Jack's Story

Dear Readers:

Once again, I am priveledged to share with you another man's story of his battle with ED and subsequent implant surgery. Jack brings a unique view as someone who first had a maleable penile implant implanted first. When it failed, he opted for a three piece Mentor Alpha 1 penile implant which he uses today. Jack has graciously offered his story to you the reader in the hope that all of you can gain knowledge from his candor. Jack tells it like it is, both what he likes and what he disliked of both devices. Jack now joins a distinguished group of men who have consented to telling their story on this blog. We who have implants know how difficult it is for men to decide if a penile implant is right for you. Jack has also supplied pictures of his genitals with the Mentor Alpha 1 implant. He also gives you measure ments listed in centimeter. To convert centimeters into inches, 2.5 centimeters equals one inch. Here is Jack's story:

Bob,
You have an awesome blog on a relevant topic for many men. The information you present is honest and heartfelt. It is informative and I can only wish it was available when I was doing my research before getting my implants. Thank you for your candor in sharing your story and photographs. After further consideration, I have decided to share some of my own personal experiences and opinions. Please feel free to post this information on your blog along with some of my photographs.

In the late 1990’s I suddenly realized that the quality of my erections had slowly declined to the point where I could no longer have intercourse with my wife. My penis looked hard, but it was not rigid enough for penetration. Needless to say I was surprised, shocked, and dismayed that I could no longer have sex. My self-confidence and self-esteem also took a blow. Something had to be done and I made an appointment with an urologist.

One of the first tests I did was a snap ring. Before I went to bed each night I would put the snap ring around my penis. During the night my nocturnal erections were supposed to “snap” the ring and break it. Unfortunately, they never did. The next tests I did included a urine flow test to check for prostrate problems (I think); an MRI of the brain to check for any pituitary gland problems; and a testosterone level check. No issues were found and I passed each test with flying colors.

My urologist gave me a prescription for a medical grade vacuum pump which I promptly purchased. I used the pump for awhile with mixed success. Pumping was stimulating, felt great, produced some the largest erections I ever had, and was completely natural. On the flip side the pumping process was slow and the constriction rings were very uncomfortable. Erections felt cold to the touch, were limited to 30 minutes, and the base of my penis acted like a swivel. Viagra help with my arousal, but not my erections.

I wanted something simpler and more spontaneous than the vacuum pump so I tried drug treatments. These included direct injections into my penis and Muse, which used catheter like device to place a small pill in my urethra. I did not like the drugs; the injections were painful, distracting, and did not solve my problem. And from what I have read lately, injections can apparently cause internal scarring.

Venous leakage caused by repeated straddle injuries probably caused my impotence. As a youth I used to jump bicycles. As an adult, I moved up to dirt bikes and four-wheelers. Consequently my groin area took a lot of abuse over the years and I can remember some painful injuries from landing on hard bars and seats. Blood still flowed into my penis and produced an erection, but it slowly leaked out. The result was tumescence without rigidity. I also think that there may have been some congenital issues too.

I was totally discouraged, dejected, frustrated, disgusted, and depressed! Everything I tried had failed and there were few options left. I considered vascular surgery and nixed it due to its low chance of success. I was getting desperate for a permanent solution and started to seriously consider a penile prosthesis. This was the late 1990’s and information was scarce. My research included meeting with my urologists, watching implant videos, and searching the internet for information.

My requirements were simple. I wanted something that gave me a rigid erection suitable for intercourse, was easy to use, simple to implant, reliable, and inexpensive. I chose the AMS 650 semi-rigid penile prosthesis and was implanted at age 35. The surgery was done on an outpatient basis with no complications and my wife drove me home from the hospital the very same day. I have two distinct impressions from that day. First, my penis was bandaged and looked like a hotdog in crescent roll. Second, it was almost impossible to urinate due to presence of the implants and swelling from surgery!

My next big (no pun intended) impression was the change in length x girth. My penis was now shorter and significantly thinner. I was prepared to lose some length, but the loss in girth truly shocked me and was completely unexpected. I lost at least 4.0 cm of length and 2.5 cm of girth. The loss in girth was especially noticeable the first time my wife and I had sex and I felt loose inside her. I could tell she noticed it too, but she never let on that she was unhappy.

AMS 650
What I liked
Spontaneous always ready to go
Rigid rock hard erection
Unlimited duration erection
Reliable

What I did not like
Permanent erection
No expansion in girth
Cylinders did not fill out penis
Difficult to conceal
Embarrassing at times

Seven years after I got my AMS 650, I noticed a clicking feeling on the right side. I went to my new urologist who examined me and determined that the right rod had indeed broken and needed to be replaced. I was more than a little surprised, but readily agreed to get it replaced ASAP. I immediately ruled out getting another semi-rigid device. My urologist and I reviewed the AMS 700 and Mentor Alpha I three-piece inflatable prosthesis (IPP) and he assured me that either one would give me an excellent result.

My requirements this time were increased girth, daily comfort, ease of concealment, and a reliable easy to use pump. I wanted a normal life with a natural erectile process. Please note that increased length was not a consideration. I chose the Mentor Alpha I and was implanted at age 43. The surgery was again done on an outpatient basis with no complications and my wife drove me home from the hospital the very same day. I remember my implant being partially inflated and my penis being by a special jock strap.

My second implant surgery again resulted in a change in length x girth. My penis is still smaller than my natural erection, but it is significantly thicker than my last implant. Although length is about the same, I was thrilled when I gained back 1.9 cm of girth. The gain in girth was especially noticeable the first time my wife and I had sex and I no longer felt loose inside her. My ego and self-confidence go a tremendous boost and my wife is happier too.

Mentor Alpha I
What I like
Daily comfort
Normal bio function and erectile process
Easy to conceal
Rigid erection suitable for intercourse
Cylinder expansion increases girth with some length
Unlimited duration erection
Reliable

What I do not like
No expansion in girth
Cylinders do not fill out penis
Increased chance of failure from moving parts
Limited product lifetime

I almost forgot to list my measurements. I measure length by pushing the ruler or tape all the way in until it stops at the pubic bone while I measure girth at mid-shaft.

Before surgery – natural age 21
Bone pressed length 19.0 cm
Visible length 19.0 cm
Mid-shaft girth 13.9 cm

First surgery – AMS 650 age 35
Bone pressed length 15.0 cm
Visible length 12.7 cm (need to lose weight)
Mid-shaft girth 11.4 cm

Second surgery – Mentor Alpha I age 43
Bone pressed length 15.4 cm
Visible length 12.7 cm
Mid-shaft girth 13.4 cm

Although I still get natural latent erections from time-to-time, I do not include them when I measure since they are atypical and uncontrollable. When they occur they tend to add more girth than length. I occasionally use a vacuum pump to help preserve my remaining natural erection.
Overall I am very happy with my IPP, but the road to happiness does have a price. Getting a penile implant of any type is a lifetime commitment. Remember, once an implant, always an implant, there is no going back. Expect to have pain and discomfort. Expect to lose length and girth. Expect to have more surgeries. Exhaust all other possibilities first. Choose the implant type that best suits and meets your personal needs.

Thank you again Bob for your great blog! If you have any questions, please let me know.
Jack