Video is sponsored content
Download this article as a PDF to print and share with others.
Comprehensive sexual health education has many benefits including reducing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as the number of unplanned pregnancies.
However, patient sexual health education extends far beyond these topics. In fact, the World Health Organization defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.” Therefore, comprehensive sexual health education also involves teaching patients about practices, medications, tools, and/or devices that may enhance their sexual well-being.
Perhaps with this expansive view of sexual health care in mind, many health care providers, medical societies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses have been making strides to educate patients on tools and devices that can improve their sexual health. Educational articles and videos on personal vibrators, vacuum erection devices, constriction rings, and other sex tools are gaining popularity online.
The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), also called a penile implant, is arguably one of the most life-changing sexual health devices to date. An IPP is a device that is surgically implanted into the penis to allow men to achieve reliable, on-demand erections by using a pump located in the scrotum to fill two inflatable cylinders in the penis with fluid.
Interestingly, the first documentation of using an artificial penis for medical purposes dates back to the 16th century when Ambroise Pare created a penis from a wooden pipe for a patient to facilitate urination. In 1936, Nikolaj Bogoraz used rib cartilage to add rigidity to a penis, marking the first time a penile implant was used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Today, the IPP is considered the gold standard of treatment for severe ED and may be a suitable treatment option for many men who suffer from this condition and have not responded well to ED medications.
It is estimated that more than half of men over the age of 60 suffer from ED, and many do not receive the treatment they need to continue to enjoy a fulfilling sex life. Many patients may not be aware of the possibility of getting an IPP, nor are they aware of how an IPP could potentially improve their sexual health.
With previous studies citing very high satisfaction rates among men after IPP implantation, (ranging from 75-98%,) it may be more important than ever to educate patients about this potential treatment option for ED. Resources such as the HARD: The Fight to Solve ED video series can help patients better understand the implications of getting an IPP as well as clear up misinformation around ED and IPP implantation.
References:
Baas, W., O'Connor, B., Welliver, C., Stahl, P.J., Stember, D.S., Wilson, S.K., & Köhler, T.S. (2020). Worldwide trends in penile implantation surgery: data from over 63,000 implants. Translational andrology and urology, 9(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.09.26
Clark, J.K., Brey, R.A., Banter, A.E., & Khubchandani, J. (2012). The Delivery of Sexuality-related Patient Education to Adolescent Patients: A Preliminary Study of Family Practice Resident Physicians. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 1(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.94449
Le, B., & Burnett, A.L. (2015). Evolution of penile prosthetic devices. Korean Journal of Urology, 56(3), 179-186. DOI: 10.4111/kju.2015.56.3.179
Manfredi, C., Fortier, E., Faix, A., & Martínez-Salamanca, J.I. (2021). Penile Implant Surgery Satisfaction Assessment. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(5), 868-874. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(21)00311-8/fulltext#%20
Shiri, R., Koskimäki, J., Hakama, M., Häkkinen, J., Tammela, T. L., Huhtala, H., & Auvinen, A. (2003). Prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction in 50 to 75-year-old Finnish men. The Journal of urology, 170(6 Pt 1), 2342–2344. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000090963.88752.84
World Health Organization. (2023). Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research-(srh)/areas-of-work/sexual-health
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
Sex and Multiple Sclerosis: Barriers Between Patients and Providers
May 18, 2021Did You Know?
What Is the Average Penis Size?
June 1, 2021SMSNA Patients
New Survey Finds Most Adolescents Who Have Labia Minora Surgery Are Satisfied
May 4, 2021Did You Know?
A Non-Medicated Gel to Treat Erectile Dysfunction: Snake Oil or the Real Deal?
May 25, 2021Did You Know?
Outercourse
March 23, 2021Did You Know?
Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction
February 2, 2021SMSNA Patients
Benefits of Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown
February 9, 2021Did You Know?
Q&A on “Blue Ball” Syndrome
January 20, 2021Blog
An Overview of Hard Flaccid Syndrome
March 2, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
