Surgical Treatments | Penile Implants
Surgical Treatments | Penile Implants
How it works
The 3-piece penile implant includes a pair of fluid filled cylinders completely concealed within the penis, a small pump placed inside the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline placed in the lower abdomen. The broad range of lengths provide a custom fit for patients.
Squeezing and releasing the pump in the scrotum activates the device moving fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. The cylinders then expand in girth (in some options) and length, mimicking a natural erection which provides rigidity when inflated. The implant may have antibiotics embedded in the surface to help prevent infection. The lock-out value is designed to reduce auto-inflation.
Deflate the device by pressing the one-touch button on the pump. The penis then returns to a soft, flaccid and natural-looking appearance.
There are other types of penile implants, known as semi-rigid or malleable devices. Each type of penile implant offers unique features and benefits, choosing the implant that is best for you is a very personal decision.
You will want to discuss the choices with your doctor or urologist in order to choose the option that is right for you.
Features and Benefits
A natural looking appearance when flaccid or erect, the penile implant allows direct control of both the timing and duration of an erection. Typically the penile implant does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm. Penis surgery is considered minimally invasive.
Historically, infection rates with penile implants are low – 3 out of 100 men (3%) will experience an infection; however some men may be at higher risk for infections.44
Most patients report that a penile implant looks and feels natural. Many partners of patients with penile implants often say they wouldn’t know their partner had an implant if they had not known about the penile implant surgery.45
Penile implants are considered a reliable and durable long term treatment option for ED.23,56
Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, complications can occur. The penile implant requires manual skill to use; some risks include but are not limited to device malfunction and postoperative pain.23,24
Side effects include, but are not limited to:33
- Natural or spontaneous erections as well as other interventional treatment options will no longer be possible.
- Infection, in which case the implant may have to be removed.
- Penis may become shorter, curved, or scarred.
- Pain typically associated with the healing process.
- Swelling and/or brusing
- Mechanical failure of the implant.
The Procedure
The implant procedure is typically done on a short hospital stay basis, with patients generally checking in the morning of the procedure and getting discharged within 48 hours.33 The surgery is performed under anesthesia so you do not feel any pain. You may be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection.
Before the procedure, your urologist should give you a thorough explanation of what will happen during the procedure and how to prepare for it. Post procedure, your urologist may prescribe pain medication as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.
Pre-and post-surgical care may vary from patient to patient. You will want to discuss your specific care plan with your urologist.
Patients and Partners are Satisfied 23
Many patients and partners are highly satisfied with the penile implant.
Patients often wonder if their sexual activity will be the same with an implant. 92% of patients and 96% of partners reported sexual activity to be excellent or satisfactory with the three-piece inflatable.23
Insurance
Medicare and/or most private insurance companies cover a penile implant, however, individual coverage may vary. If you don’t have insurance or a penile implant isn’t a covered benefit, you can choose to self-finance. To self-finance you will need to obtain a detailed description of the out-of-pocket costs in advance from the urologist. Any patient that falls under Veterans Affairs policies will have the total cost of the surgery covered by the Commonwealth Government. Work with your urologist’s office and insurance provider to check coverage levels prior to receiving treatment.
Recovery
Important Safety Information
Find A Specialist
Find an ED specialist to discover your best cure for ED
Take the QuizTake our quiz to identify if you are experiencing ED symptoms and help kick-start the conversation with your doctor or urologist.
|
Questions to AskHelpful hints on how to start the conversation with your GP or urologist, and other useful resources.
|
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. All images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
DISCLAIMER: Individual symptoms, situations, circumstances and results may vary. This quiz is meant for information purposes only, it is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. This site is intended for Australian residents only. Please review the Boston Scientific Privacy Policy, for practices on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information.
CAUTION: Indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device.