Although prescription drugs are often the most common treatment for the estimated 25 million American men with erectile dysfunction, there are a variety of circumstances in which a surgical penile implant, or penile prosthesis is regarded as the best solution.
When drugs are ineffective for treating ED
Prescriptions to treat ED have a long term success rate as high as 69%, which, while a solution for a large portion of men, still leaves a significant number unable to perform sexually. In comparison, inflatable penile implants have a success rate between 90-95% for being able to produce an erection suitable for intercourse.
When patient health precludes usage of prescription drugs
Many patients with conditions that can accompany erectile dysfunction, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes are unable to use prescription drugs due to the health risks involved. In cases such as these, penile prosthesis surgery is thought to be a safer solution for being able to maintain a sex life.
Lifestyle choices
Some patients simply prefer to not use prescriptions to treat ED for non-medical reasons; a more common example being that requiring a pill to maintain an erection robs their sexual lives of spontaneity. In these cases, the relative ease and convenience of a penile implant is the preferred option.
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