I was 40 I would be literally dickless, through multiple implants with my tissue beyond beat up.

I tried not fapping for a week took 4000mg arginine and heaps of cialis. Did a pumping session last night and then put the ring on and masturbated with lube. My penis was pretty hard so I am happy that suggestion worked. I only kept the ring on for 5 minutes and then came because it's not good for my penis. Then did heat therapy for 2 hours after. I think that's the best I can hope for for now. Perhaps sex twice a week starting with a lot of foreplay and then during session I pump up put the ring on then go for 5-10 minutes of sex maximum. And hope that my dick doesn't go backwards from being strangled or oxygen twice a week. Then I could look to an implant at 40 or so  
28 years old
Had an injury with GF on top
Slight curve, dent, trouble keeping erections and Glans does not engorge.

Hawk

Zeckelbaum, I know you have not been 68 buy I have been 22.  I am active, can do 15 perfect form pull-ups on the first set. I have had sex 4 times in 3 days since I got my implant.  That is not typical but our sex drive is alive and well.  If you read the board you know I met an 80-year-old man at Dr. Eid's office.  He and his wife used his implant 400 times the first year.  That also is not typical but you cannot generalize.  Many men in their 20 only have sex a few times a week whether married or not. Most men that go through what it takes to find a doctor, pay the money, and let someone cut into their penis, still like sex quite a bit.

Many men who don't have sex more than twice a week still cycle their implant daily.

I think you still miss the point because nothing you said in your post addressed the things I said in my post.  "If I knew it would last a year I would still get another......" etc.  Read my post and digest it.

Also, how often are you using your penis with girls now?  Somehow I think you are entirely missing my point.  However, It sounds like you have made your decision against an implant.  It is certainly a valid decision not to get an implant.  In fact, all things considered, it is a small minority of men that ever end up with one.  I support you and wish you well with whatever you come up with as a plan "B" or maybe a better way to state it is whatever you come up with as your plan "A"

Cheers
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

SW01

Not to hijack your thread but I will make a comment. My wife and I enjoy this implant. Both of us are 57. Really enjoy sex a lot. Always have since we were 17. Age really has nothing to do with it. It is about finding someone you connect with. I am definitely the initiator though. But she readily jumps on board.

For past 3 years we have had almost no sex. Implant in March. We are back to normal.

Case in point. Last weekend we had kids and grandkids over for a pool day. They left about 7 that night. We stayed in pool and I made margaritas. Uncle Mike's to. Not a good combination, along with a little bourbon for me.

We ended up staying in pool through a raging storm. I Stayed pretty much pumped up and us going at it till about 1 am. Went in and kicked dog to foot of bed and continued till whenever.

Next morning I was so sore. She woke up and asked me what we did.

She was sore everywhere. She just remembers telling me to do whatever I wanted. Evidently we did. I wish either of us could remember it.

Point is not the activities we engaged in, or we imbibed a bit to much which rarely happens, the point is that we can now do so when we want. If I had done this 3 years ago I probably would have my 7 inches. She does not notice the missing 3/4 of an inch. Luckily my girth is back which keeps her happy.

I am just happy that when I initiate sex I can follow through for hours if we wish. Just like the old days.

This thing breaks, I am fixing it if possible. If not so be it but it is a great option. No pills, no injections, ved did not work for me.

It is not my old erection. I can feel the cylinders. The tubes, but when I pump up I am hard and can have penetrative sex. I am definitely an implant advocate. It has given me and my wife numerous days of pleasure. Most I remember, but one night last weekend. I do not, nor does she, I can say. I was sore for several days. As was she.

The point is. We were able to. An implant is an option to get your sex life back or get one.
Dealt with ED, Peyronies, & venous leak for 3 yrs.
implant on March 7, 2019 w/ a Titan 18 cm plus 1cm RTE
Revision after hernia surgery. Dr. Andrew Todd, Richmond KY
Removed Titan and put in LGX 18 cm plus 2 RTE's, 20 cm total.

