Penile implant surgery in Turkey : Costs & complete guide

Penile implant: the best solution to erectile dysfunction

Age advancement can negatively influence the normal functioning of different organs like the phallus. Thus, disorders or lack of natural erection can be traumatic in intimate relationships and how to live a fulfilling sexuality.

Several treatment options in Turkey are proposed for men with erectile dysfunction, such as:

• Medicament.
• Injections in the cavernous body of the penis.
• Penile prosthesisprocedure.

What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is a common condition that many men experience at some point in their lives. It affects the ability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

There are two main types of ED:

• Physical ED: This is caused by underlying health conditions that affect blood flow to the penis, nerves, or hormones.
• Psychological ED: This is caused by stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or depression.

Here are some of the common causes of physical ED:

• Heart disease
• Clogged arteries
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Certain medications

It's important to note that ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of a more serious health condition. If you're experiencing ED, it's a good idea to see a doctor to get checked out.

Penile prosthesis procedure: a third-line treatment

To improve penis function and treat erectile dysfunction, several methods are offered by doctors such as:

Oral medications

This is the first-line treatment and is in the form of oral medication (Viagra, Cialis). However, these drugs are not advised for people with heart conditions.

Vasodilator molecule injection

The injection of electrogenic substances makes it possible to have a fast erection of good quality (second-line treatment). It is done by a general surgeon in a hospital or a clinic, under local anesthesia.

Penile prosthesis procedure

A penile prosthesis procedure is a third-line surgical treatment done by a plastic surgeon. It is offered to people for whom the other two types of treatment are not effective.

The choice of penile prosthesis type is made by the andrologist with the patient, taking into account various factors such as:

• Patient expectations.
• Patient age.
• Patient compliance (patient acceptance and ability to activate the device).
• Severity of erectile dysfunction.
• Penile deformities in certain cases.
• Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease).

Penile implant procedure in Turkey

A Penile prosthetic device is an implant placed inside the phallus to allow men to regain their erections. A penile implant is generally suggested after the failure of other ED treatments.

The history of many cases in Turkey shows a high level of satisfaction, both for the men who have undergone this surgery and for their partners.

Penile prosthesis transplantation is a surgical procedure that requires considerable expertise. Penile prosthesis transplantation can only be performed by qualified and experienced specialists in the field of andrology in appropriate facilities that meet all standards and regulations required for prosthesis transplantation.

Penile implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires only one day of hospitalization.

Usually, the urinary catheter will be removed, and the dressing applied the following day. On average, you should rest for three days before resuming normal activities and avoid heavy exertion for at least three weeks.

Sexual relations can be resumed after 30 to 40 days.

Types of penile implants

There are different types of penile implants, that fall into two main categories:

• Malleable penile prosthesis (rigid or semi-rigid).
• Inflatable penile prosthesis.

Malleable penile prosthesis (semi-rigid or rigid)

Semi-rigid penile prostheses consist of two cylinders made of different materials that provide the penis with a state of partial or permanent rigidity sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Depending on their consistency and rigidity, these prostheses can be divided into flexible (characterized by greater consistency, but also less comfort for the patient, since the penis always remains erect) and flexible, i.e. made of soft silicone, which allows the penis to adopt a more natural position at rest.

Inflatable penis prosthesis

To overcome the undeniable shortcomings of flexible penile prostheses, the best option remains the transplantation of inflatable prostheses, which are now the most widely used because they provide the greatest patient satisfaction.

This type of prosthesis can consist of two or three compartments:

• Two-component penile implants consist of two inflatable cylinders placed inside the corpora cavernosa and a pump reservoir placed in the scrotum.
• Three-component implants also contain a reservoir that is placed in the abdomen, usually in the previsceral space.

These are the preferred choices for surgery because they offer the best aesthetic and functional results.

Reasons to have a penile prosthesis

A penile implant when sexual dysfunction is impossible to be treated naturally or with medication. These troubles can include:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Congenital deformities.
• Iatrogenic (treatment side effects, such as prostatectomy).
• Penile trauma.
• Micropenis (very small penis size) or Peyronie's disease.

This option is only considered when minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatments have been useless. 

A penile prosthesis can also be used during phalloplasty (a plastic surgery that aims to restore the phallus) or penis enlargement in Turkey. In some cases of genital phalloplasty, a semi-rigid prosthesis is implanted for the three postoperative months, to prevent penile retraction.

Is the penile prosthesis in Turkey effective?

The penile prosthesis in Turkey is a simple, reliable, and durable solution. It is performed in operating rooms by well-trained surgeons. It aims to treat the inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection in penetrative sex.

These prostheses are easy to hide underclothing. They improve the psychology and the quality of life of the person operated as well as his partner.

Potential complications

After the surgery, the patient may feel a slight pain in the penis, which disappears quickly.

The main complications after penile prosthesis surgery are:

• Hematoma or bruising, which may disappear on its own
• Infections
• Dysfunction
• Stigma
• Allergic disorders

All these complications are statistically very low.

Currently, penile prosthesis implantation in Istanbul clinics in Turkey is the gold standard for all patients who do not respond to known oral rehabilitation therapies and medications, with excellent results guaranteed. Therefore, it is an appropriate therapeutic option in cases with the right indication.

Disadvantages of penis prosthesis surgery

When it comes to penile prostheses, there are many testimonials, both positive and negative. According to the latter, the penile prosthesis procedure also has some disadvantages, such as:

• The glans is not enlarged, and sexual penetration can be uncomfortable.
• Loss of 1 to 2 cm of penile length.
• Severe pain during the first few weeks after surgery.