Am I a Good Candidate for a Penile Implant?

The medical word for a penile implant is a penile prosthesis. Merriam Webster defines prosthesis as “an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body.” If you’re unable to get or maintain an erection, a penile implant could be the right solution for you. 

Dr. Paul Chung has extensive experience in helping men who have erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatments for ED have improved over time, and now include medications, vacuum erection devices, injections, and penile implants. Depending on your situation and needs, a penile implant may be the right approach for you.  Here’s what you need to know. 

Penile implant options

There are two different kinds of penile implants: inflatable and malleable. The best one for you depends on a host of factors. Dr. Chung can help you understand the differences and guide you through making a decision. Here we discuss the basics. 

Inflatable penile implants

An inflatable implant is more complex than a malleable implant because it involves three components: 

• A small pump, about the size of a marble, that implants in your scrotum
• A fluid reservoir that the doctor places in your lower abdomen
• Two cylinders that Dr. Chung installs in your penis  

When you want to have an erection, you press the pump, which releases the fluid from the reservoir and into the cylinders. The full cylinders create an erection. When you’re finished having intercourse, you press the release button to send the fluid back into the reservoir. 

Malleable penile implant

Sometimes called a semi-rigid penile implant, a malleable prosthesis is less complex than an inflatable implant. A malleable implant remains the same all the time, and you can move your penis to the correct position for sex, urination, or concealment.

Neither type of implant changes how it feels to have sex, your ability to ejaculate, or change the length or size of your penis. 

When is an implant the right choice? 

If you’ve tried other treatments for ED and found they didn’t work well for you, an implant may be a great choice for you. Often ED is related to other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer, or obesity, and those conditions may make medication intolerable or dangerous.

Another instance where a penile implant may be a good solution is if you have Peyronie’s disease which can cause a bend in your penis that’s painful when you have an erection. 

Satisfaction with penile implants

Both types of penile implants have very high rates of satisfaction. Most men report that they are able to have penetrative sex, reach orgasm, and enjoy a higher quality of life after they have the procedure. 

Most insurance policies cover penile implants, making it an option for those who are appropriate candidates. If your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure, our office may be able to work out payment options for you.

The recovery time for most implant surgeries is about six weeks, though it is often shorter for those who choose malleable implants.

If you’re ready to learn more and to find out if a penile implant could be the right solution for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chung. His advice and expertise is invaluable in determining whether or not this is the best treatment option for you.