Hawk

Quote from: SW01 on July 12, 2019, 10:20:49 PM

It is not my old erection. I can feel the cylinders. The tubes, but when I pump up I am hard and can have penetrative sex. I am definitely an implant advocate. It has given me and my wife numerous days of pleasure. Most I remember, but one night last weekend. I do not, nor does she, I can say. I was sore for several days. As was she.

Question SW, are you saying you can feel your cylinders when you are erect?  I certainly cannot.  All I feel is a very natural feeling dick.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Werther

I personally think that Zeckelbaum's got a point. If you're much younger than ordinary people getting an implant for ED (let's say >50 years old people) is it really a good idea to get your penis stuffed with silicone cylinders? Won't you risk to get your dick unusable before you're middle aged, revision after revision, even before you hit the middle age? I think this is a question to submit to high implant surgeons (if they're actually willing to answer it honestly).

And I don't think that saying that young guys - as older people - could die in a matter days, months or years, no matter what, is the right answer to the problem; if this was the logic, one could argue that it's good to get on heroine everyday because it makes you feel so good even if this way you're going to die very soon because you could always die one day or another so you could at least experience what it's like to feel at the best in a very closed window of time; this is a very messed up logic IMO  ::)

TonySa

Werner, I believe a young guy (or any age) would only get an implant if there dick wasn't useable and other treatments didn't work.  So, with an implant they end up with a rigid and fully useable erection.  There's no evidence that ones penus worsens w revisions—just be sure to find an experienced surgeon.  And yes, experienced docs like kramer, eid and Karpman will all recommend an implant to young men in these circumstances (see other posts).
PxD 2 yrs 9/16.  Failed all treatment. 9/11/18: excision, grafting & implant Dr Karpman MtnView Ca, AMS CX 18cm + 3-1cm RTEs.
Pump failed.  2/11/20 Dr Karpman installed Titan 22cm +1cm RTE.

DELETED

Quote from: Hawk on July 12, 2019, 01:56:25 PM
Alex,

Dr. Eid has about a .5% (1/2 of 1%) risk of infection.  That does climb somewhat with each revision but NEVER gets anywhere near the numbers you reference.

Actually it does: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29795529

QuoteThe risk of specific device infection was strongly correlated and increased based on number of prior IPPs: 1st (6.8%; 3/44), 2nd (18.2%; 4/22), 3rd (33.3%; 4/12), 4th (50%; 4/8), and 5th (100%; 2/2)

This article is pretty new:
QuoteA retrospective analysis was performed on all new patients (self or outside provider referred) presenting for consideration of IPP revision or salvage surgery between 2013 and 2015.


QuoteI will not worry about when it might go bad because even something as critical and valuable as life itself has no guarantee.
Probably, if I would be at your age now, I would totally agree with this point. But if you would be in your mid 20's, I swear to God, you would never said anything like this. Never.

Patientxyz1992

I think its a matter of personal choice and perspective, if you have totaly Erectile Dysfunction anf you dont want implant and wanna bitch about how ecerything is against you on this forum or you wanna make some good about your limp cock... and get some if i couldnt get penetrative sex its no brainier and you ######################################################################

29 years old with injury induced Peyronies Disease - 7 years ago
Straight erections but easy to lose and hard to fill with soft glans
No morning erections
been depressed but not anymore
The biggest problem with my Peyronies Disease is loss of sexual desire.

Stabler

Patientxyz...

If you want to continue posting in this forum please show some respect for other members. We do not tolerate our members being attacked because they say how they feel.

Stabler
Moderator since 2015- Missouri- I work in the medical field and have strong knowledge of insurance and how to obtain coverage for medication and other treatments. Being a woman I do not have Peyronies but you can ask me anything. I am happy to help.

SW01

Sorry about that. Nope cannot feel them when pumped up. Feels pretty natural.

