News & Events

Category: Erectile Dysfunction

Should I Seek Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

Should I seek erectile dysfunction treatment? If you are thinking about this question, then yes. If you have been asking yourself this question for a while, then absolutely yes don’t procrastinate any longer. Pick up the phone and make an appointment with Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan in our urology clinics in Cleveland. Get the answers you need.

Know the Definition

Erectile dysfunction is a man’s inability to get an erection hard enough or long enough for sexual intercourse. If this has been happening to you, find out what’s going on. There could be multiple reasons for what you suspect is erectile dysfunction, and there are many root causes you are not even aware of.

Find Out the Possible Reason or Reasons

There may be physical issues, emotional causes, or psychological problems that only Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD can help you discover. Sometimes ED is the result of a combination of these issues.

Heart Health Issues

Anything that keeps your heart healthy will extend to your ability to get and keep an erection. If any of the blood vessels to your heart become clogged with heart disease, this can do the same thing to the small blood vessels in or near your penis. This usually happens first. Many times a man with ED eventually finds out there is an underlying link to heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fix one and the other will improve.

Depression

Yes, you might be depressed because you assume your ED is all about you and your manhood, or you may discover that the drugs you take for that depression are the cause of your ED.

Anxiety and Stress

You may be anxious you won’t be able to perform like you used to. Therefore, it makes it even harder to do. Stress from other parts of daily life can contribute here as well. All that does is make you less willing to be intimate with your partner, and that solves nothing. Dr. Thirumavalavan can help.

Lowered Self Esteem

Have you been gaining weight? Do you refrain from looking in the mirror? This certainly can affect your performance in bed. Beginning or restarting an exercise routine and losing some weight might be all you need to regain confidence.

Not convinced?

  • Obesity leads to lower testosterone
  • Being overweight is linked to high blood pressure
  • Being overweight is linked to reduced blood flow to the penis due to hardening of the arteries

Although you may find it embarrassing at first to talk with your doctor, a professional may be able to pinpoint the source of your problem and recommend lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol, ED medications, or hormone treatments.

Contact Dr. Thirumavalavan at (216) 285-5036 for an evaluation and answers if you are having erectile dysfunction problems. It may not be what you think.

What to Expect During Sex with a Penile Implant

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

If you’re considering a penile implant to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), you likely have one big question: What will sex be like afterward? The good news is, for many men and their partners, intimacy not only returns, it improves!
Below, we’ll walk through what to expect during sex with a penile implant, plus how the procedure works, what recovery looks like, and why satisfaction rates are so high.

First, What Is a Penile Implant?

A penile implant is a medical device placed inside the penis during a surgical procedure. It’s designed to help men with ED achieve and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse, even when other treatments like medication haven’t worked.

There are two main types of implants:

  • Inflatable implants, which use a fluid-filled system you activate with a small pump hidden in the scrotum.
  •  Malleable (or semi-rigid) implants, which you position manually.

Both types of implants are internal, discreet, and tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Remember: Your doctor can help you determine which choice is right for you!

 What to Expect During Sex

One of the biggest advantages of a penile implant is that it offers on-demand control. When you’re ready for intimacy, you simply activate the implant—and when you’re done, you deactivate it (in the case of an inflatable device).

Here’s what many men report after healing:

  • Natural-feeling erections: The implant gives you a firm, reliable erection that feels similar to a natural one—for you and your partner.
  • No interference with orgasm or sensation: A penile implant doesn’t affect your ability to climax or feel pleasure. If anything, knowing you can perform reliably may even enhance your experience.
  •  Spontaneity returns: No waiting for pills to kick in, no worrying about timing. That freedom brings confidence back into your sex life.

What About Your Partner?

Studies show high partner satisfaction rates after a penile implant. Open communication helps, your partner may need time to adjust, but most couples appreciate the renewed sense of connection and spontaneity.

In fact, for many couples, restoring the ability to be intimate on their own terms strengthens emotional closeness. And because the implant is discreet, most partners say they can’t tell the difference!

The Procedure and Recovery

Penile implant surgery is a routine, outpatient procedure that typically takes under an hour. It’s performed under general or spinal anesthesia, and most men return home the same day or the next.

