A penile implant is an internal medical device designed to treat severe erectile dysfunction (ED) that has not responded to other forms of therapy. This device is permanently placed inside the penis, providing a reliable, on-demand solution for rigidity sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Understanding the implant requires examining the internal structures, as the external appearance changes depending on the type chosen and whether it is activated. The choice between implant types is usually based on a man’s health, dexterity, and desire for a more natural-looking flaccid state.
The Two Primary Classes of Penile Implants
Penile implants fall into two categories: the semi-rigid (malleable) implant and the hydraulic (inflatable) implant. The core difference lies in their mechanism of action and the number of components they contain. The malleable implant is a simpler, non-mechanical system that provides constant firmness, which the user manually positions. Conversely, the inflatable implant is a complex, fluid-filled system that allows for controlled inflation and deflation. This distinction creates a significant difference in the external appearance of the penis in its resting state.
How the Malleable Implant Appears
The malleable implant consists of two flexible, semi-rigid rods surgically inserted lengthwise into the corpora cavernosa. The rods are typically constructed of a silicone exterior surrounding an inner core that allows them to be bent without breaking. This internal structure keeps the penis in a constant semi-rigid state, offering firmness.
The penis is always firm enough for intercourse but can be bent downward for concealment under clothing. To achieve a position suitable for sexual activity, the man manually adjusts the penis upward. The implant’s simplicity means there are no external parts, such as a pump or reservoir. The external appearance is that of a permanently firm, yet positionable, organ.
Components and Appearance of the Inflatable Implant
The inflatable implant, the most common type, is a sophisticated hydraulic system composed of three main components working together:
- Two inflatable cylinders positioned within the corpora cavernosa that directly create the erection.
- A small pump and release valve discreetly placed within the scrotum.
- A fluid reservoir, a flexible sac containing sterile saline solution, implanted in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
When deflated, the cylinders are soft, allowing the penis to hang in a natural, flaccid state. The pump is a small, firm bulb, about the size of a marble, located beneath the scrotal skin. The reservoir is completely hidden from view and cannot be felt externally.
When the pump is squeezed, it transfers the saline solution from the reservoir into the cylinders, causing them to inflate and create a rigid erection that closely resembles a natural erection. To return the penis to its soft state, the user presses the release valve, allowing the fluid to return to the reservoir. This controlled process offers an on-demand erection and a more natural-looking resting state.
External Visibility and Tactile Sensation
The primary design goal for all penile implants is complete internal concealment, meaning the device itself is not visible outside the body. For the malleable implant, there are no external components, so the only difference is the semi-rigid state of the penis. For the inflatable implant, the only component that can be felt, and sometimes subtly seen, is the small pump placed within the scrotum.
The surgical incision used to place the implant is typically small and discreet, often made in the scrotum or at the base of the penis, and the resulting scar fades over time. The tactile sensation of the implanted penis is a key consideration. With an inflatable implant, the penis feels soft and natural to the touch when the device is deflated. When inflated, the penis feels firm and rigid, with the skin and glans maintaining normal sensitivity and temperature. The implant does not typically interfere with a man’s ability to feel sexual sensation or achieve orgasm, as the nerves responsible for these functions are not affected by the placement of the cylinders.