Just feel them when deflated.  I can live with that.

Fyi, due to my wife's medical history just recently she was able to give me a bj. She said it was normal for her. All is good and hope it continues to be so.
Dealt with ED, Peyronies, & venous leak for 3 yrs.
implant on March 7, 2019 w/ a Titan 18 cm plus 1cm RTE
Revision after hernia surgery. Dr. Andrew Todd, Richmond KY
Removed Titan and put in LGX 18 cm plus 2 RTE's, 20 cm total.

Pfract

A lot of these young guys here criticising the implant... lol...  Apparently it's hard to see the benefits of the device just because you can't wrap your head around having to compromise a little bit on ''what used to be my penis''. Then enjoy your limp dicks, along with your curvature while the implantees have sex regularly and are out there enjoying them selves.  

Hawk

Quote from: Werther on July 13, 2019, 01:00:39 PM
I personally think that Zeckelbaum's got a point. If you're much younger than ordinary people getting an implant for Erectile Dysfunction (let's say >50 years old people) is it really a good idea to get your penis stuffed with silicone cylinders? Won't you risk to get your dick unusable before you're middle-aged, revision after revision, even before you hit the middle age?

Werther, I enjoy your probing questions and usually enjoy and follow your thought process so help me.  If you can't use your penis at 20 years old what logic or philosophy would lead one to wait until 50 to have an implant?

If I were born without a penis and a genie told me I could have a perfectly functioning penis for any single 5-year period of my life I certainly would not pick 50 or 60 years old.  I would want it to date, find a wife, build a strong bond, make a family and worry about what I would do at 60 when 60 finally came.  So even if a man could only have 3 implants in their life (which is NOT the case) why would he wait and tell the genie to give it to him when he was 60 ???

I have discussed the revision question with Dr. Eid just for the benefit of the forum before.  I will look at the response rather than trying to recall exactly what he said but I am willing to bet the farm that Dr. Eid's infection rate never surpasses 5 % with any revision or he would not do the surgery.  If his previous answer was not clear I will put it to him again.

PS: I have to say I think the comparison to taking dangerous drugs that destroy your current life and promise to destroy your future because you MIGHT die does not compare to putting off an implant which will enhance your life now because you might never get to use it later.  It is usually only considered wise and mature to defer gratification if deferring it will result in greater gratification.  That is why we dont take drugs and why we dont put off implants.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Hawk

Question to Dr. Eid and his response.

4) We have seen studies that infection rates continue to climb. with every subsequent implant, This is a huge concern for young men with Erectile Dysfunction.  To what degree is this true.

Removal replacements are more complicated procedures, requiring a more experienced surgeon and take longer to perform. My infection rate with the "No-Touch" technique since 2006 for more than 3700 consecutive patients is 0.6% including removal replacement implants. Over 50% of the patients that became infected however involved cases with increased surgical time (greater than 2 hours), excessive manipulation of the device and penile tissue, excessive dissection and prior history of surgery( prostate, bladder, and previous implant). In experienced hands, I believe that the infection rate for an R/R is the same as for virgin implants.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Roddy

Thanks for both contacting Dr Eid on our behalf and then posting his response, Hawk. Very reassuring to have one of the world's very best implant surgeons share his thoughts on this subject. Seems very encouraging from what he has said. I am young enough to require at least one replacement in my lifetime and if what he is saying is true about the situational circumstances required for a successful replacement with no infection then I'll be seeking him out 10 years from now. I just hope he is still practising then. What age is Dr Eid by the way? I also better start a savings account to pay for the second implant in case I do need to pay for surgery abroad as I'm pretty sure Dr Mike Fraser, who implanted me first time, will have retired by then.

