An effective solution for men suffering from erectile dysfunction is: A penile implant. But what exactly is this implant? How is it implanted? And what are the potential side effects?

What is a penile implant?

A penile implant is an artificial device that is implanted inside the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction. Unlike other treatments, it offers the advantage of allowing a man to achieve an erection whenever he desires, without the need for prior planning. The implant is invisible and permits you to get a natural-looking and feeling erection. (1)

Who can get a penile implant?

All men with erectile dysfunction can benefit from penile implants despite their age, particularly if they haven't responded to or tolerated other medications and treatments. (2)

An implant could also be helpful to a man with Peyronie's disease—This is a condition that can cause a curvature and deformity of the penis. (2)

Regain your confidence— Over 90% of men and their partners are satisfied with penile implants. Book an appointment now and consult our specialists in the Urology Department at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital for more information.

What are the best types of penile implants?

There are two main types of penile implants, each working in a different mechanism: (3)

• Hydraulic (inflatable implants): This is the most popular type; it consists of two inflatable cylinders implanted inside the penis, connected to a pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen. To initiate an erection; you press the pump to release fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders in the penis and this triggers them to inflate. When you are finished, you press it again, but this time the fluid is returned to the reservoir and the penis returns flaccid again.

• Semi-rigid penile Implants: consists of two flexible rods implanted inside the penis only, you can manually bend them to the desired position during intercourse and then return them to the resting position afterward. With this type, the penis is always in a semi-erect position, which may be difficult to hide.

Most men prefer the hydraulic implants as they provide the closest experience to a natural erection, although semi-rigid implants may be a better option in complex cases. Generally, your doctor will decide the best type based on your condition.

How is the penile implant inserted?

Penile implant surgery is a simple procedure that takes between one hour or two, and you can go home on the same day. (1)

The procedure steps are as follows: (4)

• You’ll be asked to fast the night before surgery
• You will be given either general or spinal anesthesia.
• A catheter will be placed in your bladder to drain urine during and after the procedure for a short period.
• An incision is made in the penis to implant the device in parts responsible for erection. In the case of a hydraulic implant, additional incisions are made in the lower abdomen and scrotum to implant the reservoir and pump.
• These incisions are sutured together using absorbable sutures.

After surgery:

• Pain and swelling: Pain and swelling decrease during the first week, while discomfort may last about 6 weeks.
• Pain management: Take painkillers as prescribed and apply cold compresses for 10 minutes several times daily to relieve pain and swelling.
• Follow medical advice: Including dressing change, antibiotics, and other medications or instructions as advised.
• Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Activity restrictions: Do not lift weights or do heavy exercises for several weeks, which will cause pressure on the wound.
• Resuming sexual activity: You can resume your sexual activity after around 4-6 weeks or according to your doctor’s instructions. (5)

What are the side effects of a penile implant?

Like other surgical procedures, penile implant surgery carries certain risks, though they are relatively low with the advanced technologies currently in use. These include infection at the incision site, bleeding, malfunctioning of the device, and adhesions (fibrous tissue around the implant). (4)

Severe complications are rare, and most men are satisfied with no problems. (4)

Common questions

How long will the penile implant last?

Most modern implants last about 20 years. (5)

Will a penile implant increase penis size?

The implant is designed to restore the natural size of your erection as it was before the onset of erectile dysfunction; It will not make your penis any bigger than it previously was. (5)

Does the implant interfere with sex?

A penile implant does not negatively affect intercourse. Many men report that it feels the same or even better after the implant is in place. It also does not change your ability to ejaculate and reach orgasm, and your partner won't be able to tell the difference between a natural erection and one achieved with the implant. (5)

References

1. University of Utah - Penile Implants
2. Yale Medicine - Penile Implant (Prosthesis)
3. European Association of Urology - Penile implants
4. Mayo Clinic - Penile implants‍
5. Cleveland Clinic - Penile Implants