Erectile Dysfunction and the Penile Implant in Bodybuilders on Testosterone/Steroid therapy
Introduction
Bodybuilders are most commonly known to use testosterone and anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and physical performance. Though these substances are effective in obtaining a chiseled muscular body, along come the profound side effects especially of the sexual kind. One of the most serious and least-known side effects of chronic steroid use is erectile dysfunction (ED), penile shrinkage and testicular atrophy. In this article, we will discuss how a penile implant can be the only solution for steroid-induced erectile dysfunction and how a 25-year-old bodybuilder had to undergo penile implant surgery after the adverse effects of steroid use.
Testosterone and Steroids: The Role They Play in Bodybuilding
Why Bodybuilders Use Steroids
Anabolic steroids and testosterone therapy are used by bodybuilders to:
- Increase muscle mass rapidly
- Increase strength and endurance
- Decreased workout recovery times
- Enhance the overall physical appearance
The use of steroids, however, can become hairy, especially with prolonged use and without medical supervision, as it disrupts your body’s natural hormone factory, causing a host of health-related issues, including severe erectile dysfunction and penile shrinkage.
Long-Term Effects of Steroid and Testosterone Therapy
Steroids are beneficial for muscle building but not so much for overall health, particularly reproductive and sexual health. The most popular side effects include:
- Erection problems – Impeded natural testosterone production results in lower libido and erectile dysfunction.
- Diabetes risk – Steroids are known to increase insulin resistance making the users more prone to diabetes.
- Weakened immunity — Steroids lower immunity that leaves the body open to infection.
- Low sperm count and infertility – Sildenafil suppresses natural testosterone production, which can reduce sperm count, and in some cases sperm motility, which affects fertility.
- Testicular and penile shrinkage – Lower levels of natural testosterone lead to smaller testicles and a smaller penis, compromising sexual function.
Background
A 25-year-old enthusiastic bodybuilder had been on testosterone/steroid therapy for travel history of about a year to enhance his physique and compete in professional bodybuilding. He attained incredible physical results, but soon began suffering alarming changes to his sexual health:
- Loss of morning erections
- Decreased libido
- Shrinking penis size
- Erection difficulties
- Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
His symptoms started progressively worsening, and so he sought medical help and he was diagnosed to have left chordee, small/shrunken penis and erectile dysfunction secondary to long term steroid use.
MUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE: Assessment and Diagnosis
Following an in-depth investigation, including:
Penile Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow in the penis
Testosterone levels will be assessed by hormonal analysis
Physical exam to assess for structural abnormalities
His ED related to poor penile blood flow and testicular atrophy. Testimonials and documented case studies existed showing similar outcomes from both testosterone replacement therapy, PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) and other regenerative treatments without these lasting results for penetrative sexual intercourse.
My Decision — Penile Implant Surgery
Due to his condition, it was recommended that he have a penile implant surgery, as it is the most effective and permanent way to help him in this case. The SHAH Indian penile implant (SHAH WH 09) was preferred in the same patient because of its durability, high satisfaction rate, and natural appearance.
What is Penile Implant Surgery?
A penile implant (also known as a penile prosthesis) is a surgically inserted medical device placed inside the penis of men with severe erectile dysfunction to provide them with an erection. There are two main types of penile implants:
Inflatable Penile Implants – These are made of cylinders, a fluid reservoir and a pump. The device allows the user to inflate and deflate by hand, partially controlling erections.
Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Penile Implants – These consist of two bendable rods that can be implanted into the penis, where they can be bent into place for sexual intercourse whenever required.
Here we present a case of a patient who opted for the SHAH Indian penile implant (SHAH WH 09) owing to its ease of use and high efficacy.
Benefits of a Penile Implant
- Long-term solution for ED — A penile implant is a permanent solution as compared to pills or injections.
- Very high satisfaction rate – More than 90% of men and their partners are satisfied with penile implants,according to studies.
- Natural feel and appearance – Sophisticated implants offer a natural look and feel in both the flaccid and erect states.
- No medication dependence – It doesn’t rely on ED medications or injections after implantation.
- Restores confidence and mental well-being – A lot of men insight considerable psychological relief post-procedure.
The Procedure and your Recovery from Surgery
Detailed Surgical Procedure
- Pre-Surgical Assessment – The patient is thoroughly assessed for fitness prior to the procedure.
- Anaesthetic – A general or spinal anaesthetic ensures you do not feel any pain during the operation.
- Incision and Placement – A small incision is made near the base of the penis or at the scrotum as the implant is inserted.
- Closing and Recovery – The cut is sutured up, and a dressing is placed.
- Care After Surgery – A few hours monitoring, and discharge.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3 – Mild pain and swelling are relieved with prescribed pain medications.
- Two Weeks — The stitches start to dissolve and the swelling goes down.
- 4-6 Weeks – The patient may return light activity, and begin moving back to regular life.
- 8+ Weeks – The patient may return to sexual activity, with full functionality.
Post-Op Outcomes and Satisfaction
The 25-year-old who underwent penile implant surgery the bodybuilder reported significant improvements in his quality of life:
- Regained erectile function
- Greater confidence and self-esteem
- Free from steroid-induced ED for good
- Perfectly fulfilled with sexual activity
He was very happy with the outcome, without stress and with no anxiety about his disease, leading an ordinary and full life.
Key Takeaways
If you have enough testosterone, you can feel the effects of steroid-induced ED in bodybuilders because prolonged testosterone therapy will cause hormonal imbalance.
Erectile dysfunction from steroid use usually cannot be reversed with traditional treatments, so a penile implant is the best solution.
Surgical treatment is effective for steroid-induced ED and offer permanent therapy (Penile implant surgery) with restored physiological function and psychological status.
Getting a good solid implant (SHAH WH 09 in this case) means quality and satisfaction over time.
Conclusion
A penile implant provides a permanent and effective solution for bodybuilders facing erectile dysfunction from steroid or testosterone therapy. The genital reconstruction surgery described here demonstrates the capacity for penile implant surgery to restore sexual function, confidence, and quality of life in a challenging case. One step to a sexually fulfilling and confident life is to meet with an experienced andrologist, like Dr. M Joe Kaushik if you or someone you know is dealing with steroid-induced erectile dysfunction.