In regards to this ongoing discussion about whether one should/should not be implanted in their 20s/30s, I absolutely see both sides of the argument and appreciate Werther 's concerns about longevity if implanted young. Overall, I agree with Hawk's logic that maybe the most optimal time to have this done (if there was such a time) is during your late 20s or early 30s given that this is possibly going to be your most sexually active time period, perhaps the time when you have multiple partners as you search for 'the one' before settling down and perhaps having a family. If one is heterosexual, at its most basic level, the penis is designed for procreation and needs to be hard enough for penetration to fulfill its most basic deed. Cannot imagine the psychologically damaging effect that ED must have on both male and female if they were actively wanting to start a family but couldn't due to lack of erection. Of course any such argument as this implies that the 'normal' years of meeting someone and settling down is in their 20s/30s. Life, as we know, is not so predictable. Who's to say 'the one' doesnt turn out to be later in life.

I guess the problem for younger guys is it's hard to ever know if this partner is 'the one' if you never get to truly know them - intimately know them - if the non-existence of sex in that relationship stops the relationship from being complete and allowing it to grow and mature. Hence, you'd never get the chance to know if it was now the time for an implant. Life is not a mathematical equation. No one knows what the rest of today will bring never mind tomorrow and next year. Sure we can make indefinite plans for the future but one needs to live for the moment - to an extent and without being reckless. Life is there for living. Not for living in fear of what may happen and cannot be mapped out in advance. It's ok for me to say this as I am 47, had kids at 31 and then again at 33. My new dick is purely for my wife and I to have fun again and not for procreation so this is all easy for me to say. That said, I completely get and sympathise with your situation, Werther.
Aged 51 congenital curvature and then Peyronies onset, excision and grafting not successful,
Coloplast Titan implant on June 3rd, 2019 (aged 47) to correct a 90 degree bend
Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow, Scotland.

2Oldfords

   Great topic and discussion. I am a future implant person, I will go though this when I can get the go ahead from Insurance co. I had the excision grafting procedure done which was no picnic. I didn't even get to use my now straight Peter because Peyronies stepped in and ruined the results. Hopefully I will join the implanted crowd soon. While I take care of my wife by other means it doesn't come close to the real thing. It has been over a year since I could participate in normal sex.
   I can't help but notice in this discussion that the mental affects ie depression, lack of self worth etc really were not mentioned. I for one think it is huge deal mentally to have the confidence that you can perform like any other man. My wife and I never had frequent sex but the fact that I can't bothers me more than the lack of sex.
   If I was a younger man that needed to have an implant and was worried about the number of revisions that might need to be done through a lifetime I would recommend go for it. The mental health of a person needs to be taken into account also. Hawk has explained this before, The mental aspect of knowing you can perform anytime needed cannot be discounted even if you have infrequent sex.
  To everyone that reads this have a great day.
Age - 65
Peyronies of unknown length of time
70 Deg curve 10-11 o'clock
first 2 uro's offer for xiaflex and referral
incision/grafting 12/18/18, Implant 9/11/20

Werther

Quote from: Hawk on July 13, 2019, 09:22:32 PM
Werther, I enjoy your probing questions and usually enjoy and follow your thought process so help me.  If you can't use your penis at 20 years old what logic or philosophy would lead one to wait until 50 to have an implant?

I submitted my question regarding this circumstance in my previous post. Maybe I didn't express myself that well and I excuse myself in advance if that was the case. The question is: do anyone know for sure that revisions are always possible? Isn't there a risk of getting revisions impossibile later in life when one's have already had tons of them (even if done by the best specialists in this world)? I don't think this question was really answered by Eid: it wasn't answered because Eid was only questioned on infection's rate risks after revisions; he was not asked about the feasibility of this surgery after it's been performed lots and lots of times. In order to get you tou understand my point of view, think about teeth implants as an example: once they fail, the new surgery is usually more difficult since you'll have to make sure that there's enough bone for the insertion; the subsequent time it'll be even more difficult for the same reason; in the end, if you had such surgery multiple times an implant won't be a feasible solution anymore and you'll inevitably end up with a dental bridge or dentures if you want to make up for the lost tooth (cause implant won't be available anymore).

