A penile implant is a medical device surgically placed inside the penis to enable men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to achieve an erection. This surgical solution is considered when other less invasive treatments, such as oral medications or vacuum devices, have not been successful in restoring sufficient erectile function. Implants offer a reliable and discreet way to manage severe ED, allowing individuals to regain control over their sexual health.
Types of Penile Implants
There are two primary categories of penile implants: inflatable and malleable devices. Inflatable implants allow for controlled inflation to create an erection and deflation for concealment, mimicking a more natural state. Malleable implants, conversely, consist of bendable rods that maintain a constant semi-rigid state, which can be manually positioned for sexual activity or bent down for discretion.
How Inflatable Implants Operate
Inflatable penile implants consist of three components: two cylinders, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. The cylinders are surgically placed within the penis, replacing the natural erectile tissue. A pump is positioned discreetly within the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir, containing a saline solution, is implanted in the lower abdomen.
To achieve an erection, a person squeezes the pump in the scrotum. This action transfers the saline solution from the reservoir into the cylinders, causing them to inflate and create a firm erection. The erection can be maintained for as long as desired, even after ejaculation. When sexual activity is complete, a release valve on the pump is pressed, allowing the fluid to drain back into the reservoir, returning the penis to a flaccid state.
How Malleable Implants Operate
Malleable penile implants operate on a simpler principle. These implants consist of two flexible rods. Unlike inflatable models, malleable implants do not use fluid or a pump mechanism to achieve rigidity.
The rods provide constant firmness to the penis, maintaining a semi-rigid state at all times. For sexual activity, the penis can be manually positioned upward. When not in use, it is simply bent downward against the body for concealment. This design requires no external components or activation steps.
The Implantation Procedure
The implantation of a penile prosthesis is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The surgery takes approximately one to two hours. During the procedure, an incision is made in the genital area, often at the base of the penis or in the scrotum.
Through this incision, the surgeon accesses the internal structures of the penis and places the implant components. For inflatable implants, this involves inserting the cylinders into the penile shafts, placing the pump in the scrotum, and positioning the fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen. After placement, incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.
Life with a Penile Implant
After penile implant surgery, individuals can expect a recovery period before resuming normal activities. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, with full recovery and sexual activity occurring around four to six weeks post-surgery. During this time, patients may receive instructions on how to practice inflating and deflating the implant daily to help stretch the surrounding tissue and become familiar with the device.
Once healed, the implant allows for spontaneous sexual activity without the need for medications or external devices. The implant is entirely concealed, making it discreet and undetectable to a partner unless disclosed. Many individuals and their partners report high satisfaction with penile implants, appreciating the restored ability to achieve and maintain erections for intercourse.