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Penile Implants

Our physicians help men live life to the fullest.

Penile Implants

As men grow older, it is difficult for the body to maintain a high level of virility. The natural process of aging often dampens sexual arousal, leading to bouts of erectile dysfunction. At TUCC, our team of compassionate doctors can suggest treatment options that will go a long way in helping you rise to the occasion.

How Does a Penile Implant Work?

A treatment option for erectile dysfunction, penile implants involve the insertion of malleable or inflatable rods into the penis. This minor surgical procedure can offer a safe and effective method of restoring the sexual function of the penis, allowing men to resume healthy sexual activity.

Penile implants do not increase desire or improve sensation during intercourse. Instead, penile implants are devices that you use to manually inflate your penis in order to achieve an erection.

In this minor surgical procedure, implants are inserted through an incision made in the penis, lower abdomen, and scrotum. Patients will typically remain in the hospital for one to two days following their surgery. A urinary catheter will be used for one day and antibiotics will be prescribed for two weeks after surgery to prevent infection.

Physicians at the Center for Men’s Health at TUCC perform more than 50 of these procedures each year, placing our doctors in the top 5 percent of penile implant surgeons nationally.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Penile Implants?

A man suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a good candidate for a penile implant. ED can result from a number of conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Trauma to the pelvic region
  • Heart disease
  • Stress, depression, or anxiety
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Alcoholism
  • Smoking
  • Drug abuse
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Aging

You may not be a good candidate for penile implant surgery if you suffer from a pulmonary or urinary tract infection, improperly manage your diabetes, or have erectile dysfunction that’s due to emotional, rather than physical, causes. Our doctors at TUCC will perform a thorough evaluation to gauge whether or not you are a good candidate for implant surgery.

How Long Does a Penile Implant Last?

Penile implants are made with sturdy material called silicone or bioflex, constructed to stand the test of time. Most penile implants can last an average of 15 to 20 years, with the majority of patients still using the original implanted device.

Types of Penile Implants

There are two major types of penile implants. Your TUCC physician will provide guidance on which is best for you, based on your lifestyle, physical health, and sexual activity.

The two types of penile implants are:

Inflatable Implants

  • The most common type of penile implant, inflatables use a fluid-filled reservoir to expand or contract cylinders in the penis. This mimics the flow of blood, thereby restoring proper erectile function to the penis. You simply inflate and deflate the penis by moving fluid between the rods in the penis and the reservoir implanted in the abdominal wall or in the scrotum.

Semi-Rigid Rods

  • Less common than inflatable implants, semi-rigid rods involve implanting two flexible rods into your penis. These rods remain in a semi-rigid state at all times, meaning your penis will never be fully flaccid even when you are not sexually aroused. Many men find this option to be less comfortable than the inflatable implants.

After Penile Implant Treatment

Men are advised to not wear tight underwear or clothing until their surgical incision has healed. For those with inflatable implants, tight clothing should be avoided for up to six weeks to avoid pushing the saline reservoir out of position. Strenuous physical activity and sexual intercourse can resume one month after the surgery. Up to 90 percent of men who have undergone this procedure report that they are extremely happy with the results.

Benefits of Penile Implants

The leading benefit of a penile implant is, of course, the ability to get and maintain an erection strong enough to have sex whenever you want, for as long as you and your partner want. A penile implant will not disrupt the sensation during sex, nor will it inhibit your ability to orgasm and ejaculate

Additional benefits of a penile implant:

  • There is a low risk of side effects.
  • Penile implants are durable, lasting upwards of 20 years.
  • The procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete; most patients can go home the same day.
  • Patients who receive a penile implant often experience increased self esteem.

Potential Risks of Penile Implant Procedures

While penile implant surgery is overall safe for the far majority of patients, there are some uncommon risks associated with the procedure. These include:

  • Bleeding, which would require additional surgery
  • Damage to the urethra
  • Infection
  • Scar tissue
  • Skin erosion
  • Mechanical failure
  • Displacement of the pump or reservoir
  • Decreased blood flow to the penis head

Doctors

Penile Implants FAQ

The price of a penile implant varies depending on the type of implant and the location of your treatment center. Generally, you can expect to pay between $16,000 and $19,000, but be sure to check with your insurance company to see if the procedure is covered.

Penile implants are discreet and not noticeable. These devices are surgically implanted, so the only sign of a difference would be minor scarring from the procedure.

No, the implant will not affect urination since the urethra is separate from where the penile implant cylinders are placed.

Yes, penile implants are covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans, as long as the implant is deemed medically necessary.

Yes! A penile implant does not affect the ability to achieve orgasm.

No. A penile implant involves the removal of spongy tissue in the penis, and this tissue is what makes a spontaneous erection possible. If you are still able to naturally achieve a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse on your own, you should ask your TUCC physician if an implant is right for you.

No. A penile implant will not increase penis size. In fact, there may be a perception of a smaller penis, as implants do not reach the head of the penis.

Yes! After a short recovery period, you can resume regular sexual intercourse, as well as masturbation.

Sex with a penile implant is comparable to sex before the implant. Penile implants do not affect the sensation you feel during sex, nor will it impede orgasms or ability to ejaculate.

We’re here to help.

For appointments at any TUCC location, request an appointment online.