Feasibility of an External Erectile Prosthesis for Transgender Men Who have Undergone Phalloplasty

Abstract

Introduction Transgender men interested in achieving penetration after phalloplasty are currently limited to internal devices and makeshift supports. More options are needed to support sexual penetration after phalloplasty. Aim This study was designed to assess the feasibility of an external erectile prosthesis (the Elator) for transgender men who have undergone phalloplasty and wish to use their neophallus for sexual penetration, assess how the device affected the sexual experiences of men and their partners, and identify any side effects and concerns. Methods Transgender men and their partners were provided with an erectile device to use for one month. They were surveyed at 4 time points: enrollment, measurement, receipt, and after using the device, using a combination of pre-existing and device-specific measures. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome was whether men found it feasible to use an external penile prosthesis for sexual penetration after phalloplasty – defined as interest in, and willingness to, use the device more than once over the study period; intention to continue using the device on the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS); and no decrease in relationship satisfaction on the Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS). The secondary outcome was an increase in sexual or relationship satisfaction with use of the device, defined as a statistically significant increase on either the Quality of Sexual Experience Scale (QSE) or the GLRSS. Results Fifteen couples enrolled in the pilot study. Of the 10 who completed the study, only 3 found device use feasible and endorsed strongly positive experiences, while the remaining 7 found it unusable. There were no changes in QSE or GLRSS scores. Most device issues were related to proper fit. Conclusion There is a great deal of interest in non-surgical options for achieving penetration after phalloplasty. The tested external erectile device can work well, but its utility is limited to individuals with very specific post-phalloplasty anatomy. Most individuals and couples found the device unsuitable for the neophallus and/or that it could not be used comfortably.

Penile and testicular prosthesis following gender-affirming phalloplasty and scrotoplasty: a narrative review and technical insights

“…As part of a pilot study for an external erectile device, Boskey et al asked 15 transgender men about concerns regarding erectile prostheses with 100% of respondents reporting concerns due to pain and damage to the penis as well as risk of device failure ( 38 ). These authors felt a strong need to advocate for a lower risk, non-surgical external device option (the Elator) ( 39 ).…”