Penile Prosthesis for Diabetic Patients
Diabetic patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, often experience erectile dysfunction (ED) due to nerve and blood vessel damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. When other treatments, such as medications, fail, a penile prosthesis becomes an effective option to restore sexual function and improve quality of life.
Types of Penile Prostheses
There are two main types of penile prostheses:
- Malleable Prosthesis:
- Consists of two flexible rods implanted in the penis, keeping it semi-rigid but adjustable manually as needed.
- Advantages: Lower cost and ease of use.
- Disadvantages: Less natural appearance and potentially less comfortable in some cases.
- Hydraulic Prosthesis:
- Comprises inflatable cylinders implanted in the penis, a fluid reservoir in the abdomen, and a small pump in the scrotum.
- The pump inflates the cylinders for an erection and deflates them after use.
- Advantages: Natural appearance when not in use and adjustable rigidity.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost and requires surgical expertise for implantation.
Why Do Diabetic Patients Need a Penile Prosthesis?
Diabetic patients often face health issues that impair their ability to achieve successful sexual intercourse, including:
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Affects the neural signals necessary for an erection.
- Blood Vessel Damage: Reduces blood flow required for an erection.
- Ineffectiveness of Medications: Oral ED medications may be less effective due to the nature of diabetes.
Procedure for Implanting a Penile Prosthesis
Preparation for Surgery:
- Comprehensive medical evaluations, including blood sugar levels and heart health, to ensure diabetes is controlled and infection risks are minimized.
Surgical Procedure:
- Performed under local or general anesthesia, typically lasting 1–2 hours.
- The prosthesis is implanted through a small incision at the base of the penis or in the scrotum.
Recovery Period:
- Takes about 4–6 weeks, during which sexual activity and strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Benefits of the Penile Prosthesis for Diabetic Patients
- Permanent solution for ED.
- Significant improvement in self-confidence and marital relationships.
- Ease of use, especially with the malleable prosthesis.
- Effective results regardless of the extent of diabetes-related damage.
Cost of the Procedure
The cost varies based on the type of prosthesis (malleable or hydraulic), the surgeon’s expertise, and the hospital where the surgery is performed.
Tips for Diabetic Patients Before and After Surgery
- Follow the doctor’s instructions during recovery.
- Maintain normal blood sugar levels to reduce infection risk.
- Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of surgical complications.
- Adhere to post-operative care guidelines.
