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How Long Do Penile Implants Last?

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When a man discovers that he has erectile dysfunction, there are several treatments. Many times medications will work for a time, but it is estimated that 40% of men discontinue their use within one year due to several issues. Injections are the next line of treatment, but if these do not prove to be satisfactory, most men decide on a penile implant. We will discuss implants here including the two types, their benefits, plus the question: how long do penile implants last?

For a comprehensive evaluation in Salt Lake City, UT, contact Dr. William Brant, our skilled urologist, at (801) 965-2767. Discover if an implant is the right solution for you.

Penile Implant Options

Penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with ED, or sometimes Peyronie’s Disease, to have erections and regain sexual function.

older couple smiling.

In general, there are two types of penile implants: inflatable and semi-rigid.

The inflatable implant has two cylinders, a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir filled with fluid. When an erection is desired, the man presses the pump inside the scrotum which allows the fluid to transfer to the cylinders producing an erection. You can control the level of hardness and the erection will not deflate until you press a valve on the pump to return the fluid to the reservoir.

The semi-rigid implant has two firm but flexible rods implanted in the penis. With this one, you simply move the penis in place for sexual intercourse and move it back afterward.

Penile Implant Lifespan

Although it depends a bit on luck and a bit on how it is used, the implant typically can last 10-15 years.  If you have a great sports car that lives in your garage and you take it for Sunday cruises, it will last a long time.  If you take it to the track, you’ll wear out the parts!  Luckily, if the implant does stop working, it can be replaced.

The Benefits of a Penile Implant

Aside from the long lifespan of the device, there are numerous other benefits including:

  • They are very durable.
  • You are once again in control of your body.
  • No one will know you have an implant as it is contained within the body.
  • Discretion. You operate the pump when you are ready. There is no waiting like with a pill.
  • You can achieve an erection in 15 seconds and keep it as long as you wish.
  • The devices do not affect your ability to ejaculate or have an orgasm.
  • They do not affect the sensation of the skin on your penis.
  • Your partner will not be able to tell any difference between a naturally erect penis and one with a device.
  • Over 90% of men are very happy with the results.
  • Implanting the device is an outpatient procedure and you go home the same day.
  • It will restore your self-esteem and confidence.

Contact our trained urologist, Dr. William Brant at (801) 965-2767 for an evaluation in Salt Lake City, UT. Have all your questions answered, and find out if an implant is right for you.

Male Sexual Problems Over 65: What to Know

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Anyone over 65 can relate to you in excruciating detail all their aches, pains, and health problems that come with aging. What they won’t admit is that their sex drive and sexual function may have decreased a bit (or more than a bit) over the years. It’s not surprising that they wouldn’t want to admit that, but it’s a topic that should be addressed. There are many, many reasons this occurs. Male sexual problems over 65: what to know.

Continue reading “Male Sexual Problems Over 65: What to Know” →

When Do Men Need Low Testosterone Treatment?

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You have probably seen any number of ads on the television and online about low T. They seem to indicate that this is a growing national problem and that all men should begin taking medication to correct their testosterone deficiency and become more “manly men.” It might be time to slow down this growing snowball down the mountain and look carefully to evaluate when men need testosterone treatment.

Continue reading “When Do Men Need Low Testosterone Treatment?” →

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

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It is typically done through the process of elimination. There are so many factors involved in getting and maintaining an erection firm enough to have sexual relations, Dr. Brant will test one possibility at a time to finally reach the real cause. Only then can proper treatment be provided.

Process of Elimination

When there is difficulty getting and/or keeping an erection long enough for satisfactory sex and intimacy, that is erectile dysfunction. Many people think it’s only when it doesn’t work at all, but that’s not the case.  When everything is working right, erections can come and go without a thought. You never think about everything that has to go “right” to get and keep one.

There happen to be multiple parts of your body and mind that have to be in sync. With occasional ED or if it becomes more common, suddenly you need to become aware of “what parts” need to be in sync. man talking to his doctor.

Contacting our board-certified urologist, Dr. William Brant for an erectile dysfunction appointment in Salt Lake City, is your first step toward getting the answers. Call us today at (801) 965-2767.

The causes of ED can be due to physical issues, mental/psychological issues, or emotional problems.

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: The Physical Test

Your urologist will begin by taking your medical history and asking lots of questions.

Blood tests and a physical exam will indicate any physical issues that can cause ED like the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • Low testosterone

Any of these can contribute to erectile dysfunction. If one or more are identified, Dr. Brant may begin treating those particular issues. Several of these physical problems can affect blood flow throughout your body. This, in turn, can be a significant cause of ED.

Dr. Brant may recommend additional tests beyond the blood tests and physical exam.

If a more thorough diagnosis is required, a doppler ultrasound may be recommended.  This is a series of ultrasounds (typically 3), which do not require radiation, that evaluate the blood flow.  Getting a view of how blood gets into the penis and how the penis is able to store it can provide a lot of information.

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: Emotional and Mental Issues

Depression, stress, and anxiety can contribute a great deal to erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Brant will discuss these issues with you and give you a psychological screening test for depression.

Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis: Other Risk Factors

Smoking, drinking to excess, lack of exercise, and use of recreational drugs can also contribute to ED. Being over the age of 50 can be a contributing factor, but men in their 80s can still have a satisfactory sex life.

There may not be only one cause of ED, but a combination of factors.  Fortunately, no matter what the cause, there is usually a treatment that can take care of it.

Getting a thorough evaluation from our urologist in Salt Lake City will help pinpoint the cause and provide direction on which treatment option is best for you.

