Penile Implants Procedure - Healthnile.com

Overview

Penile prostheses are medical devices doctors insert into the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) achieve an erection when other treatments have failed. These implants come in two main styles: semirigid rods and inflatable systems.

Type	How It Works	Main Features
Semirigid	Stays firm but bendable	Simple design, fewer parts
Inflatable	Inflates for use; deflates when not needed	Offers a more natural feel

Surgeons perform implantation during a surgical procedure. Patients should understand the potential risks, recovery process, and follow-up care. These FDA-approved devices follow American Urological Association guidelines, and ICD-10 coding tracks related surgical procedures.

Reasons for Choosing This Procedure

Doctors typically recommend penile implants when other erectile dysfunction treatments—like oral medications (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors) or vacuum devices—are ineffective or unsuitable due to certain health conditions. Common reasons people may need a penile implant include:

ED that does not improve with medications or other treatments.
Severe curvature or scarring of the penis from Peyronie’s disease.
Having medical conditions that make other ED treatments unsafe, such as some cases of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease.

Certain risk factors, such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and low testosterone, can reduce the effectiveness of other treatments. However, doctors won’t recommend implants if an active infection is present.

Not Medically Advised	Medically Necessary When
Active infection	Other ED treatments failed
Poorly controlled diabetes	Severe Peyronie’s disease
Significant heart disease	Unsafe to use oral/surgical ED treatments

Insurance coverage depends on whether the procedure is medically necessary. Implants do not increase libido, sensation, or penis size. Patients should explore all options in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Possible Complications

Penile implant surgery has risks such as:

Complication	Details
Infection	Higher risk in certain medical conditions
Mechanical failure	Device may need repair or replacement
Tissue damage	Can lead to erosion or adhesion

Infections usually appear within three months and may require implant removal. Antibiotics alone are often insufficient.

Getting Ready for the Procedure

Inflatable Implants

Inflatable implants involve a fluid reservoir, pump/valve, and penile cylinders. Pressing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders for erection. Releasing the valve returns fluid to the reservoir.

Key Features

Feels natural when erect and soft otherwise.
Some models reduce friction and infection.
Requires manual use of pump and valve.
Permanent once implanted.

Bendable (Semirigid) Rods

These consist of rods that stay firm and can be manually positioned. Positionable rods offer more flexibility.

Features of Semirigid Options

Simple, with few mechanical parts.
Easier for those with limited hand function.
Always partially stiff, harder to conceal.
May cause pressure-related discomfort.

Summary Table: Types and Features of Penile Implants

Implant Design	Main Parts	Erection Control	Soft When Not in Use	Coatings/Protections
Three-piece Inflatable	Reservoir, pump/valve, two cylinders	Pump for erection, valve for softening	Yes	Antibiotic surface (e.g, InhibiZone)
Two-piece Inflatable	Combined pump/reservoir, two cylinders	Pump for erection, valve for softening	Partially	Antibiotic surface (some models)
Semirigid/Bendable	Two rods inside the penis	Bend up or down by hand	No	No antibiotic features

Finding the Best Implant for You

Inflatable Systems offer natural-feeling erections and better concealment but need good hand function.

Pros:
- Erection feels natural and firm.
- Penis is soft when not in use, making concealment easier.
- Lower risk of constant internal pressure or pain.
- Some models have infection-reducing coatings.
Cons:
- More parts means more chances something may need repair.
- Requires a hidden reservoir in the abdomen.
- Some people may find handling the pump difficult.

Semirigid Rods are simple and easier to use but may cause discomfort and are always partially erect.

Pros:
- The device is simple and easy to use.
- Very low chance of mechanical problems.
- Good for patients with limited mobility or dexterity.
Cons:
- Penis is always firm, which may be noticeable under clothing.
- Constant pressure may cause discomfort over time.
- Lack features like antibiotic coatings.

Factors to Consider

Medical History: Previous surgeries, injuries, and any risk of infections can affect which implant type is best.
Manual Dexterity: Those with hand or finger problems might do better with semirigid rods.
Infection Risk: Some inflatable devices come with special coatings for added safety.
Partner’s Input: Discussions with your partner may help you choose together which option best matches your lifestyle.

Checklist Before Surgery

Review all medications with your health care provider. You may need to stop certain drugs.
Arrange a ride home from the hospital.
Avoid food and drink after midnight before your procedure, as instructed by your provider.

What You Can Expect

Surgery is done at a hospital or surgery center under general or spinal anesthesia. Antibiotics and antiseptic cleaning reduce infection risk. Vital signs are monitored throughout.

Steps Taken During the Operation

During the procedure, the surgical team may insert a thin tube through the penis to collect urine (catheter). The surgeon makes an incision either just below the penis head, at the base of the shaft, or in the lower abdomen.

The corpora cavernosa—the two chambers in the penis—are gently stretched to allow implantation. The surgeon places implant cylinders and selects a model suited to the patient’s size and needs.

If using a two-piece inflatable device, the pump and valve go into the scrotum. For three-piece models, a saline reservoir is placed above or below the lower abdominal wall—through the same incision or a separate one. Some models include a one-touch button for easy use.

After placement, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches. The surgery typically takes 45 minutes to one hour. The team inspects all tools and the surgical site before finishing.

Recovery and Moving Forward

After surgery, the care team provides pain medicine as needed, including injections to numb the scrotum for up to three days. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for about a week to prevent infection. Swelling and mild pain may last a few weeks.

Patients should rest and gradually resume normal activities. Strenuous movement and sex are typically allowed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

At follow-up, the clinical team teaches the patient how to inflate and deflate the implant. Practicing helps stretch the area and reduces the chance of auto-inflation. Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing and device function.

Outcomes

Most individuals and their partners report high levels of satisfaction with penile implants, with satisfaction rates among the best for erectile dysfunction treatments.

Key Findings

Consistent penile rigidity improves sexual performance.
Clinical outcomes demonstrate reliable device durability.
Many devices provide a custom fit.
Patients commonly experience natural-feeling erections.
Few patients require a replacement prosthesis.

Reported Satisfaction Table

Factor	Patient Response
Rigidity	High
Satisfaction Rates	Over 90%
Durability	Lasts many years
Reliability	Consistent results