Penile implants are an option if hormone therapy and medication that aims to increase blood flow have failed to achieve or maintain an erection. Your doctor will surgically implant a prosthetic device in your penis and scrotum, helping you regain sexual function.
The use of penile implants will not increase sexual desire nor improve sensation. However, they will allow you to manually inflate the penis to get an erection.
What are your options?
Penile implants can be performed safely and are very easy to use according to experts at ED Solutions. During surgery, our doctors can insert one of the following types of penile implant:
Three-piece inflatable pump
Two cylinders are placed into your penis, along with a liquid-filled bladder in the abdomen and an inflatable pump inside the scrotum. All of these items are connected by special tubing. Fluid travels from the container to the cylinders when you squeeze the pump. This causes an erection. The penis becomes flaccid by releasing the valve
Two-piece inflatable pump
It works the same as the three-part inflatable. However, the fluid is stored in the scrotum of the pump.
Semi-rigid and malleable rods
Two flexible rods are inserted by our surgeon into your penis. They remain semi-rigid. They can be placed in different positions as required. These are less comfortable than the inflatable pumps that come in two or three pieces.
Who is a good candidate to receive penile implants?
There are many reasons why erectile dysfunction can occur, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Trauma to the pelvic area
- Heart disease
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Parkinson’s disease
- High levels of cholesterol
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
- Diabetes
- Obesity
If you have a pulmonary infection or urinary tract infection, poorly managed diabetes, or erectile dysfunction, you might not be a candidate. To ensure that you are a suitable candidate for implant surgery, our doctors carefully evaluate you.
During the procedure
General or spinal anesthesia may be used for this procedure. The surgeon will shave the area and then insert a catheter and an intravenous (IV) line for medication and antibiotics. The surgeon will make an incision in the area of your lower abdomen or at the base of your penis. If you opt for the two-piece device, the surgeon will then place the inflatable cylinders within your penis or both your penis or scrotum. The outpatient procedure takes less time than an hour.
After the surgery
After surgery, most men can resume their regular sexual activities within four to six weeks. Your stitches are removed by the doctor in approximately two weeks. The scarring is almost invisible.
Implants shouldn’t affect your ability to ejaculate and orgasm. Modern cylinders may increase the length, girth, and stiffness of your organs. However, the implant could affect your natural erection reflex. To achieve an erection, you will need to inflate the implant after the surgery.
An overwhelming 80-90% of men undergoing this procedure report they are satisfied with the outcome.