All of this justifies my points in my opinion. It would be foolish to get implanted without considering these aspects since you might find yourself dickless in the future while still having lots of years ahead to live (yeah, they're planning on doing transplants at John Hopkins' now but I don't know if it's worth taking the risk  ;D)


QuotePS: I have to say I think the comparison to taking dangerous drugs that destroy your current life and promise to destroy your future because you MIGHT die does not compare to putting off an implant which will enhance your life now because you might never get to use it later.  It is usually only considered wise and mature to defer gratification if deferring it will result in greater gratification.  That is why we dont take drugs and why we dont put off implants.

My comparison was obviulsy ironic and hyperbolic. If there's a chance to destroy my dick with the implant in the very next few years just for the sake of getting some good sex as of today, then this is comparable to get f'~c<+d up till death with illegal drugs' abuse just for the sake to be high as F~@< (in a very broad sense obviously: did I say that my comparison was hyperbolic?).

DELETED

@Werther,

Your post is pretty much explains what I wanted to say, but unfortunatelly no one here don't want to take at consideration risks of multiple revisions/replacements of penile prosthesis. There's a very new article (posted in 2018) which is clearly stated that every next revision exponentionally increase the chance of the infection. I don't know about if Dr. Eid telling the truth or not, but it's simple logic: every next surgery will have more risks than previous, because it's harmful to the penis, no matter how skilled the surgeon and how much implantations he did in his career. What I want to say is that I personally don't want to have a fallen off dick after 3rd or 4th or 5th revision. From the article it's clearly stated about infection rates:
QuoteInfection rates of revision/salvage IPP surgery increase with each subsequent IPP placement or following IPP-related surgeries. The majority of patients referred for penile implant surgery can expect to have experienced at least one infection by their 4th device.

And yes, this guy @pfract is just bragging about superiority of implants for the last few years, while he doesn't have an implant and I doubt that he would ever have an implant anytime soon

Hawk

It is time for the food fight to end now.  That's not what we do here.

I have seen penises with their 3rd implant that looked like a penis that never had an implant.  Dr. Eid states his infection rate is driven by the time in surgery and that his overall infection rate is .6 % over the course of thousands of implants and that includes factoring in all the revisions.  He thinks the rate is not more than marginally higher with a revision using his NO-TOUCH Technique. Any increased infection (by any surgeon) has nothing to do with being "more harmful to the penis" as AlexSumo suggests.  It has to do with contamination with bacteria from the patient's skin which increases in proportion to the length of time of the surgery.  Removal and reinsertion of an implant take longer than just inserting an implant.

I will ask Dr. Eid more specifically what if anything deteriorates about the penis with successive implants.  I will ask him what is the practical number of implants a man can have and still have a good specimen to present to a partner in broad daylight including close up filming for porn movies.  I will have him address any other factors other than visual considerations and infection which he already addressed.  And even though it is redundant, I will ask if there comes a point when revisions are just not possible?  If so, when.

I want to be clear that Dr Eid was my Dr.  I have had dozens of doctors in my long life both for me my spouse and my many children.  I have always been the one invited to go to consultations with my siblings and my parents when they have medical appointments.  I have consulted with world renown doctors at Memorial Sloan Ketter Cancer Center, Johns Hopkin, Duke University, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and more.  I am more confident that Dr. Eid would not lie to me than I am with any doctor I have ever known.

Others are completely free to believe whatever they choose.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

Hawk

This topic seems to have drifted from where it started but, I submitted this question to Dr. Eid in writing along with other questions:
5. Debate erupts on our forum that young men (we have a surprising number) should delay an implant because of the number of revisions likely to be needed.  Beyond just infection which you addressed, Is there any other damage that limits the number of revisions a man can have?  What do you consider a maximum number?  In what way if any, will a penis suffer or degrade with a maximum number of revisions (aesthetics, sensation, size, etc.)

