(318) IT MATTERS: CHANGES IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND FREQUENCY FOLLOWING THE PLACEMENT OF A PENILE PROSTHESIS
Authors: Walsh T , Carrion R , Tadros N , Hotaling J , Chung P , Raheem O , Lentz A , Murphy G , Houman J , Terlecki R , Badlani G , Henry G , Guise A , Ramasamy R , Mills J , De La Morena Quirch R , Khera M 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

There are a variety of surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) including both malleable penile prostheses (MPPs) and inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Changes in sexual activity before and after receiving a penile prosthesis may differ depending on the type of device a patient receives.

Objective

To compare patients’ sexual activity before and after receiving an IPP versus an MPP, which may lead to tailored treatment options.

Methods

It MATTERS is a prospective, multi-center registry with follow-up occurring post-surgery and at 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04200937). Penile prostheses included in the registry include Tactra and Spectra MPPs and AMS Ambicor 2-piece IPP and AMS 700 with MS Pump 3-piece IPP with Inhibizone. Enrolled patients consented to all medical procedures and registry activities, and ethical oversight was provided by IRBs at each of 16 US sites. The registry is open to men aged 18 years or older who have chronic, organic ED and who are determined to be suitable candidates for implantation of a penile prosthesis by their physician.

Results

A total of 150 patients received an IPP or MPP and 142 provided information about their pre-surgical sexual partner and sexual frequency prior to receiving either an IPP or MPP (Table 1). A majority of each group had a current sexual partner at the time of the procedure: 80.3% with IPPs and 78.9% with MPPs. Of the patients who had a sexual partner, the majority of sexual partners had female sexual anatomy, though there were partners of men who received an MPP that had male and “other” sexual anatomy (3 and 2 patients, respectively). In the 6 months prior to surgery, just over half of patients did not have penetrative sex: 50.9% with IPPs and 52.8% with MPPs. There were no significant differences in the method of sexual penetration between groups. Compared to baseline, the number of patients who were sexually active and the frequency of sexual activity decreased at the first post-surgery visit (0-90 days post-surgery) in both groups (Fig. 1). Although both the proportion of men being sexually active and the frequency of sex nearly doubled by 6 months post-surgery compared to baseline, these differences are not statistically significant between men who received an IPP or MPP (percent of men who are sexually active, p = 0.671, and frequency of sexual activity during the past 4 weeks, p = 0.267). Patients who received an IPP experienced a greater decrease in sexual activity and frequency at post-surgery compared to patients who received an MPP.

Conclusions

Across both groups, around 80% of men have a current sexual partner at the time of surgery and only half of the patients who had a current partner, had penetrative sex in the 6 months before surgery. There is a reduction in sexual activity at the post-surgery visit from baseline, which greatly increases by 6 months post-surgery. With continued enrollment, It MATTERS will allow for better understanding of how patients who receive either an IPP or MPP use the device.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation.

Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study.

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific Corporation.