What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine the psychological care received by patients with erectile dysfunction undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.

February 5, 2026

(O-42) Suffering and lack of psychological care throughout the therapeutic itinerary of patients with erectile dysfunction and indication of penile prosthesis implantation

Key Points

This research aims to examine the psychological care received by patients with erectile dysfunction undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.
Cross-sectional study design
Included 69 patients with erectile dysfunction
Data collected via a standardized instrument
Used descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis
Mean patient age was 61.9 years; 81.2% had a regular sexual partner
66.7% visited two or fewer services before treatment
62.5% of partners were dissatisfied with their sex life
No patients reported receiving psychotherapeutic treatment

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) has multiple causes and causes psychological suffering for patients and their partners. In this study we examined the frequency of psychological care throughout the therapeutic itineraries (TI) of patients with ED and indication of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). Material and methods Cross-sectional study that included 69 patients with ED and indication of PPI treated in a male sexual health service (MSHS) at a Brazilian university hospital. We used a standardized instrument with open and closed questions addressing sociodemographic characteristics and the health services and resources sought to seek help for ED. Descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis were also performed. Results Patients’ mean age was 61.9 years (SD = 10.2 years), 56 (81.2%) had a regular sexual partner and half began to have ED after the age of 58. Half patients had TIs lasting 3 years or more. Most participants (46; 66.7%) visited up to two services before the treatment at MSHS. Forty partners participated in the study and 25 (62.5%) of them were dissatisfied or indifferent with the couple’s sex life. Some partners reported a lack of any sexual interaction, while others mentioned missing sexual penetration, lack of communication, betrayals and domestic violence. No patient reported having undergone psychotherapeutic treatment. After the recommendation for PPI, most patients and partners felt satisfied and had positive expectations, while others were apprehensive about being referred to surgery. Conclusions Patients and their partners had long therapeutic itineraries, went through several services and presented suffering and sexual dissatisfaction, but did not receive psychological help along their TIs. Despite the evidence in the literature that the combination of treatments is associated with best clinical results (regardless of the cause of ED), little attention is paid to the psychological care of ED patients. Financing No conflict.

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