It will probably take some time for his written response.  I could get an answer today if I were to call but I prefer his own written answer to avoid any suggestion that I summarized the response inaccurately.

In the meantime, we know many men have had an implant plus 2 revisions without any decline in the quality of the inflated penis.  Even if we arbitrarily assume that 3 implants are the limit, that would give you a modest 12 years of reliable mutually satisfying sex as the minimum a man could expect.  Potentially it could be 30 years or more.  In addition, let's make the modest guess there will be no further advances in implants, tissue repair, or organ regeneration.

Plan A
If I were 22 years old with Erectile Dysfunction that prevented me from having mutually satisfying sex.  I would get an implant and figure I would get revisions to keep going until I was 34 - 52 years old and cross that bridge when and if I get there.

Plan B
Others apparently think it is a better plan to try to preserve their flaccid penises with VED's, traction etc until closer to age 50 and forgo sexually satisfying sex until you near retirement and then have an implant until 62 - 80 years of age if you live that long.  (since a fully functional implant on a corpse generally does not result in sex)  ;)   If you are single I think it would be awkward to take a VED on a date unless you have an extremely close relationship with an understanding girlfriend.

Plan C
Still, others would not get an implant at all and instead would try to preserve their flaccid penises until something better comes along hopefully in their lifetime.  We can be certain nothing is coming to the actual consumer in less than 10 years so under the luckiest scenario they would forgo satisfying sex until sometime after age 32.  Under bad circumstances, significantly better improvements might not emerge in their lifetime.  

In my way of thinking Plan, A is the only logical course. It should be noted that since we can only guess at future developments that nothing in plan A prevents one from possibly going with new developments if they happen so there is the good chance you have a great option while you are young and keep your options open for any new developments.

Each person has to choose the option that makes sense to them and that brings them the most joy.  If your choice does that then there is nothing to argue about.  That choice is the right one for you.  Choose it and accept the benefits and consequences of your choice.
Prostatectomy 2004, radiation 2009, currently 70 yrs old
After pills, injections, VED - Dr Eid, Titan 22cm implant 8/7/18
Hawk - Updated 10/27/18 - Peyronies Society Forums

TDix

I agree, and to put it in perspective, less than 20 years ago almost no one had a cell phone.  There were no commercials on TV for ED meds, let alone peyronie's disease.  The internet was dial up!  I truly believe there will be major advancement in men's health in the future
47 yrs old, 3 yrs diagnosed
Xiaflex w/original uro resulted in a fracture
Excision/grafting by Dr Faysal Yafi 3/26/19
Implanted by Dr Yafi 8/11/20, Titan 20cm + 1cm RTE

Pfract

Tdix: very well put there! I also think there will be great advances on ED treatment. As for a complete cure given how many different causes it has and the way it can affect the penis I doubt it... Not to mention, a lot of men don't seek help which is key to make doctors realize there is a need for more research and better treatments. But who knows right?  

curved

Just thought I would add this here.  Dr Eid estimates that an implant placed today should last 10-15 years, perhaps as long as 20.


Life expectancy of penile implants  From Dr. Eids Website

Life expectancy of penile implants varies from 5 to 20 years and based on past historical data and current available improved implants. I estimate that an implant placed today will most likely last 10 to 15 years. Several patients in my practice have a working penile implant for more than 20 years. Like any other mechanical device, the penile implant is subject to wear and tear and the more it is used the sooner it will breakdown. Average use of a penile implant is considered to be one to two times per week. Patients with larger cylinders require more squeezes of the pump to obtain an erection which can decrease the life expectancy of the pump and tubing connecting the penile pump to the implant cylinders.  

