Guys may like to brag about their sexual exploits, but mention “erectile dysfunction” and you’re likely to be greeted with nervous laughter or awkward silence. It’s not a topic most men want to discuss, yet an open conversation is the first step to finding a solution.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
The occasional difficulty in getting or keeping an erection is normal.1 It starts to become a problem when you’re regularly having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection — to the extent that you’re purposefully avoiding intimate moments with your partner.
Erectile dysfunction takes many forms. Some guys with ED are unable to achieve an erection under any circumstances, while others can occasionally become erect. You can also suffer from ED if you have no trouble getting an erection, but can’t consistently sustain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual intercourse.1
ED is not normal and is by no means an inevitable consequence of aging.6 In fact, most men with ED still have the ability to have an orgasm and father a child, but often have difficulty doing these things because they can’t get or sustain an erection.7
What Causes ED?
To start with, ED is NOT all in your head. You can’t simply will yourself to get an erection, no matter how much you try. Studies show that only 20% of the causes for ED are due to a psychological problem or disorder.2 Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are common causes.1 Even a perfectly healthy man can develop ED after a brain or spinal cord injury.1 ED can be a side effect of certain medications, too.1 Read more on our Causes of ED page.
ED Treatment Options
Since no two men are alike, the best ED treatment plan will depend on what’s causing your problem. That’s why it’s important to put aside embarrassment and make an appointment to visit a qualified doctor who specializes in Men’s Health and is dedicated to helping guys get back to enjoying their time with their spouses or partners to the fullest. You’ll be relieved to talk to someone who understands and has solutions.
Pills are usually the first treatment option that men try, but they don’t work for everyone.3 Some guys find they cause bothersome headaches or persistent stomach troubles. Some have serious side effects such as chest pain and vision or hearing changes.4 It’s estimated that 30-35% of men don’t respond to the medication at all.5 Erectile dysfunction medication can also take from 30 minutes to 2 hours before they take effect which can affect romantic spontaneity.8
When pills don’t work, an ED implant offers hope. Penile implants are custom-fitted devices that are surgically implanted to allow you to obtain an erection when desired9. They are undetectable to the naked eye, so no one will know you have one unless you tell them9. Titan penile implant is designed to mimic the look and performance of a natural erection9.
ED Affects Partners Too
Men aren’t the only ones who suffer with ED. Spouses and partners experience their own emotional challenges. Those emotions can range from confusion, anxiety, fear, and even sadness.10
If you have a partner who is struggling with ED treatment, you can talk to someone who knows exactly what you’re going through — and can help. The Coloplast Partner Support Network offers a free, confidential connection with the spouses or partners of men who’ve been treated with a penile implant. They will listen to your questions and concerns, and share their own knowledge and experiences of how to keep your relationship strong during this challenging time.
A penile implant, also called a penile prosthesis, is concealed entirely within the body to address erectile dysfunction (impotence). The implant requires some degree of manipulation before and after intercourse to make the penis erect or flaccid.Indications
The Titan and Titan Touch Inflatable Penile Prosthesis is indicated for male patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (impotence) who are considered to be candidates for implantation of a penile prosthesis.Contraindications
The Titan and Titan Touch Inflatable Penile Prosthesis is contraindicated in patients who have one or more of the following: (1) Patients with an active infection present anywhere in the body, especially urinary tract or genital infection. (2) Patients with a documented sensitivity to silicone. (3) Patients with unresolved problems affecting urination, such as an elevated residual urine volume secondary to bladder outlet obstruction or neurogenic bladder. (4) Patients unwilling to undergo any further surgery for device revision.Warnings
Implantation of the device may make latent natural erections, as well as other interventional treatment options, impossible. Men with diabetes or spinal cord injuries, as well as immunocompromised patients, may have an increased risk of infection associated with a prosthesis. Implantation of a penile prosthesis may result in penile shortening, curvature or scarring.Precautions
Removal of an implanted prosthesis without timely reimplantation of a new prosthesis may complicate subsequent reimplantation or may make it impossible. MRI quality may be compromised if the area of interest is in the exact same area or relatively close to the position of the Titan, and Titan Touch IPP. Be sure to consult with your physician. Patients should discuss all available treatment options and their risks and benefits with their physician. Health conditions which hamper sexual activity, such as severe chest pain (angina), may prevent successful use of this device. The prosthesis should not be implanted in patients who lack the manual dexterity or strength necessary to operate the device. Trauma to the pelvic or abdominal areas, such as impact injuries associated with sports (e.g., bicycle riding), can result in damage of the implanted device and/or surrounding tissues. This damage may result in the malfunction of the device and may necessitate surgical correction, including replacement of the device. The device may be used in the presence of Peyronie’s Disease.Potential Complications
Penile implants are surgical solutions requiring a healing period that have risks associated with surgery such as scrotal swelling, auto-inflation, discomfort, angulation/curvature, swelling (edema), device malfunction, chronic pain, difficulty with ejaculation, transient urinary retention, fever, migration, patient dissatisfaction, infection at surgical site or wound, deflation, swelling of clotted blood or clear fluid (hematoma/seroma), wound leakage, bleeding, delayed wound healing, narrowing of the opening of the foreskin (phimosis), sensory loss, cylinder malfunction, formation of thick tissue (fibrous capsule formation), over/under inflation, erosion, scrotal reddening (erythema), genital change, and inguinal hernia.This treatment is prescribed by your physician. Discuss the treatment options with your physician to understand the risks and benefits of the various options to determine if a penile implant is right for you.Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.