Penile prostheses: potential value of medical psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy

Impotence is often the expression of complex psychological and physiological dysfunction. Proper medical psychiatric assessment is essential to assure that treatment addresses the real problems. Advances in materials technology and surgical methods have made penile implants an increasingly popular solution for impotence. There are, however, other treatments which may provide relief. These include correction of endocrine dysfunction, change in medications, and psychotherapy. This article reviews the content of a proper medical work-up, prosthesis options, psychiatric assessment, and psychotherapeutic considerations in addressing this problem.