What is a Penile Implant: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Penis or penile implant is a surgical procedure that helps a man improve or maintain his erection.

The implant is a device that is composed of small rods that are placed around the erection site, the reservoir, and the pump. The pump is squeezed so the saline solution will rise and go into the tube. This action creates the erection.

The device can be either inflatable or bendable. It is the latter if it only lifts the penis while keeping it semi-rigid all throughout. Although this pump is much quicker to implant, it is more difficult to conceal and can cause the thinning of the flesh of the penis.

The inflatable internal pump, on the other hand, is more often used in the United States. Its main advantage is it gives the individual more control over his erection.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Penis implant is often used and recommended for men who have been diagnosed or showing symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to create and/or sustain an erection. An erection is a penile state where the organ is more rigid, allowing it to properly penetrate the vagina during sexual intercourse. An erect penis improves sexual pleasure and satisfaction, as well as boosts the chances of fertilisation for couples who are planning to have children.

Many conditions can cause or trigger ED. These include both physical and psychological stress, high blood pressure (hypertension), and atherosclerosis (the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque deposits). Another possible cause is diabetes, a metabolic disease characterised by the abnormal increase of glucose in the blood. This can lead to damage to the vessels that are necessary to boost blood flow that produces an erection.

The implant can also be used to treat cancer that damages the penis, congenital defect of the penis that prevents erection and Peyronie’s disease, which produces a curved erection. Patients who don’t respond to any ED treatment may also consider the implant.

The procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons as well as to treat or manage a diagnosed or recognized illness. As such, there are instances that it is covered by insurance.

It is important to note that the penis implant does not treat underlying conditions that cause the ED, but it is more effective than other forms of therapy like medication (e.g., Viagra). It is also less likely to cause any noticeable physical changes and the scars can be hidden properly.

Men can resume their sexual activity within three weeks to a month after the surgery, but they can already go back to work within 2 days.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital or a health care facility with a comprehensive operating theatre. The patient is provided with antibiotics at least an hour before the procedure to minimise the possibility of infection and general or epidural (spinal) anaesthesia for maximum comfort.

A small incision (about 3 centimetres) is then made either in the upper part of the penis and within the lower abdomen (infrapubic) or on the scrotum, the suspended skin of the penis. It can also be done on the penis head. Prior to the incision, the surgical site is shaved properly and an antiseptic is applied.

The surgeon then looks for the corpora cavernosa, a pair of hollow chambers in the penis, to locate the tissue where blood accumulates upon erection. The tissue is stretched and the implant rods are placed. The pump is then placed in the scrotum and the reservoir inside the abdomen. Once everything is in place, the incision is closed.

It usually takes less than an hour to complete the surgery.

Possible Risks and Complications

One of the likely risks of the implant is an infection, which can create a tear on the penis skin. The saline solution may also leak over time.

References

• Montauge DK. Prosthetic surgery for erectile dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, et al. Walsh: Campbell’s Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

• http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119551792-3/801941680/1445/26.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50025-X–cesec13_1966..

• Eid JF. What is new for inflatable penile prostheses? Current Opinion in Urology. 2009;19:582.

• Erectile dysfunction. Cornell University Sexual Medicine Program. http://www.cornellurology.com/sexualmedicine/ed/implant.shtml.

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### What⁢ is ‌a Penile Implant? A Detailed Overview, Potential Benefits, and Expected ⁤Results



#### 1. ​Introduction: Penile Implants and Erectile Dysfunction



Penile‍ implants are revolutionary ​medical devices designed to⁣ treat severe erectile dysfunction (ED), ⁣a prevalent condition that ​affects⁢ millions of men‍ worldwide. This comprehensive ​Q&A dives‌ into the nature, benefits, and expected outcomes of penile​ implants.



#### 2. What Are Penile Implants?



– Penile implants⁤ are medical ⁤devices surgically placed inside the​ penis to aid in achieving erections.

– These implants are primarily used when ​oral ED medications fail to deliver the⁣ desired results.



#### 3. What Types of ⁤Penile Implants are Available?



– Two main types: inflatable (hydraulic) and semi-rigid.

– Inflatable implants consist of ‌inflatable⁢ cylinders ⁢inserted inside the penis, allowing the user to control the erection’s firmness and ⁣duration.

– Semi-rigid ⁢implants involve surgically inserting flexible​ rods into the penis,⁢ providing ⁣a‌ constant level ​of rigidity.



#### 4. ⁣When is a Penile Implant ⁤Medically⁣ Recommended?



A ⁤penile implant may be recommended for men with:

-‌ Severe or long-standing ED that is unresponsive to other treatments.

– Physical conditions⁢ such as diabetes or vascular disease that cause ​ED.

– Psychological conditions like anxiety or depression that contribute to ED.

– Patients who experienced ⁣complete erectile dysfunction following surgery or ​trauma.



#### 5. What are the Advantages ⁤of Penile Implants?



-‌ Restore ⁢the‌ ability to engage in satisfactory ⁤sexual intercourse.

– Improved self-esteem and confidence.

– Provide a level ‌of control‍ over​ the erection process.

-​ Help alleviate anxiety or psychological distress associated with ED.



#### 6. What ⁣Can Be Expected Before and During Penile Implant Surgery?



– Before surgery:⁢ Thorough medical evaluation to ‍ascertain implant suitability.

-⁤ During ‍surgery: Typically takes 1-2 ​hours; involves placing the implant cylinders or ‍rods inside ‌the ⁢penile shaft.



#### 7. How⁢ Long Does It‌ Take to Recover From Penile Implant Surgery?



– Recovery typically spans 4-6 weeks.

– Activity restrictions ⁢apply during the recovery period to avoid implant displacement.



#### 8. What Are the Potential​ Complications Associated with Penile Implants?



– Every surgical⁤ procedure carries some risks:

– Bleeding, ⁤bruising, and‍ swelling.

​ – Infection.

​ – Mechanical issues.

– Risks specific to the type of implant used.



#### 9. How ⁤Effective Are Penile ⁣Implants?



– Penile implant surgeries yield ⁢high⁣ success rates.

– Up to 90% of men report significant ⁣improvement in their erectile function‍ and overall ​satisfaction.



####​ 10. What‌ Happens After Successful Penile Implant Surgery?



– Professional‌ guidance is provided to patients on implant activation and maintenance.

– Follow-up appointments ⁢scheduled⁤ to ensure proper healing and implant functionality.

– Expected return to sexual intimacy and normal activities​ within 4-8 weeks post-surgery.



#### 11. Are There Any Cases Where Penile Implants May Not Be Recommended?



-​ In rare instances, implants may not be suitable due to certain⁤ medical​ conditions or complications:

⁢ – Active infections.

‍ – Peyronie’s disease.

‍ – History of ‌severe ​bleeding disorders.



#### 12.⁢ Where ⁢Can I Find More Information and Support Regarding‌ Penile Implants?



– ⁤Specialized websites and support groups offer ⁢comprehensive resources:

– The‌ Impotence Institute of America.

– The American Urological Association (AUA).

– Support networks for men living‌ with ED.