What is it?
A penile implant is a device which can be implanted inside the penis. It allows men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction to have an erection.
There are two types of penile implant (or penile prosthesis):
- Malleable penile prosthesis: two rods which are inserted within the erection chambers of the penis. With this type of implant the penis is always partially rigid.
- Inflatable penile implant: much like in a malleable penile prosthesis, the inflatable penile implant is made of two rods. In addition, an inflatable penile implant includes a reservoir which is implanted in or behind the abdominal wall, and a pump which is also connected to the system and sits in the scrotal sac. The whole system is connected by small tubes which pump through the saline. This makes it possible to get an erection by simply pressing a button, located on the pump.
A penile prosthesis does not change sensation on the skin of the penis, and is completely concealed. It does not cause any urinary conditions.
The implant can last for as long as 15 years. After that it may be necessary to replace it.
What is it for?
Those who suffer from the following conditions may be suitable for a penile implant:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Cardiac conditions, diabetes, metabolic or cardiovascular disorders which prevent the blood from getting to the penis’ blood vessels;
- People who underwent a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) after prostate cancer and people who had surgery to remove any other type of tumour (such as bladder cancer and bowel cancer). In these cases, the nerves which can get an erection are removed, therefore people in these situations can struggle with impotence.
What does it involve?
During the surgery, an incision is made between the scrotum and the penis. The implant is inserted in through this incision.
The procedure lasts from an hour and half to two hours and it can be done under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. Usually you will stay in hospital overnight.
Post-operative progress
There may be a small, almost invisible scar at the base of the penis after the surgery.
Surgery does not affect your ability to ejaculate, orgasm and conceive in the long term – but it may take about a month and a half to resume full sexual activity.
Alternatives
Before implanting a penile prosthesis, you may try the following treatments:
- Oral treatment with drugs that can stimulate an erection
- Injection of vasoactive agents inside the penis
A penile implant is usually recommended for people who have first tried the treatments above and found that they do not work.
10-14-2015 06-23-2023Penile Prosthesis
Mr Hussain Alnajjar - Urology
Created on: 10-14-2015
Updated on: 06-23-2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What is it?
A penile implant is a device which can be implanted inside the penis. It allows men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction to have an erection.
There are two types of penile implant (or penile prosthesis):
- Malleable penile prosthesis: two rods which are inserted within the erection chambers of the penis. With this type of implant the penis is always partially rigid.
- Inflatable penile implant: much like in a malleable penile prosthesis, the inflatable penile implant is made of two rods. In addition, an inflatable penile implant includes a reservoir which is implanted in or behind the abdominal wall, and a pump which is also connected to the system and sits in the scrotal sac. The whole system is connected by small tubes which pump through the saline. This makes it possible to get an erection by simply pressing a button, located on the pump.
A penile prosthesis does not change sensation on the skin of the penis, and is completely concealed. It does not cause any urinary conditions.
The implant can last for as long as 15 years. After that it may be necessary to replace it.
What is it for?
Those who suffer from the following conditions may be suitable for a penile implant:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Cardiac conditions, diabetes, metabolic or cardiovascular disorders which prevent the blood from getting to the penis’ blood vessels;
- People who underwent a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) after prostate cancer and people who had surgery to remove any other type of tumour (such as bladder cancer and bowel cancer). In these cases, the nerves which can get an erection are removed, therefore people in these situations can struggle with impotence.
What does it involve?
During the surgery, an incision is made between the scrotum and the penis. The implant is inserted in through this incision.
The procedure lasts from an hour and half to two hours and it can be done under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. Usually you will stay in hospital overnight.
Post-operative progress
There may be a small, almost invisible scar at the base of the penis after the surgery.
Surgery does not affect your ability to ejaculate, orgasm and conceive in the long term – but it may take about a month and a half to resume full sexual activity.
Alternatives
Before implanting a penile prosthesis, you may try the following treatments:
- Oral treatment with drugs that can stimulate an erection
- Injection of vasoactive agents inside the penis
A penile implant is usually recommended for people who have first tried the treatments above and found that they do not work.
Penis augmentation with soft tissue fillers: how does it work?
By Dr Sherif El Wakil
2024-11-07
Men pursue penis augmentation for various reasons, including enhancing self-confidence, correcting perceived size inadequacies, and improving sexual satisfaction for themselves and their partners. Renowned cosmetic and sexual aesthetic doctor Dr Sherif El Wakil explains how penis augmentation with soft tissue fillers works at his clinic, including what results to expect from the procedure. See more
Penile prosthesis surgery: Everything you need to know
By Mr Rowland Rees
2024-11-07
Many men are concerned with erectile and sexual function, and if having problems, decide to undergo surgery in order to correct them. We delve into penile prosthesis surgery/penile implant surgery with esteemed consultant urologist and male genito-urethral surgeon Mr Rowland Rees, who explains everything you need to know about the surgery. See more
Erectile dysfunction: what is sex like with an inflatable penile prosthesis?
By Mr Rowland Rees
2024-11-05
Erectile dysfunction can be a fairly common problem, particularly amongst older men. Whilst there are several treatment options, some cases can benefit from having a penile prosthesis inserted surgically. Mr Rowland Rees, a leading urologist and male genito-urethral surgeon, explains what is involved in this procedure and what patients can expect post-op. See more
Experts in Penile Prosthesis
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Mr Rowland Rees
UrologyExpert in:
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Mr Hussain Alnajjar
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Mr Shafi Wardak
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Mr Rajesh Nair
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Mr Giulio Garaffa
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