What is a penile implant?
A penile implant is a surgically implanted device that helps you get an erection, usually if you have erectile dysfunction (ED).
There are two types of penile implants:
- Inflatable penile implant: A pump in your scrotum (the pouch of skin behind your penis) allows you to get an erection whenever you choose.
- Non-inflatable penile implant: Bendable silicone rods in the erection chambers of your penis allow you to extend the rods into an erect position.
Other names for a penile implant include penis implant and penile prosthesis.
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How does a penile implant work?
An inflatable penile implant consists of two cylinders, a reservoir and a pump that a healthcare provider surgically places in your body.
The provider inserts the cylinders into your penis. Tubes connect the cylinders to a separate reservoir under your lower abdominal (stomach) muscles. The reservoir contains fluid. A pump also connects to this system. It sits under the loose skin of your scrotum, between your testicl*s.
To inflate the implant (prosthesis), you press the pump in your scrotum. Pressing the pump doesn’t put any pressure on your testicl*s. The pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in your penis, inflating them to the level of hardness that you want. Once erect, you can maintain your erection for as long as you wish, even after an org*sm. When you want to stop being erect, pressing a valve on the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir, which deflates your penis.
A non-inflatable penile implant consists of two firm, flexible silicone rods. This type of device doesn’t require pumping. To use the implant, you press on your penis to extend the rod into position. You can use the implant for as long as you wish — the hardness doesn’t change, even after an org*sm. After using the implant, you press on your penis again to push it back down.
Who is a good candidate for a penis implant?
Most people who are good candidates for a penis implant have ED or Peyronie’s disease. However, their condition can’t improve naturally or with other conservative medical treatments, such as medications or a vacuum constriction device (penis pump).
A healthcare provider may also recommend penile implants as a component of gender affirmation surgery. A penile implant occurs after surgery to construct a penis (metoidioplasty or phalloplasty).
How common are penile implants?
Penile implants are becoming more common. Worldwide, healthcare providers performed over 63,000 penile implants between 2005 and 2012. About 86% of those procedures occurred in the United States.
How long does a penile implant last?
On average, penile implants last 20 years. When the implant wears out, it stops working. Your surgeon can revise it, usually by replacing it with a new implant.
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Do penile implants make you bigger?
Penile implants can’t make your penis bigger than it is before surgery. Your erection may even seem shorter than what you remember when you were getting natural erections.
It’s important to know that the head of your penis (glans) doesn’t get hard (engorged) after inflation because the implant isn’t in the head of your penis. This can make it seem like your penis isn’t as large as it was before your implant. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you a medication to help increase the blood flow to the head of your penis.
Modern penile implant models have cylinders that may slightly increase your penis length, thickness and stiffness. This can occur gradually over time as you use the device.
How big can a penile implant be?
In most cases, the look and size of your erection after a penile implant are comparable to the size of your stretched-out penis before surgery. Your surgeon always measures the inside of your penis and places the biggest implant that’s safe to put in your body. The implant is a custom fit according to your inner measurements.
Can you get hard with a penile implant?
Yes, a penile implant allows you to get an erection whenever you’d like. It can take a couple of minutes to pump the inflatable penile implant to its full rigidity. The non-inflatable implant is always the same hardness.
Once you have a penile implant, you’ll always need the implant to get hard. Medications will no longer work. You won’t be able to get a natural erection without the implant, especially if a surgeon removes the implant and doesn’t replace it with another.
Does a penile implant feel the same?
When you inflate your penis, the prosthesis makes your penis stiff and thick, like a natural erection. Most people with a penile implant report that sex feels the same or better than before the procedure. It won’t change the sensation on the skin of your penis. A penile implant also doesn’t affect your ability to ejacul*te and org*sm. It may take you a few weeks or even a couple of months to adjust to the sensation of having an implant. However, many people who get penile implants report high satisfaction once they fully heal.
If you feel the implant with your own hand, you’ll be able to feel the difference, especially if it isn’t erect. However, during intercourse, your partner won’t be able to tell the difference between a penile implant and a natural erection.
Once you heal after surgery, the implant isn’t obvious to anyone else who might see you naked, such as in a locker room or public bathroom.
