Why Are Men Satisfied or Dissatisfied with Penile Implants? A Mixed Method Study on Satisfaction with Penile Prosthesis Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). However, qualitative research exploring the experience of PPI through men's narratives is scarce.

AIM: The main goals were to analyze (i) the level of sexual satisfaction (quantitatively), and (ii) the reasons for satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction with PPI (qualitatively).

METHOD: Participants were 47 men with erectile dysfunction who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2012, placed by a single surgeon. Structured telephone interviews were carried out.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with PPI was a qualitative and quantitative measure assessed through the following four items: (i) "Would you repeat the PPI surgery?"; (ii) "Would you recommend the PPI surgery?"; (iii) "How satisfied are you with the PP?"; and (iv) "Could you explain the motives of your satisfaction/dissatisfaction?".

RESULTS: The majority of men (79%) reported to be satisfied with PPI. Content analysis revealed four main themes for men's satisfaction with the PPI: (i) psychological factors were reported 54 times (n = 54) and included positive emotions, self-esteem, confidence, enhancement of male identity, major live change, and self-image; (ii) improvement of sexual function was reported 54 times (n = 54) and referred to achievement of vaginal penetration, increase of sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, penis size, and improvement of erectile function; (iii) relationship factors were reported 11 times (n = 11) and referred to relationship improvement and the possibility of giving pleasure to the partner; and (iv) improvement in urinary function (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS: The level of satisfaction with the implementation of penile prostheses is very high, therefore constituting a treatment for erectile dysfunction with a positive impact on the experience of men at sexual, psychological and relational level.