When the penile implants fail they are easily replaced and because the space in the shaft of the penis is already shaped around the cylinders, post-operative pain and discomfort of replacement surgery is much less than for the original surgery. Replacement penile implant surgery is slightly more difficult and time consuming compared to the initial surgery and carries with it a greater risk of infection. For this reason, it is recommended that replacement surgery is performed by a penile implant specialist rather than a general urologist. The initial penile implant is in the majority of cases the easiest surgery.

There is no appreciable difference between the life expectancies of the different manufacturers. The AMS silicone cylinders are more fragile than the Bioflex Coloplast cylinders and are the most likely cause of failure of this brand of implant. Failure occurs because of repeated bending of the deflated cylinders at the location of folds and not at the point where the cylinders are connected to the non-inflatable proximal portion. The Coloplast tubing that connects the cylinders to the pump is the Achilles heel of this penile device brand. The tubing is outsourced and not manufactured in-house, is not as good as the AMS tubing and is prone to fracture after 10 to 15 years of use.

Penile pump malfunction is rare. Both AMS MS (momentary squeeze) pump and the Coloplast "Touch" pump are extremely reliable and on rare occasion, the pumps will jam in the deflation mode and will require a very, very forceful squeeze to activate the device. This has occurred more often with the Coloplast pump than with the AMS pump. The reservoirs almost never fail. The Coloplast reservoir has a built-in lockout valve which prevents backflow into the cylinders preventing auto inflation.

Both brands of IPPs have their advantages and disadvantages. It is likely that perfection will never be achieved and also likely that improvements will continue to occur.
51 yrs old; diagnosed 3.5 yrs ago; 90 degree upward bend
But I had no ED
tried all pills, VED, traction, Xiaflex PRP, ESWT, H-100 & stem cells; IF diet. implant surgery with Dr. Eid 3/28/19
to correct deformity - 20 CM Titan 2cm RTE / 1 cm RTE

SW01

All I can say is that this is a very personable choice And not without risk. I would not have waited a day after being told it was my only option for peyronies and venous leaks.

I would say if you do use pills, injections, or a ved, to use for sex until you figure out your best choice. Make sure you are hard. If you start going soft, stop. Wish my first urologist would have explained the accidents you can have by trying to have sex with a semi soft penis.

Peyronies., plaque, bends, hourglass dents, all kinds of stuff, all bad. Loss of length if you do not get regularly hard. Elasticity of the penis goes away.

If you are unable to get and stay hard pretty much daily. Take a picture of your penis. What it looks like now is probably not what it will look like next year.

I personally hope that they keep advancing all ed options, including better implants. That is something to look forward.

For me though, I really enjoy sex and would not have wanted to have missed out on it from my teens through age 54.

Drugs, I cannot comment on. Never did any.
Dealt with ED, Peyronies, & venous leak for 3 yrs.
implant on March 7, 2019 w/ a Titan 18 cm plus 1cm RTE
Revision after hernia surgery. Dr. Andrew Todd, Richmond KY
Removed Titan and put in LGX 18 cm plus 2 RTE's, 20 cm total.

Roddy

Hi SW01

Interesting comments there. Only with the power of hindsight do I now know the truth in your advice. Listen to those words of SW01, anyone out there with ED but no peyronies. My peyronies was undoubtedly caused from my penis being not as hard as it once was and bending it while thrusting. I don't remember a specific moment when it happened but I'm sure that is what happened. I came to that conclusion without ever having found this or any other forum like this. When I found this forum and read members stories, it all fell into place. Had I known not to have sex with a far from optimal erection I'm not sure even a stampede of racing horses would have stopped me during the heat and passion of foreplay etc but SW01's words are bang on and should be ringing in your ears if it applies to any of you out there. Bear that in mind the next time you think it's JUST hard enough to penetrate her. Be warned.
Aged 51 congenital curvature and then Peyronies onset, excision and grafting not successful,
Coloplast Titan implant on June 3rd, 2019 (aged 47) to correct a 90 degree bend
Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow, Scotland.