Penile prosthesis, sexual satisfaction and representation of male erotic value

A follow-up study conducted among 39 implanted patients and 30 partners shows that subjects' satisfaction towards prosthetic-sexulaity depends on their representation of male erotic value. The less satisfied patients are sensitive to a normative representation that associates erotic value to criteria of "sponataneity", "naturalness", "tall an non-assisted erections". Their main dissatisfaction likely derives from the insufficiency of a prosthetic solution to restore a male self-image based on such criteria. This induces a more important impact on satisfaction rates than do functional problems (e.g. difficulties in manipulating the device, unwanted deflations, uncomfortable sensations). These patients also show an attribution bias consisting in attributing erroneously the same dissatisfaction and negative attitude towards prosthetic sexuality to their partner. Therfore, in addition to surgery, a psychosexual support is necessary to modify erotic representations and to improve the communication between the partners in order to increase sexual satisfaction with prosthesis-assisted sexuality