Types of Penile Implants
Achieving optimum results depends upon the selection of a device/manufacturer best suited for each patient. Our objective is to find the optimum variables that will result in complete patient satisfaction. This decision is based on thorough understanding of these variables, the patient’s unique medical history and attributes. Important considerations include:
- Age of the patient and partner
- Overall penile size and concern regarding loss of length
- History of previous implant surgeries
- Previous surgical interventions in the pubic and abdominal area and medical history
- Patient’s body type and whether there is a very prominent supra-pubic fat pad
- Whether or not the penis is circumcised
- Overall health of patient
- Cost considerations
Based on these considerations and following a detailed consultation with your doctor, you will decide together which is the best type of implant for your specific case. A description of the different types of devices is presented below. In general, there are two main manufacturers that produce the highest quality implants, AMS and Coloplast.
Non-Inflatable Penile Implant
Overview
The Non-Inflatable (or malleable) implant includes a pair of semi-rigid cylinders placed inside the penis. The implant can be manually lifted up for intercourse and manually pushed down when not in use. You can see how the device works within the penis and its operation process in the following video animation:
Advantages & Disadvantages
- Easy for you and your partner to use – you simply push your penis up for an erection. Down when not in use
- Good option for men with limited dexterity – Something to consider if you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands
- Totally concealed in body – All parts of the device are implanted inside the body
- The simplest surgical procedure. Of the three types of implants, the non-inflatable device involves the simplest surgical procedure
- Least expensive – Non-inflatable implants are the least expensive type of penile implant. This may be a consideration for men not covered by insurance
- It may create an abnormal feel and appearance for some patients
- It can cause deterioration and deterioration of penile flesh over the long-term.
- This implant can create the most amount of pain and discomfort post-operatively because the penis needs to adjust to a constant erection, out of the implant options
- Important to note: This device creates a permanent erection and this must be taken into consideration when deciding on your treatment
Available Devices (click for more information)
Two-piece Inflatable Penile Implant
Overview
The Two-piece Inflatable Penile Implant is a fluid-filled device that includes a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis and a single pump located in the scrotum. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid to the cylinders, creating a rigid erection. Deflate by bending the cylinders at the base of the penis.
Advantages & Disadvantages
- Easy for you and your partner to use – You simply pump it up to create an erection. Down when not in use
- This is a good option for men with limited dexterity – Something to consider if you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands. However, the pump is small and can be difficult to inflate
- Because only a small amount of fluid is transferred into the cylinders to obtain an erection, the penis is not as rigid as with a three-piece inflatable device
- Totally concealed in body – All parts of the device are implanted inside the body but having a permanent partial erection may be uncomfortable for some men
- The simplest inflatable implant surgical procedure
- Can create an abnormal feel and appearance in some circumstances
- Causes deterioration and thinning of penile flesh over long-term use
Available Devices (click for more information)
Three-Piece (Multi-Component) Inflatable Penile Implant
Overview
The 3-piece Penile Implant is the most advanced and popular inflatable prosthesis model because it most closely mimics a natural erection, provides rigidity when inflated and a natural, flaccid appearance when deflated. The implant includes a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis, a pump placed inside the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline placed in the lower abdomen. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders, creating an erection. You deflate the device by pressing the deflate button on the pump. The penis then returns to a soft, flaccid and natural looking state.
Advantages & Disadvantages
- Easy for you and your partner to use – You simply pump it to create an erection. Press the release valve above the pump to deflate.
- The larger softer pump makes it easier to inflate than a two-piece device.
- Because a larger amount of fluid is transferred into the cylinders to obtain an erection, the erection created is the most rigid of all the implant options with a multi-component inflatable device.
- Offers the best flaccidity (softness) of the penile shaft when not in use which is the most comfortable for the patient.
- This is the only prosthesis that gives the penis a normal look and feel when erect as well as when flaccid. Many single patients have reported that partners do not realize that their penis has an implant in it.
- Because it creates the least amount of pressure on penile flesh when not in use, pressure atrophy of remaining erectile penile muscle and of the flesh of the glans penis is less likely to occur.
- Totally concealed in the body – All parts of the device are implanted inside the body.
- Because the penis is flaccid after the surgery, patients have the least amount of pain post-operatively.
Available Devices (click for more information)
- AMS 700 CX IMPLANT – this is the basic AMS 3-piece implant and the most popular
- AMS 700 CXR IMPLANT – this is similar to the AMS 700 CX but when the implant inflates it expands in girth. This type of implant is usually used in patients that have fibrosis (and hence reduced space to put the cylinders) and hence require narrower tubes, which can expand when the implant is inflated.
- AMS 700 LGX IMPLANT – currently the ONLY penile implant on the market with cylinders that expand in GIRTH and LENGTH with up to 25% in length expansion depending on patient’s anatomy
I am considering a Penile Prosthesis option. What should I do next?
If you are considering having a penile prosthesis operation, we advise you to book a consultation with one of our highly experienced doctors. Our clinic is one of the few high volume penile prosthesis centres in the country and we are confident that we can assist you in choosing the best treatment option.
During the consultation, the doctor will carry out a thorough evaluation of your erectile dysfunction issues, assess whether you are a viable candidate for penile implant surgery, discuss the different options for the penile implant operation and answer any questions that you may have.