Penile implants

Penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. Penile implants are typically recommended after other treatments for ED fail. There are two main types of penile implants, semirigid and inflatable. Each type of penile implant works differently and has various pros and cons.

For most men, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated with medications or use of a penis pump (vacuum constriction device). You might consider penile implants if you aren't a candidate for other treatments or you can't get an erection sufficient for sexual activity by using other methods. Penile implants can also be used to treat severe cases of a condition that causes scarring inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections (Peyronie's disease). Penile implants aren't for everyone. Your health care provider might caution against penile implants if you have: An infection, such as a pulmonary infection or urinary tract infection Diabetes that isn't well controlled or significant heart disease While penile implants allow men to get an erection, they don't increase sexual desire or sensation. Penile implants also won't make your penis any larger than it is at the time of surgery. In fact, with an implant, your erect penis might seem slightly shorter than it used to be.

Risks of penile implant surgery include: Infection. As with any surgery, infection is possible. You might be at an increased risk of infection if you have a spinal cord injury or diabetes. Implant problems. New penile implant designs are reliable, but in rare cases the implants malfunction. Surgery is necessary to repair or replace a broken implant, but a broken device can be left in place if you don't want another surgery. Internal erosion or adhesion. In some cases, an implant might stick to the skin inside the penis or wear away the skin from inside the penis. Rarely, an implant breaks through the skin. These problems are sometimes linked to an infection.

Initially, you'll talk to your health care provider or a urologist about penile implants. During your visit, your health care provider will likely: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions, especially your experience with ED . Talk about medications you take or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you've had. Do a physical exam. To make sure penile implants are the best options for you, your health care provider will do a physical exam, including a complete urologic exam. Your health care provider will confirm the presence and nature of ED , and make sure that your ED can't be treated in another way. Your provider may also try to determine whether there's a reason that penile implant surgery is likely to cause complications. Your health care provider will also examine your ability to use your hands, since some penile implants require greater manual dexterity than others. Discuss your expectations. Make sure you understand what the procedure involves and the type of penile implant that suits you best. Remember that the procedure is considered permanent and irreversible. Your health care provider will also explain the benefits and risks, including potential complications. Ideally, you'll include your partner in the discussion with your health care provider.