Will Anyone Know I Have a Penile Prosthesis/Penile Implant?
With incredible advances in medical devices and modern, minimally invasive surgical techniques, we have an elegant solution for otherwise untreatable erectile dysfunction in the form of an inflatable penile prosthesis or penile implant. These implants have been around for quite some time, but as they have been refined, they are more easily implanted, longer lasting, more reliable, and evermore natural looking and feeling. However, many of our patients are concerned about whether their partner will be acutely aware of the implant or whether it will feel any different. The short answer is likely not, but let’s dig deeper:
A Natural Feeling Solution
The most popular penile implant is the three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. This is a straightforward technology that fills the penis to allow patients with severe erectile dysfunction to achieve a firm erection on demand and keep it as needed. A penile implant works even for people that do not respond to less invasive treatment, such as pills or injections. More than 90% of patients and 90% of partners are satisfied with the 3 piece penile implant.
This is achieved with the following components.
- A fluid reservoir placed within the pelvis and filled with sterile saline.
- A small pump and release valve placed within the scrotum.
- Two cylindrical balloons placed within the penis to fill the spongy tissue that would otherwise collect the blood necessary for erection.
When the patient squeezes the pump located within the scrotum, liquid is transferred from the reservoir in the pelvis into the shaft of the penis. This requires about a dozen (give or take) pumps and will create a very firm erection. Since the reservoir is implanted within the body, this is a warm, natural-feeling erection unlike that which may be experienced when using a vacuum pump and constriction ring at the base of the penis. This pumping action can be performed discreetly, and the erection is natural looking and feeling as the implant is sized to the man’s anatomy.
Because the nerves in the area are not damaged, most men find their pleasure to be unchanged, and can reach orgasm as easily as before the device was implanted. In addition, there is no modification of the structures that produce and transport semen and sperm. As such, men can ejaculate as normal and conceive as they would without erectile dysfunction.
Once the sexual activity is over and the patient wishes to release the fluid back into the pelvic reservoir, simply pressing on a release valve within the scrotum allows the penis to return to a flaccid state.
The device is durable, and can last 15 years or more depending on usage and care taken during sexual activity.
To Tell or Not to Tell
Of course, many men, especially in a committed or long-term relationship, may find it easier and less anxiety-inducing to let their partners know that they have a penile implant. This is entirely up to the patient and often dependent on their relationship with their partner.
The Types of Penile Implant
While we have discussed the inflatable penile implant, the most popular ED device with the highest satisfaction, there is also the possibility of a semi-rigid penile implant. A flexible rod is inserted into the penis, and the patient can manually create an erection simply by positioning it appropriately. Upon completion of sexual activity, the reinforced penile shaft can be bent downward. While there is convenience to this option, it doesn’t offer as natural an erection.
Competing Penile Implant Manufacturers
There are two significant penile implant manufacturers, Boston Scientific, the creators of the AMS 700, and Coloplast with the Titan implant. These implants work similarly and are periodically updated with more resilient components and intuitive mechanisms. For the most part, it is simply your urologist’s preference for which will be implanted. Of course, speaking to your urologist about which implant is right for you is always best. Specific medical conditions, histories, or use cases may make one more suitable over the other.
Speak to your urologist to learn more about penile implants and which may be right for you by scheduling an online consultation through our convenient self-scheduling app.
