PENILE IMPLANT
PROCEDURE
A penile implant is a device that is placed into a man’s body and is designed to help him get an erection. Following the routine outpatient procedure, a four to eight week recovery period is necessary before the implant is used. There are two basic types of penile implants.
BEFORE & AFTER THE IMPLANT
LEARN HOW THE IMPLANT WORKS
SEE WHERE THE IMPLANT WILL GO
Both implants enable men with erectile dysfunction to have a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse and to experience the joys of sex again. You should be able to have an orgasm with a penile implant if you were able to have one before your surgery, unless you have another medical problem that affects it. The primary difference between the two implant types is that flexible rod implants produce a permanently firm penis, while the inflatable implants produce a controlled, more natural erection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About 90%-95% of inflatable prosthesis implants produce erections suitable for intercourse. Satisfaction rates with the prosthesis are very high, and typically 80%-90% of men are satisfied with the results and say they would choose the procedure again.
The procedure usually takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Speed is important and helps to reduce infection rates, but a precise procedure sometimes takes more time and procedural times can vary.
There is some bruising and swelling, but usually oral pain medications and scrotal support are more than enough to keep the patient comfortable.
The patient returns to the office the day after the procedure to have a small drain removed. The next visit is in one week where the incision is inspected. The next visit is at three weeks where the patient learns how to use the implant and will then cycle it 5 times a day. The patient has NOT been cleared for sexual intercourse at this time.
There are two common approaches. These are peno-scrotal and infrapubic. I use both approaches and tailor the treatment to each individual as necessary.
Current literature suggests that they can last up to 20 years. The implants are guaranteed by the company and can be replaced if they fail.
When the implant is new (less than 6 months) they tend to “stick out” but can be concealed easily. With continued use, the implant will look completely natural and can only be detected by physical examination.
After about 6 months of use the implant will look and feel natural. The implant is surrounded by the natural tissues of the penis and will feel natural to both the patient and their partner.
There are several, but the two main types are the 3-piece inflatable which is used most often and the malleable or “bendable” implant.
No, the companies that make the penile implants use inert or non-reactive materials and these are not rejected by the body.
Yes, the implant is unaffected by an MRI machine. A CT scan will not affect the implant.
The most common type is general anesthesia, but spinal and local anesthesias are options that are often used. I personally prefer to have the patient discuss the anesthesia option with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
Current literature suggests that a penile implant procedure is safe and effective in select patients who are currently taking blood thinning medications.