After surgery, you’ll likely experience:

  • Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising in the groin area
  • Pain that improves steadily over the first week or two
  • Restrictions on heavy lifting, sexual activity, and strenuous movement for about 4–6 weeks

Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and teach you how to use the device. Most men can return to normal sexual activity within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on individual healing.
While every person’s recovery is different, the vast majority find the discomfort manageable and temporary, especially when compared to the long-term benefits.

Why Satisfaction Is So High

Penile implants have one of the highest satisfaction rates of any ED treatment, both for patients and their partners. Here’s why:

  •  Long-lasting results: Once implanted, most devices work well for 10 to 15 years or longer.
  • Predictability: Unlike pills or injections, you don’t have to guess whether it’ll work. The implant gives you reliable results every time.
  • Discretion: The implant is completely internal—nothing is visible from the outside, and no one will know unless you tell them.
  • Confidence boost: Many men report feeling younger, more in control, and more connected to their partner after the procedure.  

Most importantly, it restores a part of life that feels personal, powerful, and affirming. And that can have positive ripple effects on mood, relationships, and overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Sex after a penile implant can feel freeing, empowering, and deeply satisfying. If ED has been holding you back, this solution may be the key to a confident, fulfilling sex life.
Curious about your options? Contact Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan   at (216) 285-5036 today to learn more about whether a penile implant is right for you!

Sex, Rx, and Rock and Roll!

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

🎸 Plan your trip to #CLE for Sex, Rx, and Rock & Roll — a groundbreaking symposium on sexual medicine featuring legendary speakers like Dr. Irwin Goldstein and Ms. Sue Goldstein!

📅 September 20th
📍 @rockhall – Cleveland’s iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

🎤 Cutting-edge insights
🤝 Interdisciplinary collaboration
🎟️ Tickets: https://eventbrite.com/e/sex-rx-and-rock-roll-tickets-1258418867709

Don’t miss this unique mix of medicine and music!

 

7 Advantages of Penile Implants for ED 

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have a significant impact on confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. If you haven’t found success with medications or other treatments, penile implants offer a long-term, effective solution.

While many benefits are well-documented, such as reliability and spontaneity, there are additional advantages that patients may not initially consider. Below, we take a look at benefits of penile implants for ED, and how you can learn more today!

1. Improved Sensation and Natural Feel

Unlike treatments that can dull sensitivity or create an unnatural experience, penile implants allow for a more natural sensation during intimacy. Since the implant is completely internal, there are no external devices to manage.

Once activated, the implant mimics the feel of a natural erection. What’s more, many men report that sexual experiences feel more spontaneous and enjoyable with an implant compared to medications or external devices.

2. Long-Term Cost Savings

In most situations, penile implants are covered by insurance. While the upfront cost of a penile implant may seem significant, it can be more cost-effective over time compared to ongoing medication or therapy. Prescription treatments for ED can be expensive and require continuous refills, whereas an implant is a one-time procedure that can last for years.

Patients who invest in an implant often save money in the long run while enjoying consistent and reliable results.

3. No Need for Pre-Planning or Timing

One of the biggest frustrations with ED treatments like oral medications or penile injections is the need for timing and planning. Pills often require waiting periods and may not always work effectively depending on the situation.

Penile implants remove this concern, allowing men and their partners to enjoy spontaneity – engaging in intimacy whenever the moment feels right.

4. Increased Confidence and Mental Well-Being

ED can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, and even depression. Many men feel self-conscious about their performance, which can strain relationships. A penile implant provides a sense of reliability, eliminating the worry of whether an erection will occur when desired.

This renewed confidence often extends beyond the bedroom, improving overall self-esteem and emotional well-being.

5. Discreet and Undetectable

Unlike external devices such as vacuum pumps, penile implants are entirely concealed within the body. There are no visible signs of the implant when not in use, making it a discreet solution for ED.

Many men appreciate the privacy and normalcy that an implant offers, as it allows them to feel more like themselves without needing to rely on external assistance.

6. High Satisfaction Rates for Patients and Partners

Studies have shown that men who receive penile implants report high levels of satisfaction, with many saying they wish they had opted for the procedure sooner. Partners also often express increased satisfaction, as the implant restores confidence and intimacy in the relationship.

