My implant narrative- 30’s

[SCOOTER12]

It’s been a year and a half since my procedure, and I feel it’s past time to share my story.

It all started in my early 30s. I’m now in my late 30s, and the ED began very gradually—almost unnoticeable at first. I just noticed things weren’t as strong as they used to be.

I discovered I had slightly low testosterone and started TRT, but that didn’t solve the problem. I then tried Cialis as needed, which worked for years. Eventually, I started taking it every other day for convenience.

After a while, though, Cialis stopped working. I even took a two-month break to reset, but when I came back, it was no longer effective. That’s when concern turned into real worry.

I tried vitamins and other common treatments without success. I eventually went to a urologist who did an ultrasound and found that blood flow going in wasn’t sufficient. Outflow was fine, but inflow was inadequate.

I had no other issues with my penis, though I do have cholesterol and blood pressure concerns. I adjusted medications to see if that would help, but it didn’t. I even consulted a specialist in veins and blood flow, who confirmed I had no severe blockages. 30 year olds shouldn’t have these problems. I was getting no answers from doctors. I was getting desperate.

By my late 30s, single and increasingly anxious, I realized I was missing my “glory days.” After a second failed attempt with a new, attractive partner, I made the rash decision to schedule surgery for a penile implant.

I wasn’t willing to wait for potential new treatments or cures. I was tired of dead-end roads and uncertainty. It was a decision made out of frustration and urgency.

The surgery itself went well, but waking up was intensely painful—likely from how I was positioned. Pain meds helped quickly, and aside from the typical difficulty walking, the first day was manageable. The catheter was far worse than I expected; having it removed was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life.

The healing process brought new challenges. The pump and scrotum rubbing against the sac caused constant irritation. Cradling helped, and a lidocaine patch under the testicles made a significant difference. The recommended post-op underwear didn’t help me at all.

The scariest moment was when I got home and saw myself under the bandages. My penis and scrotum looked mutilated—flattened, black, and grotesque. I had heard stories, but this exceeded all expectations. I avoided looking for days, yet nothing improved. After a week, it was still flat. The doctor reassured me that it would get better, and it eventually did.

I began pumping about three or four days post-op, nervous about size and performance. The doctor confirmed there were no issues with early pumping. It was painful but became a habit.

Two and a half weeks in, I tried using the implant with a partner—prematurely. While it worked, it wasn’t comfortable for either of us. Recovery and full restoration of size took about seven months. The process was slow, but over time, it became easy to forget the difficulties.

Some initial concerns, like the “dog ears,” disappeared. Now, there’s nothing noticeable—women I’ve been with likely wouldn’t even know I had an implant. I’ve also become adept at discreetly pumping before use. Initially, I could only do a few pumps at a time, but that improved gradually. The only minor remaining sign is a slight hump below the base, visible due to the lack of a fat pad—unnoticeable to anyone else.

Do I regret it? The answer is nuanced. I’m glad I regained most of my size, but there’s a crucial detail: the implant replaces only about 60% of the erection. The remaining 40%—mostly the backside (corpus spongiosum) and head—still relies on natural blood flow. For someone like me, with inflow issues, erections may remain flat or hard without natural firmness, plumpness or warmth. But it can always get the job done.

I still take Cialis occasionally. While less effective than before, it helps a little get that other 40% back.

So, while the decision was impulsive, given that I’ve found no cure for my underlying blood flow issue, I don’t regret having the implant. It’s better than nothing. That said, if a solution to my ED were discovered later, I might regret it, as nothing replaces the experience of a natural erection.

For anyone considering this procedure, especially young adults, be aware that it’s permanent and won’t fully replicate a natural erection. The initial post-op shock is intense, but it passes. Patience is key. Recovery improves appearance, sensation, and functionality over time.

In the end, it gets better. Size and natural appearance return, pain subsides, and function is reliable. My advice: think carefully, explore all other options first, and be prepared for the process. Good luck.

Thank you to everyone on this forum. You were helpful and reassuring. Thank you for helping me get through it.

A few tidbits:
I like that I am now a show’er. Looks great flaccid.
It sticks out a bit. It’s never 100% deflated. Like 5% stays inflated. Sometimes you have to push it down.

[brickman]

How do you know you had inflow issues? Were any tests done to confirm that?

[principles]

If you haven’t already, try a cockring, preferably a comfortable one, slightly thicker is better. Put it on before you pump, stimulate yourself a bit, and then pump. See if that helps with your tumescence. There’s no turning back, it’s a different kind of erection. Hope that helps.

[ElbowRoom]

Great post, thanks for sharing your experience!

I agree with the previous post a ring can help. You can also use a vacuum pump with or without the ring with an implant, to swell the head and other tissues. I’d stick to moderate vacuum pressure, but my surgeon confirmed it’s okay to do.