It's been one year (plus a couple weeks) since my implant surgery. Unless something changes, this will likely be my final update on this subject; however, I am always happy to answer questions for anyone considering an implant. So, if that's you, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have regarding my experiences.
My goal is to help normalize discussions regarding prostate cancer, its various treatments, and all the subsequent physical and emotional fallout that may occur. That necessarily includes discussions about urinary function, sexual function, and (perhaps especially) the topic of penile implants. Heartbreakingly, far too many men believe they are supposed to suffer through this disease silently and alone. Let's try to change that!
In my discussions with other bionic guys prior to my surgery, I learned than many men take up to a year(!) to fully recover and adapt to an implant. Not just physically, but psychologically. I am incredibly grateful to have had that long-term mindset, because that has also been my experience. Admittedly, the initial recovery was pretty rough! But once I got past the first eight weeks and began daily cycling of the implant, I really thought I was mostly done with the healing process. Nope! There are slower processes that occur after any foreign object is introduced into the human body. Our immune system will slowly encapsulate any medical implant over the course of many months. This is a very good thing! One benefit is that the capsule helps to minimize some of the residual discomfort from the implant. But, for me, the longest & slowest process was adapting psychologically. After a lifetime of knowing what your boy-parts are supposed to feel like, suddenly everything feels... different. Foreign. Things hang differently. Underwear fits differently. Small changes that you'd think wouldn't matter much, but which make you feel like you have to constantly re-adjust your genitalia because it all feels so weird.
After six months, the capsule was mostly formed and the regular cycling of the implant had become just another part of my daily routine. After ten months, I found that I was re-adjusting myself far less often. Thank goodness! Constantly having your hands down your pants is embarrassing. LOL! I was finally adapting to the new sensations and discovering my new normal. Now, just over a year post-op, I really never even think about it. Well, except for when I am putting it to good use!
My new body buddies have truly become a totally normal part of me.Regarding sex, I will simply offer two thoughts:
First, my implant (Boston Scientific AMS-700) has returned a part of my life that I thought cancer had forever stolen. The positive psychological impact of fighting back and successfully reclaiming previously lost territory cannot be overstated. Rediscovering my sex life has been absolutely fantastic. Joining the Bionic Boys Club has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself!
Second, being able to achieve a consistently reliable erection on demand, whenever I want, and for as long as I want, is kinda like having a sexual superpower. It feels amazing in more ways than one. If my implant ever fails while I still maintain an active and healthy libido, I will not hesitate to get a revision or replacement!
So, that's me one year post-op. No discomfort or constantly re-adjusting beyond the normal stuff that all us guys have to deal with. Excellent sex life with my hubby of over 32 years. And a general sense of well-being and personal satisfaction that I took positive steps to actively improve the quality of my life. Yes, it was a slow process. But it has been entirely worth it!
I sincerely hope this is useful to some of you who are considering an implant! I was quite fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss this with a number of other bionic guys prior to my surgery. Their willingness to share their experiences greatly helped me with my decision. I am always pleased to pay that generosity forward. Stay strong, gentlemen! And remember that, no matter where you are in your journey with prostate cancer, you are not alone.
Bionic Boys Club FTW!
