Kenya does first erectile dysfunction correction

A man who suffered erectile dysfunction for several years can now get his groove back after a successful penile implant operation at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi — the first of its kind in East and Central Africa.

The patient in his 40s had used other treatment methods without success. The cost of the procedure is between Sh800,000 and Sh1 million.

Ahmed Yousef, a Consultant Urologist and the lead surgeon for the procedure that took an hour, said: “It involved implanting a prosthesis device in the penis. The advantage of this surgery is that the man can have intercourse anytime they like without using medication.”

Dr Yousef said the tests conducted on the patient, including a penile Doppler ultrasound, showed that he had severe venous leakage, causing the problem, and an implant was the ideal treatment.

“Through this procedure his condition has been treated,” said Dr Yousef. “If he had an issue with premature ejaculation, it will also be treated by this procedure.”   

This is the first time for this procedure to be conducted in the region because it requires a rare specialised expertise, a subspecialty in urology.

About 15 to 20 per cent of men suffer from erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. 

Many suffer in silence.  

In most Kenyan communities, sex is a taboo subject and most victims rarely seek treatment in conventional health facilities, says Joachim Osur, a sexology and sexual medicine expert, outlining the most common problems for men as ranging from erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lacking desire and skills.

“Most of these problems are caused by sleep deprivation, abuse of alcohol and drugs, age difference, stress and sex beliefs,” says Prof Osur.

“These problems can be solved by one or all the options, including medical treatment, surgery, counselling, sex therapy and coaching.

Sex matters also carry a stigma, yet not all problems are sexual, as there are intimacy problems, which are the most common. They include sexual performances, relationship and psychological issues.

“Basically when people are not happy, they cannot satisfy themselves or their partners,” says Osur adding that women mostly suffer from lack of desire, pain during sex and lack of orgasm.

People with sex-related issues, he says, also suffer other underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes or they are using other drugs and “when one has an erection failure it is better to seek help and not rush for the Blue Pill.”