Patient stories
Deciding to have penile implant surgery is a significant and deeply personal decision. Many men tell us that what helped most was hearing from others who had already made the journey.
The stories below come from patients treated at Men's Health Istanbul. Identifying details have been anonymised to protect their confidentiality, and each patient has given written consent for their experience to be shared.
Shared with the patients' written permission. Individual results vary.
"I had waited three years on the NHS. I was home in six days."
James was referred for penile implant surgery by his GP after treatment for prostate cancer left him with lasting erectile dysfunction. He was placed on an NHS waiting list.
"After eighteen months, I was told the wait was likely to be another two years… I feel like I got my life back."
"I never felt like a transaction."
Marcus had been managing diabetes-related erectile dysfunction for six years. His main concern about surgery abroad was what would happen if he needed help after returning home, and it was the clinic's approach to coordinating aftercare that reassured him.
"What stopped me was a simple question… I never felt like a transaction. I felt like a patient."
"My wife came with me. Istanbul became a second honeymoon."
David had avoided discussing his erectile dysfunction for nearly four years. In the end it was his wife who encouraged him to look into treatment, and she travelled to Istanbul with him.
"I cannot tell you what it meant…"
"I was 72. They told me I was too old in London. Istanbul disagreed."
Robert had been assessed at a private London clinic and told that his age and cardiovascular history made him a higher surgical risk.
"Prof. Kadıoğlu reviewed my cardiac history personally… Age is not a barrier. Medical fitness is what matters."
Shared with the patients' written permission. Individual results vary. Every patient is assessed individually, and surgery is recommended only when it is medically appropriate.
Partners welcome
Partners are always welcome at consultations and post-operative briefings. Many men find it helps to have someone they trust hear the same information and share the journey.
Learn more
If you would like to talk about your own situation, including timelines, expectations and recovery, our patient coordinators are available by WhatsApp, phone or video call.
Results vary. These are individual experiences and do not predict the outcome for anyone else. Penile implant surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding and device problems. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks and alternatives before you decide. Read more about penile implants.
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Free, confidential, no obligation
Send us your question or medical reports. A member of our English-speaking team will reply, and where appropriate your case is reviewed by the surgeon before we suggest a plan.
