Penile Implants FAQ : Answer Most Common Questions

1. Why is penile implant surgery done?

Penile implant surgery is considered for men who have not responded to other treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as medications or vacuum erection devices. It may also be an option for those unable to achieve a satisfactory erection with other methods, allowing them to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, penile implants can effectively treat severe cases of peyronie’s disease, characterized by internal penis scarring and painful, curved erections.

2. Are penile implants real?

Yes, Penile implants are real. Treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men who do not respond to conventional treatments like oral pills, injections, or vacuum erection devices, can benefit from penile implants that are placed surgically.

3. What are the types of penile implants available?

Two primary categories of penile implants exist:

Inflatable implants: The most popular kind of penile implant.

• Three-piece inflatable implants consist of two inflatable cylinders inside the penis, a pump and release valve inside the scrotum, and a fluid-filled reservoir implanted beneath the abdominal wall. Pumping the fluid—salted water—from the reservoir into the cylinders causes an erection. The fluid is then drained back into the reservoir by opening the valve located inside the scrotum.
• The two-piece type is similar to the former implant, however, the fluid reservoir is a component of the scrotal implanted pump. On the day of surgery, the reservoirs of both devices are filled with salt water and left in place.

Semi Rigid rods: This implant is rigid and has a centralized series of segments kept together by springs at each end and hence, called a position able penile implant. It can hold positions both upward and downward.

4. How do I know I am a candidate for penile implant surgery?

The following factors would suggest that you are a good candidate for penile implant surgery:

• Failure of Other Treatments: if you have tried other ED treatments, such as oral drugs (e.g., Viagra), penile injections, vacuum erection devices, or lifestyle changes, and have failed, then you are a candidate for this procedure.
• Good General Health: In addition to evaluating your general health, your healthcare professional may do tests to examine kidney function, cardiovascular health, and other pertinent aspects.
• Willingness to Undergo Surgery: Having a penile implant requires surgery, which has a risk of consequences such as infection, mechanical failure, and altered sensation.
• Anatomy and Physiology: When evaluating your suitability for penile implant surgery, your penis’s anatomy (including its size, shape, and consistency of penile tissue) will also be taken into account.
• Candidates undergoing penile implant surgery should not have any active infections in their genitalia or other parts of their bodies.

5. How does a penile implant function?

The doctor will surgically insert two cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump into your body to create an inflated penile implant.

• The cylinders are connected by tubes to a different reservoir located beneath your stomach muscles. There is fluid in the reservoir. This system is also connected to a pump. It is located between your testicles, beneath the skin that is loose from your scrotum.
• You press the pump in your scrotum to inflate the implant (prosthesis). Your testicles are not under any pressure when you squeeze the pump. The cylinders are inflated to the desired level of hardness, the pump moves fluid from the reservoir to them. You can end your erection by pressing on it again.
• The other type of implant consists of two flexible, stiff silicone rods that make up a non-inflatable penile implant. There is no need for pumping with this kind of gadget. You press on your penis to expand the rod into position so that you can use the implant. You apply pressure to your penis once more to drive it back down.

6. What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery?

Before the treatment: Your physician may administer general anesthesia, which renders you asleep during the procedure, or spinal anesthesia, which blocks discomfort in the lower body. You will receive IV antibiotics from your healthcare professional to help you avoid infection. The surgical site will also be shaved and cleaned with an alcohol-based antibiotic solution before the procedure.

7. How long is the recovery for penile implants?

Following surgery:

• You will need to take painkillers after penile implant surgery. The scrotum is injected with a pain relief medication to help with pain relief for a 48–72 hour period. Some mild soreness may last for a few weeks. You may be prescribed an oral antibiotic to take for a week.
• After 4 to 6 weeks following surgery, the majority of men can return to intense physical exercise and sexual engagement.
• Your healthcare physician may suggest inflating and deflating inflatable penile implants to give you experience with them and to extend the area around the cylinders after you learn how to operate the device, which normally happens three to six weeks after surgery.

8. Will my penis be the same after the penile implant?

Penile implants don’t enhance sexual desire or feeling, but they do help men achieve an erection. Additionally, penile implants do not enlarge your penis more than it did before surgery. The former erect penis may appear a little shorter after receiving an implant.

The cylinders in modern penile implant models have the potential to lengthen, thicken, and stiffen your penis gently. You may experience this gradually as you use the device.

9. What are the success rates of penile implants?

Penile implants are a very reliable and effective approach to guarantee you can have an erection when you want it, especially for those who are motivated to regain sexual function. Research indicates that between 90 and 95 % of men who have had penile implants and their partners are satisfied with their devices.

10. What are the risks and benefits of penile implants?

Benefits:

• The procedure is relatively safe
• Complications or severe effects are rare
• Satisfactory results. More than 90% of penile implant users are satisfied with their outcomes.
• Implants for the penis are long-lasting.
• Typically, new penile implants last 20 years
• It’s an outpatient operation. Most patients can return home the same day after the operation, which typically takes one to two hours to complete
• Increased self-confidence

Risks:

• Bleeding which wasn’t managed after the surgery might need another surgery
• Injury to your urethra, delaying the placement of the implant and requiring surgical repair
• Infection due to which the implant needs to be removed
• An excess of scar tissue
• Skin layers wear away by the implant (skin erosion)

11. How long does a penile implant last?

Implants for penile use are long-lasting. Typically, a new penile implant lasts 20 years.

12. Will the implant be obvious?

Your partner will be unable to detect whether you have a penile implant. The implant’s components are all hidden inside the body and invisible to the outside world. The incision is not obvious since it is made on the underside of the penis.

13. Can I take Viagra with a penile implant?

Yes, if you have a penile implant, you can safely use Viagra or other phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. To improve the effectiveness of the implant or to get better erections when needed, some men with penile implants may even take PDE5 inhibitors. But before taking Viagra or any other medicine, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor.