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I was wondering what is the general life expectancy of both brands of implants? i have been told from word of mouth that it is between 5 and 10 years. Then you have to get it replaced.

I have an 80 year old uncle who has had his implant for over 10 years. And he still uses it well and often. I don't know what brand he was given.

Greg

I was told 8-12 years was typical, though there are cases where the implant is still functional 18-20 years later. Also instances of failure/blowout well before that, sometimes after only short periods of time. And, there are early failures for both manufacturers. My surgeon strongly recommended the Titan because, among other things, he felt it would last longer, and be easier to replace if that is ever needed. He told me he used to almost exclusively use the AMS LGX (and it's predecessor the Utlrex) but has now switched to the Coloplast Titan. However, I've read of other surgeons who are concerned about the Titan, and more specifically the Titan OTR. There are plently of conflicting opinions out there. I have a Titan OTR, but only for about 3 months, and am very happy with it.

I was also told that replacement is normally an easier recovery than the initial placement (I would presume that assumes comparable general health at both times). I'm sure that varies too. I understand that if you're healthy enough for sex, you are most likely healthy enough for implant surgery, excluding cases of special issues (eg damaged pelvic area or damaged genitals).

If I remember correctly, Dr Milam (from Vanderbilt) told me that within 8 years, 10% will fail. So 90% dont fail in an 8 year period.

One other point. I think, but am not positive about all the details, that all the currently shipping implants have at least some components that are newer designs than 8 years. I think Titan, LGX and CX all normally ship with updated pump designs, though in some cases the older designs are still available. I have read that Coloplast is in the early roll-out stages of redesigned cylinders. Also, I think the LGX has a newer cylinder design than its predecessor the Ultrex.

So, when it comes to life expectancies, I think you're really talking about projecting the experiences of older designs onto the newer ones. Possibly valid, possibly overly optimistic, and hopefully overly pessimistic (by which I mean that hopefully the newer designs are better and will last longer).

My implant was in march 1995. It developed leak May 12 2012. That is 17 yrs 2 mo currently waiting for is app for new implant. Hope that helps.

seawyn --

What implant did you have?

If I'm still alive in 17 years, and my implant lasts 17 years, and I am still having sex after 17 years, and still healthy enough for sex and a new implant after 17 years, I'll be one happy camper!

Hope you have great results on your replacement!

It was an AMS 700CX. I will get the AM 700LGX this time. I've been waiting since June 12 2012 FOR my secondary ins company approval. I will post when I find out when surgery is scheduled. I hope I can get 17 years out of the next one too. By the way I'm 71 but can pass for late 50's. Thanks for your support.

I just got one last Thur. (AMS 700). I am 53. Doc said it should last my lifetime.

Future Shooter

Do you know if there is something we can do or something that we dont' have to do to preserve the implant integrity and to make it last as long as possible?