Contact our board-certified urologist, Dr. William Brant in Salt Lake City to schedule an appointment for tests and treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Call our urology clinic in Salt Lake City at (801) 965-2767.

How Does Viagra Help With ED?

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Viagra is likely the most written-about drug in the last 25 years and for a good reason. This medication gave the baby boomers from the 60s and 70s, plus many other men, a lifeline if they developed erectile dysfunction. When it was introduced in the late 90’s, it completely changed how men thought about and communicated about their health.  But how exactly does Viagra and medications like it help men with ED?

If you want to explore treatment options for erectile dysfunction contact our highly trained urologist, Dr. William Brant. Call our urology clinic in Salt Lake City, UT today at (801) 965-2767.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve and then maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a frustrating and depressing condition for millions of men.

There are a myriad of reasons why a man may have erectile dysfunction. There may be emotional, psychological, or physical reasons.  older couple smiling.

How Does Viagra Help?

The little blue pill, Viagra, helps ED with one of the physical issues. Viagra (or its generic namesake Sildenafil) increases blood flow to the penis which is one of the requirements for an erection. Although we will refer to it as Viagra in this blog, there are quite a few drugs (both brand name and generic) that work in the same manner so this information can be generalized to these medications.

When a man is aroused, the body releases nitric oxide, a molecule that triggers an erection. However, a protein or enzyme known as PDE5 intervenes to start getting rid of the erection. Viagra is a PDE5 Inhibitor, so it obstructs the enzyme and allows the erection to occur.

It improves firmness, frequency, and maintenance, and it is most effective for mild to moderate ED.

Viagra may also be effective for ED caused by diabetes and prostate surgery, but may not be as successful in these situations as it would be for other disease states.

Basic and Cautionary Facts About Viagra

FDA-approved for men over the age of 18, there are some important facts to know if you are considering Viagra for erectile dysfunction treatment.

  • Viagra only works if a man is sexually aroused.
  • Take Viagra one hour before sexual activity.
  • Only take one pill per day.
  • The drug comes in doses of 20mg. 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Only take the recommended dosage provided by Dr. Brant based on your age and general health.  Other medications have different doses (for example, Cialis/tadalafil typically comes in 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg doses)
  • Viagra works within one hour but can take between 30 minutes to 4 hours to have an effect. In some, its effects can last up to 12 hours.
  • You may get multiple erections during this time, but an erection should never last longer than 4 hours. If this happens, get medical attention immediately.  This usually occurs if other drugs (such as recreational drugs) are taken with the Viagra.
  • It is best to take Viagra on an empty stomach. Avoid fatty foods, excessive alcohol, and marijuana.
  • There are some common side effects like headache, flushing, abnormal vision, and cold-like symptoms, but generally these effects are mild and do not prevent usage. Talk with Dr. Brant about all possible side effects before taking Viagra.

Contact Dr. William Brant at (801) 965-2767 if you are having issues getting and keeping an erection. Our urology clinic in Salt Lake City, UT offers a comprehensive list of treatment options for erectile dysfunction—schedule an appointment to explore options that could be right for you.

Dr. Brant Leads Seminar on Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)

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Dr. William Brant delivered a talk on the guidelines and practical applications of artificial urinary sphincters at the 42nd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar, a “multi-day meeting focused on training urologists in the latest in assessing, diagnosing, and treating urologic conditions in the clinical setting.” Dr. Brant went into detail on the preoperative, operative, and postoperative portions of the procedure, which is used to treat male urinary incontinence.

You can watch a recording of the talk below:

Dr. Brant Presents – Medicolegal 101 for the Urologist: Lawsuits and Expert Witnesses

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This 17-minute talk was presented at the 42nd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a four-day conference providing an update on urologic cancers, stone disease, urologic reconstruction, female urology, infertility, emerging surgical techniques, and general urology.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Brant’s presentation, head over to grandroundsinurology.com to read the full summary.

 

 

 

INCH BY INCH

Posted on by William Brant, MD in

The Daily Beast article titled “Inside Reddit’s Community of Dudes Trying to Grow Bigger Dicks” explores a subreddit community called r/AJelqForYou, where men share their experiences and techniques for penis enlargement. The article delves into the various methods these men use, from jelqing (a form of penis exercise) to using pumps and weights. It also discusses the potential risks associated with these methods, including injury and ineffective results.

Dr. William Brant, a Utah-based urologist, is quoted throughout the article, offering his expert opinion on the safety and efficacy of these penis enlargement techniques. He notes that while jelqing and other exercises may have some benefits, using pumps and weights can be dangerous and may cause long-term damage. He also emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before attempting any form of penis enlargement.

Patient talking with a doctor.
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Schedule a consultation in Salt Lake City

If you have any inquiries or would like to arrange a consultation with board-certified urologist Dr. Brant in Salt Lake City, please don’t hesitate to call (801) 965-2767.

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Dr. Brant Discusses Penile Reconstruction in New Article with Insider

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In a recent article on Insider.com, Dr. William Brant contributes to the discussion on the controversial penile implant for enhancing penis size and length. The big short provides a balanced view of the procedure and emphasizes the need for patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before deciding to undergo the surgery. Dr. Brant, who specializes in Penile reconstruction surgeries, informs readers the disservice of misinformation around penis size and surgery.

Penile Implant.

Read The Full Article Here

Schedule a Consultation in Salt Lake City

If you’re considering an implant or reconstruction surgery, having all the information you need to make an informed decision is important. Dr. Brant, a board-certified urologist in Salt Lake City, can answer your questions and provide you with guidance throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation by calling (801) 965-2767.

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