Unlike temporary solutions, an implant provides a long-term improvement in sexual health and connection.

7. A Reliable and Permanent Solution

Unlike medications that may lose effectiveness over time or require dosage adjustments, penile implants provide a permanent and predictable solution. Once healed, men can enjoy a normal, healthy sex life without interruptions or inconsistencies.

For many, this reliability brings peace of mind and a return to a fulfilling, active lifestyle.

Is a Penile Implant Right for You?

If other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed or fallen short, a penile implant could be a life-changing option! With benefits extending beyond function—enhancing confidence, intimacy, and quality of life—it’s a solution worth considering.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan in Cleveland to explore whether a penile implant is the right choice for you!  

The Truth About Penile Implants: Myths and Facts

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

For many men, the idea of a penile implant can seem intimidating. In large part, this is due to common misconceptions and misinformation. While penile implants are a proven and effective solution for erectile dysfunction (ED), myths surrounding the procedure can still cause unnecessary hesitation.
Below, we’ll separate fact from fiction to help you make an informed, empowered decision about this life-changing treatment!

Myth 1: Penile Implants Feel Unnatural

Fact: One of the biggest concerns men have is whether an implant will feel artificial or uncomfortable. In reality, modern penile implants are created to replicate the look and function of a natural erection. Since they are completely internal, there are no visible components, and once activated, they feel similar to a natural erection.

Myth 2: The Procedure is Risky and Complicated

Fact: While any surgery comes with some level of risk, penile implant procedures are considered safe with a high success rate. The procedure is performed by experienced urologists and typically takes under an hour. Most men return to normal activities within a couple of weeks. The risk of complications is low when post-operative care instructions are followed.

Myth 3: Penile Implants Cause Reduced Pleasure and Sensation

Fact: Some men are concerned that an implant might lessen their ability to experience pleasure. However, penile implants do not interfere with sensation or orgasm. Because the implant is placed within the existing structure of the penis, it allows for normal sensitivity and function. Many men and their partners report increased satisfaction due to the restored confidence and reliability.

Myth 4: Penile Implants Are Only for Older Men

Fact: ED affects men of all ages, and penile implants are not limited to any specific demographic. Younger men who have experienced ED due to injury, medical conditions, or failed previous treatments may find implants to be a life-changing solution that restores intimacy and self-assurance.

Myth 5: Penile Implants Are Noticeable to Others

Fact: One of the advantages of penile implants is that they are entirely concealed inside the body. When not in use, they remain discreet, and no one will be able to tell that a man has an implant. Unlike external devices or medications that require planning, an implant allows for spontaneity and confidence in intimate situations.

Myth 6: Recovery Takes a Long Time

Fact: Recovery from penile implant surgery is typically faster than many patients expect. Most men can resume light activities within a few days and can return to sexual activity within 4-6 weeks, following their doctor’s guidance. Pain is generally mild and manageable with prescribed medication.

Penile Implant for Erectile Dysfunction in Cleveland, OH

If myths and misconceptions have been holding you back from considering a penile implant, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. These implants offer a safe, reliable, and discreet solution for ED, helping men regain confidence and enjoy a fulfilling intimate life.
Contact Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD at (216) 285-5036 to schedule a consultation today to learn more and see if a penile implant is the right choice for you!

Center of Excellence for Penile Implants

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

Dr. Thirumavalavan was awarded the Center of Excellence designation for Penile Implants for Erectile Dysfunction. The Center of Excellence Award acknowledges Dr. Thirumavalavan’s exceptional expertise with inflatable penile implants and his commitment to excellent patient care!

Schedule a consultation to see if a penile implant is the right option is right for you.

 

What To Expect During An Erectile Dysfunction Evaluation

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

When a man is having concerns about erectile dysfunction, it may take him a while to finally address the topic with his doctor. There may be a lot of anxiety and fear about a diagnosis and even about having the erectile dysfunction conversation. We can ease some worry by giving you an overview of what to expect during an erectile dysfunction evaluation. Continue reading “What To Expect During An Erectile Dysfunction Evaluation”

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