A penile implant (penile prosthesis) is a device placed inside the penis during surgery, allowing you to have an erection whenever you choose. It is an established treatment for erectile dysfunction that has not responded to, or is not suited to, other treatments.[1][2]
Medically reviewed by our medical team, who are GMC registered · Last reviewed: 2 November 2026 · Next review: November 2027
Who is a penile implant for?
An implant may be right for you if:
- tablets, injections or a vacuum device have not worked, cause side effects, or are not suitable for you;
- you have erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment, or because of diabetes or vascular disease;
- you have Peyronie’s disease together with erectile dysfunction. In this case, the curve can be straightened during the same operation.
An implant is a permanent decision. We make sure you have explored less invasive treatments and understand the benefits and risks before going ahead.
Types of penile implant
Three-piece inflatable implant
Two cylinders sit inside the penis, a small pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen. Squeezing the pump fills the cylinders to create an erection; a release valve returns the penis to a soft, natural-looking state. It gives the most natural result and is the most commonly used type.
Two-piece inflatable implant
The reservoir is built into the pump, so no abdominal component is needed. It can suit men who have had previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.
Malleable (semi-rigid) implant
Bendable rods are positioned up for sex and down at other times. It is simpler and has no mechanical parts, but the penis always stays firm.
What happens during surgery
The operation is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic and usually takes one to two hours. Most men go home the same day or the next morning. The device sits entirely inside the body, and nothing is visible from outside.
Recovery
- Swelling and discomfort are expected for the first one to two weeks, and are managed with pain relief.
- Most men return to desk work within one to two weeks.
- You will be shown how to use an inflatable implant at a follow-up appointment, usually around four to six weeks after surgery. Sexual activity can usually resume after this, once your surgeon confirms healing.
Risks
Every operation carries risks. Your surgeon will explain them in detail, including:
- Infection: uncommon, but if the device becomes infected it usually has to be removed.
- Mechanical failure: inflatable implants can wear out over years, and some men eventually need a replacement.
- Length: the Boston Scientific AMS 700 LGX three-piece implant we use has cylinders designed to expand in both length and girth as they inflate, so length can be maintained and, for some men, increased. Results vary between individuals, and some men still feel their erection is shorter than the natural erections they had before ED. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations with you.
- Irreversibility: fitting an implant changes the erectile tissue inside the penis. Most men are no longer able to have natural erections, or erections with tablets or injections, once an implant is in place, although some keep a degree of natural swelling and fullness, especially of the glans (head of the penis). If an implant ever has to be removed, natural erections do not usually return. This is why an implant is offered only after other treatments have been considered.
- Bleeding, haematoma, erosion of the device and altered sensation are less common.
Satisfaction
Patient and partner satisfaction with penile implants is high in published studies, and higher than with many other ED treatments.[1][2]
Costs
- Malleable implant: from £9,000
- Two-piece inflatable implant: from £11,000
- Three-piece inflatable implant: from £15,000
Start with a free phone call with our team. A specialist consultation costs £100 in person or £50 online. Your full quote, including surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and device costs, is confirmed in writing after your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will anyone be able to tell I have an implant?
With an inflatable implant, the penis looks and feels natural when soft, and the pump sits discreetly in the scrotum.
Will it change sensation or orgasm?
An implant does not usually affect sensation, orgasm or ejaculation.
How long does an implant last?
Many implants last for many years. Inflatable devices can eventually need replacing because of wear.
Is a penile implant the same as a cosmetic implant for size?
No. This page is about implants for erectile dysfunction. Cosmetic procedures for size are covered on our penis enlargement page.
Book a free phone call
Discuss whether a penile implant is right for you in a free, confidential phone call.
Book a free phone call · Message us on WhatsApp (+44 7457 404374) · Call 020 3051 3060
References
- European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Latest edition. uroweb.org.
- Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641.
- British Association of Urological Surgeons. Patient information: insertion of a penile prosthesis. baus.org.uk.
