Penile implants have been around for a long time, so the term “bionic” may be a stretch. However, such implants are worth learning about for men who have erectile dysfunction (ED) that cannot be treated with medications like Viagra.
Bionic is a term that is typically defined as something that mixes the natural form with electro-mechanical parts. Many people associate the term with science fiction where an entity possesses both human parts and infused mechanical parts. For example, the Six Million Dollar Man, sometimes referred to as The Bionic Man, is a television series that deals with a fictional character who receives artificial body parts that give him superhuman powers. Likewise, many video game characters include bionic abilities due to having been granted mechanical systems. Finally, the movie Robocop is a perfect example of how a human being can be classified as bionic after having robotic parts grafted to the body.
Can a Penis Be Bionic?
Although science fiction may seem out there, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. In January of 2015, a user of Reddit held an Ask Me Anything segment claiming that he had a penile implant installed after an accident left him paralyzed. Throughout the two-day session, the user posted pictures of his genitals after the accident, after surgery, and of the “bionic” device itself. Basically, his bionic penis has been modified to include a pump that is located within the scrotum containing two chambers. By squeezing on one chamber (not the actual testicle itself,) liquid is pumped into a tube that is located within the penis. This action causes the penile shaft to become erect. By squeezing on another pump in the scrotum, the liquid is sucked back in and the penis becomes flaccid.
The Reddit user went on to explain that his penis length went from around seven inches to about four-and-a-half due to the surgery, yet his girth increased. Regarding his love life, the user said that he still has an active sex life with his wife, who was his girlfriend at the time of his accident, but that the testicular implant does feel a bit strange for both he and his spouse.
Regarding sexual pleasure and orgasms, the user claims that he no longer has any true sensation in his penis, but he and his wife have a regular sex life that includes orgasms for both of them. In terms of orgasming, the user’s physician recommended focusing on other areas of the body while concentrating on the mental side of sex. Through these efforts, the user states that he is able to achieve orgasm, but when he ejaculates, the force is not as intense as it was previously.
How Does This Differ From Previous Iterations of Penile Implants?
Previously, men who chose to receive penile implants dealt with a system that utilized a rod that was surgically inserted into the penis. This rod was then maneuvered manually to rest upon the pelvis during sex in order to stay erect. The obvious downside to this procedure is that it left the man erect at all times with no ability to become flaccid. Additionally, sex could potentially cause injury to the pelvic muscles due to the pressure placed upon it due to the rod, and in the vast majority of cases, men using these types of penile implants were not able to achieve orgasm. In fact, some even experience difficulty urinating or they experience an increased risk of infection.
Are Penile Implants the Solution to Erectile Dysfunction?
In most cases, considering a penile implant to treat erectile dysfunction should be an absolute last resort. On top of the surgery itself, which can come with all sorts of serious complications, the act of surgically implanting foreign objects into the body can be very costly. On top of that, the surgery is not guaranteed to be a success, and after spending so much time and money preparing for the surgery and undergoing the actual surgery and recovery, it would be much easier to pursue other options.
Another concern is that, if the penile implant fails for whatever reason, it’s likely that more invasive surgery will be required in order to correct the problem or repair or replace the implant. Having penile surgery once is distressing enough, but having to go through it twice or even more is unthinkable for most men. Unfortunately, all it takes is one injury or even a simply fall to render a penile implant useless or malfunctioning, meaning a man will have no choice but to be cut open again in order to be able to achieve and maintain an erection.
With this stated, if you are a man who has suffered erectile dysfunction as the result of an accident or injury, a penile implant may be the way to go in order to achieve an erection. If this may be the case, discuss your concerns with your physician, but always make sure to understand the risks and benefits associated with such a surgical procedure.
Alternative Solutions to Penile Implants
If you’re a man dealing with erectile dysfunction and you’re considered penile implants, it’s important that you realize there are alternatives available, including in the form of medications like Viagra. Penile implants are generally successful for men who have absolutely no feeling in the penis or who have had to have penile blood vessels removed for medical reasons, but by and large, most men who are struggling with erectile dysfunction will not benefit from a penile implant. In fact, healthy men facing erectile dysfunction may actually cause loss of feeling and more after undergoing penile implant surgery.
Today’s medical advancements in sexual health medicinal treatments mean that men suffering from erectile dysfunction can simply take a pill in order to achieve stronger, fuller erections that last longer. With a traditional implant, you can stay hard forever, but since you can’t feel anything, does that really matter. Sure you can satisfy your partner, but when you develop an infection and have to have the implant removed, leaving you out of commission for a month or more, will your partner be satisfied then? If you have an inflatable implant surgically implanted, you may be able to control your erection, but at the end of the day, you’re still risking the possibility of infection or the device breaking and needing to be repaired or replaced.
With this stated, any medications you take in treating your erectile dysfunction need to be discussed with your primary care physician. There are many companies out there these days selling drugs on the Internet and even over the counter in gas stations that have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any other official governing body. Although their claims may raise hopes, they may do more damage than good. Prior to purchasing or ingesting any type of sexual health remedy, talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and receive an official diagnosis prior to making an investment in sexual health products.
eDrugstore Provides the Latest in Erectile Dysfunction Treatments, No Surgery Required
If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction and you want to avoid surgery (or even the thought of surgery,) check in with eDrugstore. We specialize in providing name-brand erectile dysfunction treatments, including Viagra, as well as other sexual health solutions. We understand that living with erectile dysfunction can come with many questions, so our team of experts is available to discuss your specific needs and help you find the right medication to get you back to being your best. To learn more about our sexual health and erectile dysfunction treatment options, click on the appropriate link. And if you’re interested in the convenience of ordering prescription medications like Viagra online, we invite you to visit eDrugstore.com.
Andrew Rusnak is an author who writes on topics that include sexual health and technology development.
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