A penile implant is a medical device that is inserted into the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection. The implant consists of two cylindrical rods that are placed within the erection chambers of the penis, which helps to support and sustain an erection.
Penile implants are typically only recommended for men who have erectile dysfunction that is resistant to other treatment options, such as oral medications, injections, or vacuum devices. In some cases, a penile implant may be the only option for men who have suffered from erectile dysfunction due to surgery or injury.
Penile implants are considered a last resort option for treating erectile dysfunction. The surgery is typically only recommended for men who have tried other treatment options and have not been successful. The surgery is also usually not recommended for men who have certain health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
There are three main types of penile implants: non-inflatable, inflatable 2-piece penile implant, and inflatable 3-piece penile implant.
Inflatable 2-piece penile implant: This type of penile implant consists of a pair of inflatable cylinders that are surgically implanted in the erection chambers of the penis. The cylinders are connected to a pump that is located under the skin of the scrotum. The pump is used to inflate the cylinders and create an erection.
Inflatable 3-piece penile implant: Inflatable 3-piece penile implant is one of the most common types of penile implants. It consists of three main parts: a reservoir, a pump, and two inflatable cylinders. The cylinders are implanted in the penis and the reservoir is usually implanted in the lower abdomen and the pump is usually implanted in the scrotum.
The main advantage of this type of penile implant is that it can give the patient more control over the level of erections. The patient can choose to have either a partial or full erection, depending on his needs.
Non-inflatable penile implant: Non-inflatable penile implants are the simplest type of implant. They consist of a single rod that is surgically implanted in the penis. The rod is made of silicone and is not inflated.
This type of penile implant is not as common as the other types, but it has the advantage of being the easiest to implant. It is also the least expensive type of penile implant.
Semirigid rods: Semirigid rods are a type of non-inflatable penile implant. They are made of silicone and are bent into an upright position. The advantage of this type of penile implant is that it can be adjusted to different positions, depending on the needs of the patient.