Urologist: Penile implant can improve quality of life

Article written by Boback Berookhim, MD

I have been a urologist for 17 years, and while technology, techniques and procedures evolve rapidly, the stigma and misinformation around male sexual dysfunction remains stagnant.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the most common of these disorders, affects 52 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70. I often surprise (unnecessarily) embarrassed patients with this statistic, suggesting they likely have many friends or colleagues facing this same issue.

As June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, I want to use this opportunity to urge men to be transparent with their medical providers because there are treatment options beyond “the little blue pill.” Penile implants have been an effective alternative to medications like Viagra and Cialis for decades, but they are unfortunately shrouded in unwarranted shame and fear.

While medicinal approaches to treating ED are effective therapies, they don’t work for everybody, and some patients feel they lack spontaneity and can become ineffective in the long run. They are placed in a minimally invasive, 40-minute procedure under general or local anesthesia. It consists of two inflatable prostheses that are inserted into the shaft of the penis and filled with saline by a pump completely hidden within the scrotum. Inflatable implants do not change appearance and are not used to enhance size, nor do they interfere with sensation or orgasm. They simply allow a patient to return to normal sexual activity without use of medication. Patients typically return to work within a couple days and can resume sexual activity after two to four weeks.

Beyond the physical capabilities of implants, I marvel at the mental health benefits. The relationship between depression and ED is often symbiotic, with one condition affecting the other. Patients with ED will often avoid sexual activity altogether, straining relationships and further affecting mood – despite the fact that this is a treatable medical condition.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sexual dysfunction can lead to increased fear and a loss of confidence, which can, in turn, further exacerbate dysfunction. This creates a vicious cycle that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. That cycle, however, can be broken with the intervention of a medical professional who can provide effective treatment options. By addressing the physical aspects of ED, we can also alleviate the associated psychological distress, ultimately leading to a significant advancement in overall well-being.

The drive to improve quality of life by treating sexual dysfunction motivates me to stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring my patients have access to up-to-date treatment options in a rapidly evolving market. I have performed over 500 of these procedures, and because of my expertise, Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital has been chosen as a pilot site for new state-of-the-art implants. This affords me the opportunity to employ new technology to holistically treat my patients, addressing not only their physical needs but their emotional and psychological well-being as well.

Boback Berookhim, MD, is a urologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital