Myths and Facts About Penile Implants

If you need a penile implant because other treatments haven’t worked well to cure your erectile dysfunction, you had an implant in the past that didn’t work properly, or for some other reason, you may be hesitant because you’ve heard some common myths. 

Dr. Paul Chung is a highly trained reconstructive surgeon and he specializes in penile implants at his offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through the years, he’s discovered there are a lot of misconceptions about penile implants. In this post, he offers some facts to counter the most common myths. 

Types of penile implants

There are two basic types of penile implants: inflatable and semi-rigid. Both offer benefits and have some drawbacks. The one that is likely to work best for you depends on numerous factors. Dr. Chung makes recommendations based on your specific situation. 

Inflatable implants

An inflatable penile implant offers a natural appearance, and allows you to have either a flaccid penis or an erection. It consists of a pump, a fluid reservoir, and cylinders. The pump is implanted in the skin in your scrotum, the reservoir in your abdomen, and the cylinders in your penis. 

When you want to have an erection, you press a button that triggers the pump to fill the cylinders with fluid from the reservoir. When you want the erection to go away, you press the button again and the fluid drains back into the reservoir. 

Semi-rigid implants

When you have this type of implant, your penis is erect all the time; however, the implant can be bent to conceal the erection. The continued erect state is different than a natural erection in the fact that it is not uncomfortable or painful. The device is made up of malleable rods that can be bent downward when you’re going about your day, and bent outward when you want to have sex.

Because it has fewer parts, a semi-rigid implant has less possibility of malfunctioning, and the surgery is simpler with a shorter recovery time. 

Myth: Sex won’t feel the same

This is probably the main misconception out there regarding penile implants. Thanks to advances in surgical techniques and the types of devices that are used, you and your partner will enjoy the same sensations during intercourse that you did before your implant. 

Myth: You won’t ejaculate

A penile implant helps you get an erection so you can have sex. It doesn’t affect your ability to ejaculate in any way. 

Myth: There’s a big risk of infection after surgery

At one time, there was a higher risk of infection following penile implant surgery. However, advances in how the surgery is performed have reduced that risk considerably. 

Although there is a risk of infection with any surgery, Dr. Chung and his staff take many precautions against infection. Plus, we make sure you understand how to care for your incision after surgery, which further reduces your risk. 

Personalized advice

It’s important to seek advice from a highly trained professional like Dr. Chung when it comes to a procedure as personal as a penile implant. The type of implant, your overall health, your goals, and many other factors make a difference. If you have questions, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a consultation.