Why I Decided to Get a Penile Implant

Almost four years ago, I had my prostate removed via da Vinci surgery. I had double nerve sparing surgery. My surgeon was certain I'd regain erectile functioning. I participated in a penile rehab program which included penile injections. I had no doubt my erectile functioning would return.

Over the course of the next 3 years I had off and on results with ED medication. Approximately 50% of the time I could achieve an erection that worked. In the 4th year nothing worked. My failure rate jumped from 50% of the time to 100% of the time. It was clear that I was facing the rest of my life with erectile dysfunction that would respond to injections or medication.

At age 63 I asked myself an important question. Did I want to live out the next 10-15 years of my life without the ability to have sexual intercourse. My answer to this question surprised me. I'd gotten older than I realized. In my 30's, 40's and 50's, it  would me a second to answer that question with a resounding NO. I was now in my 60's and what my wife thought about the whole matter was important. If she said I wouldn't miss making love with you, I would not have bothered with a surgery.

Both of us missed the physical closeness that's all part of making love . Both of us wanted to have this experience again. When I say again,  I'm not talking about making love once a month, I'm talking about multiple times per/week.

Three weeks ago I went to UCSF for penile implant surgery. I must confess I was embarrassed each time a nurse entered my room. They knew exactly what type of surgery I had and why. I wondered if they were disgusted or grossed out with the thought that a 63 year old man enjoys sex.

According to Hollywood, sexuality is  reserved for the young and beautiful. I do not possess either of those qualities. Yet in our 60's both my wife and I agree that our sex life is better now in our 60's than it was in our 20's. I wouldn't go back.

In Feb 2015,  I made a decision to get back what cancer took away, my erectile abilities. In a few weeks my wife and I will have a test run on my new bionic equipment. Since ED is such a distressing act of life for many men without a prostate, I'll be reporting back about my experiences and whether or not it's worth it to go through the risks and pain of this surgical procedure.