This information has been reprinted courtesy of the Erectile Dysfunction Information Center (www.erectile-dysfunction-treatment.org) for personal use only.

Explore Advances in Male Impotence Treatments

The facts are clear. Restoration of erectile function is possible for almost all men--even those for whom Viagra does not work. Understanding this, a national coalition of ED specialists set out to solve this epidemic of ignorance and unresolved male impotence.

Calling themselves the Erectile Dysfunction Information Center, this network of experienced doctors and nurses created an informational comprehensive website for men with ED and their partners.

On these pages you can read an overview of male impotence, learn about its causes and many treatment options, and obtain sound advice about relationships.

It's frustrating, embarrassing and depressing. Your sexual partner may have become distant or indifferent, thinking that you have lost interest. You wonder what you did to deserve this.

"This" is male impotence, or more accurately "erectile dysfunction" (ED). Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain a firm erection. It can play havoc with your sexual relationship and your self-esteem.

You are not alone. Impotence affects one in every ten men. Because it's so common, however, medical science has been busy inventing treatments for it. Today, nearly every man who has impotence can be helped. (Click here to learn about male impotence treatments.)

Every erectile dysfunction treatment has pros and cons. Viagra® is a very patient-friendly treatment, for example, yet it commonly fails in 30-40% of the men who try it. The new “impotence drugs”—Cialis and Levitra—work in a similar way to Viagra.

Many impotence treatments have side effects. Most male impotence treatments also tend to limit sexual spontaneity. Here's one example: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have to be taken 15-60 minutes before arousal. Other treatments require you to inject your penis with drugs, insert a suppository into your urethra, even attach an external vacuum pump to your penis. Not exactly a romantic prelude to "enjoying the moment."

Fortunately, there is one impotence treatment that enables sexual and romantic spontaneity. You can have that firm erection you want almost instantaneously—anytime, anyplace.

Because of penile implants.

Both men and their partners have 90% satisfaction

In most cases, a penile implant not only treats ED—it resolves ED. More than 20,000 men get a penile implant each year with positive results.

A penile implant generally requires a hospital stay of only a day or two. In many cases, an implant can be done as an outpatient procedure—a "23-hour stay." Many men report that the "return on investment" in the procedure can be gratifying. One urologist who has performed more than 1,000 penile implants reports numerous comments such as these:

• "I'm only sorry I did not know of this technique sooner! I feel and believe I act younger. All impotent men should have this!"

• "It's like getting the keys to the candy store!"

• "I should have done it ten years ago!"

• "I'm completely happy with it, and so is my wife."

"The ultimate solution for male impotence"

A penile implant is completely concealed. In a few rare cases, men have even reported that their partner was not aware of the implant (though this is not common.)

Desiree Howe, wife of former Pennzoil president and COO Dick Howe, may sum up the benefits of a penile implant best. In her 2002 book, His Prostate and Me, Desiree Howe describes her husband's bout with prostate cancer, his radical prostatectomy, and their search for a return to sexual health. After trying and failing to regain his sexual potency with a variety of male impotence treatments, Howe turned to what his wife terms, "The ultimate solution for impotence"—a penile implant.

The outcome? "Frankly, Dick has such a new lease on life," she said. "It really has been the final solution." Today, many experienced physicians consider penile implants to be the "gold standard" of erectile dysfunction treatment. Over 90% of American men with a penile implant call it a success.

Most men with a penile implant report that their penis feels quite natural. The carefree nature of the device appeals to men in practically every walk of life. Users range from construction worker to college professor, and from pro wrestler to postal worker. Men with penile implants participate in all kinds of vigorous sports, including running, tennis, weight lifting, and bicycle riding.

As one urologist says, "The situation is much the same as wearing a wristwatch. It is something that you are not aware of until you want to use it."

The most proven of all erectile dysfunction treatments

For nearly 30 years, penile implants have been continually improved and refined. Nearly 300,000 men have had an implant. Today's implant models are made of highly durable materials that help to ensure long life and reliability.

There are three basic kinds of penile implants: the semi-rigid (malleable) implant, the two-piece inflatable implant, and the three-piece inflatable implant. (Click penile implants for more details about these advanced medical devices.)

Achieving an erection is simple and immediate. Using a three-piece inflatable device, for example, gently squeeze the concealed pump in your scrotum several times. Instant erection. To end the erection, simply press a "deflation site" on the pump or gently fold the cylinder area.

For most men, a penile implant is the most satisfying solution to male impotence. Unlike other impotence treatments, it allows total sexual spontaneity.

Is a penile implant right for you? Your health is one consideration. Your mental and physical tolerance for surgery is another. Your partner's opinion should also be considered.

The best advice is to see an urologist who is experienced in penile implants. Also, make sure that you involve your partner in any discussion with the doctor regarding male impotence treatments. Your partner's sexual satisfaction is at stake, too.

No mechanical device is 100% free of malfunction, and that includes penile implants. However, improvements over the years have made the penile implant highly reliable with very few reported failures.

As with any surgical procedure, there always is the chance of post-operative infection. Such cases are rare, however—traditionally well under 3% of cases.

Male impotence can be depressing. But you do not have to live with erectile dysfunction. Worldwide, the marvels of penile implants and other treatments are giving men back what many thought they had lost forever—a firm erection and a satisfying intimate relationship.

Viagra® is a registered trademark and the blue diamond tablet shape is a trademark of Pfizer Inc.
Levitra® is a registered trademark of Bayer AG and GlaxoSmithKline PLC.
Cialis® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company and ICOS.

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This page revised March, 2005

Copyright 2005 Erectile Dysfunction Information Center. All rights reserved. This site contains information about erectile dysfunction (impotence) for men with ED and their partners. Nothing in this site, including descriptions of treatments, may be reproduced without written authorization from the Erectile Dysfunction Information Center.