(269) SEX THERAPY INTERVENTIONS AS A COMPONENT OF POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR PENILE IMPLANT PATIENTS
Authors: Denton R , Thirumavalavan N 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Individuals who choose penile prosthetic as a treatment for their erectile difficulties can have an adjustment period post-surgery and considerations that extend beyond the medical/surgical. Prior research has suggested that dissatisfaction can occur due to unrealistic expectations in post-surgical functioning, and that psychosexual counseling can help to create positive results and satisfaction for those electing for those procedures. Adjustment to living with a penile prosthetic has psychological implications, and through the inclusion of mental health clinicians versed in sex therapy interventions, those needs can be met. Assisting patients in the biopsychosocial adjustments, and providing specific suggestions related to their unique experience can improve satisfaction outcomes post-surgical intervention.

Objective

This presentation will utilize a case study to illustrate how the inclusion of a brief course sex therapy intervention can improve individual and couple’s satisfaction with the installation of a penile prosthetic. It will exemplify the interplay between psychological interventions to address sociological expectations of performance and function along with pragmatic solutions to challenges in navigating sexual scenarios for the individual/couple.

Methods

Case study depicts a man in his 60s who has elected for a Semi-rigid malleable rod penile implant. Surgical outcomes were successful in regard to healing and nerve function. Patient was feeling dissatisfied with outcome because partnered PIV sexual intercourse could not be accomplished. As such, he was referred for sex therapy. Interventions target the cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal contributors to dissatisfaction to create functional changes and greater satisfaction for the patient and his partner. Illustration of sex therapy focused evaluation and intervention that resulted in functional change and alleviation of distress are shown and explained.

Results

This short term target intervention strategy resulted in changes in how the patient and his partner understood and talked about their needs, as well as functional interactions that allowed them to resume partnered PIV sexual intercourse, resulting in a reported increase in satisfaction in having undergone penile implant procedure. A review of the literature also revealed that one of the primary reasons for satisfaction after penile implant reported by men are psychological factors and improvement of sexual function. Furthermore, men indicated the achievement of erectile function and vaginal penetration as the main reasons for satisfaction. Conversely, unrealistic expectations of outcome was a contributor to dissatisfaction. (Carvalheira, Santana, & Pereira, 2015) In addition, there is evidence that psychosexual counselling can improve sexual activities and erotic functions for both patients and their respective partners post implant (Pisano et. al, 2015).

Conclusions

Inclusion of Sex Therapy focused Mental Health interventions can be a vital part of ensuring positive outcomes and sexual satisfaction for patients who undergo penile implant procedures.

Disclosure

No.