FrankTalk.org

I don't have an implant yet but I'm strongly considering it. I'm 32 years old.

I've had some anxiety/obsession recently over the concern of: Will I "wear my penis out" over the 40-50 years that I would have an implant in it?

Let's say I need 4-5 total surgeries. Let's also leave aside the risk of infection. Although I know it's a possibility, even with revisions, I know that with a high-volume surgeon the risk is still 1% or lower. What I'm referring to is, does the penis or tunica albuginea erode or atrophy from years of an implant? Or is that not a realistic concern?

Secondarily, if there were to be erosion, what can be done surgically to repair the penis so that function can continue?

From emailing a high-volume surgeon, I understand the risk to be very low of this actually happening and was told that basically, if a man has a penis, an implant can 99% of the time be placed.

Honestly, I'm here looking for some reassurance that the idea that someday my penis will just fall apart and an implant won't even give me an erection anymore, is not a practical worry that I need to shoulder.

Thanks, guys.

Hi Considering89 -
I have had these same concerns, and it's been challenging getting definitive answers. A high-volume surgeon in NYC evaluated me, and he mentioned to me that with the IPP, there is a risk of gradually developing pressure atrophy of the tunica. And that this pressure atrophy can lead to expansion of the corporal bodies over time, resulting in rigidity loss of the implant erection. This may not manifest in any problems in the short term but can cause loss of implant stability over many years. Apparently, some patients have more stretchy tunica that is more susceptible than others. He stressed the importance of always fully deflating the implant to diminish this effect. But he acknowledged that, even under ideal circumstances, the gradual effects of pressure atrophy cannot be totally eliminated. In the past, I have appealed to the more veteran bionic brothers who have had implants for 10-20+ years to share their experiences and whether this is more of a theoretical concern or indeed a practical one. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get much of a response about this. I'm not sure if that indicates the effects of pressure atrophy are not a problem for any Franktalk members, or there just aren't that many 10-20+ year implantees on the site. I am hoping that some long-term implantees will chime in now that you have reopened this topic.

.

Considering85 here’s the question do you want a none working dick when your young middle aged and old or a very tiny chance of a less rigid penis when your old?? Your over thinking this and I understand why but don’t put off getting the implant on tiny percentages of something going astray

irishguy wrote:Considering85 here’s the question do you want a none working dick when your young middle aged and old or a very tiny chance of a less rigid penis when your old?? Your over thinking this and I understand why but don’t put off getting the implant on tiny percentages of something going astray

That's my thought exactly. If I was in my 30's and my dick didn't work it would be devastating.
One thing I always mention- the future of implants is only going to make them better, last longer and more user friendly. In 10 or 20 years who knows what will be on the market, or if surgical procedures will change.

FMLFML85 wrote:I don’t think you know what your taking about so you might want to not respond to questions like this one.

FMLFML85 - I was only trying to validate Considering89’s concerns as I share them as well based on what I have been told by the same highly-regarded IPP surgeon who you apparently know. And to encourage implantees who have had their IPPs for 10-20+ years to share their thoughts as they would be the ones to have experience relevant to this issue. I don’t know why it seems to hit a nerve with certain Franktalk members when this subject is brought up. We are all just looking for answers to set our expectations appropriately.

considering89 wrote:I don't have an implant yet but I'm strongly considering it. I'm 32 years old.

I've had some anxiety/obsession recently over the concern of: Will I "wear my penis out" over the 40-50 years that I would have an implant in it?

Let's say I need 4-5 total surgeries. Let's also leave aside the risk of infection. Although I know it's a possibility, even with revisions, I know that with a high-volume surgeon the risk is still 1% or lower. What I'm referring to is, does the penis or tunica albuginea erode or atrophy from years of an implant? Or is that not a realistic concern?

Secondarily, if there were to be erosion, what can be done surgically to repair the penis so that function can continue?

From emailing a high-volume surgeon, I understand the risk to be very low of this actually happening and was told that basically, if a man has a penis, an implant can 99% of the time be placed.

Honestly, I'm here looking for some reassurance that the idea that someday my penis will just fall apart and an implant won't even give me an erection anymore, is not a practical worry that I need to shoulder.

Thanks, guys.

I see the implant as a warm safety blanket that if all else fails, there is another option that is really cool - who doesn't want a bionic dick

And when the time does come to get implanted later in life, my view will be that if/when it fails, I can likely get a size upgrade when it is replaced.

Got to look at the positives in every situation.

But in answer to your question, at age 30, I'm opting to try every other option first as I have the same concerns as you. I want to try and make it to 50 before going bionic.

It’s a valid question and an understandable concern. I share it.

It really does boil down to - are you content and happy with what you’ve got NOW? Can you continue to live the way you’re living NOW? Is your current state severely preventing you from living a healthy sexual life NOW?

Because these are the really important years where we make our way in the world; where we meet our future spouses, where we need mental clarity more than ever to do well in life and secure that promotion or buy that house. To have ED hanging over you that paralyses you in your 30s is unacceptable in my opinion.

And in the hands of experienced surgeons, objective facts really are in the patient’s favour.

I’m right there with you man. I’m on the cusp. I basically know or feel anyway that I have no other choice but doubts will always linger if we have some level of function left, no matter how shit it may be.

If a qualified implant surgeon tells you that the odds are 99% for acceptable revisions. Then I doubt that 100% will convince you. In my experience, no professional will say 100% for any procedure.
So what if you MIGHT fail for an implant at a very ripe old age. Balance that out against the decades of sex that you did have.
We have a member that has had 8 surgeris. Somewhere in that mix he did have an infection & he still got an implant. You were quoted a winning combination. Wrap your mind around it & accept it.