A penile implant, or penile prosthesis, is a device placed inside the erection chambers of the penis to treat erectile dysfunction that has not responded to lifestyle changes, tablets or injections. Malleable or inflatable types allow a man to have an erection when desired. It is hidden within the body and skin sensation is preserved.
- AnaesthesiaGeneral or spinal anaesthesia
- DurationAbout 1 hour
- Hospital stayDay care or one night
- Back to routineUsually 2 to 3 days for work; about 1 month for sexual activity
What is penile implants?
Erectile dysfunction is common in men over 40 and may be linked to smoking, diabetes and other diseases, heavy alcohol use, low testosterone or nerve damage after some pelvic surgery. Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes and oral or injected medicines; implants are considered when these do not work.
Implants are either malleable (non-inflatable) or inflatable. Non-inflatable implants are positioned by hand, suit men with limited dexterity and are the least expensive. Two-piece inflatable implants use a pump to create an erection. Three-piece inflatable implants include a fluid reservoir, give the most rigid erection and return to a natural soft state when not in use.
The implant is fully hidden inside the body and skin sensation, orgasm and ejaculation are usually unchanged. Because placement alters the erectile tissue, natural erections are generally not possible if the implant is later removed. The best device depends on medical history, preference and availability.
Who is penile implants for?
- Men over about 20 with erectile dysfunction from a clear medical cause
- ED that has not responded to medicines or injections
- Men with spinal cord injury or limited hand strength (malleable or two-piece devices)
- Men who are physically and psychologically healthy and understand the trade-offs
How is it done?
- Medical history review, examination and discussion of expectations
- Avoid alcohol and smoking and stop blood-thinning medicines as advised
- General or spinal anaesthesia with preventive antibiotics
- A 3 to 4 cm incision is made below the head of the penis, at its base (scrotal) or in the lower abdomen
- The erection chambers are dilated, correctly sized cylinders placed and the tissues closed; about one hour
What is recovery like?
- Most men go home the same day or the next
- Pain and swelling are common and managed with medicines
- Avoid work for two or three days
- Recovery usually takes two to three weeks
- Sexual activity can usually resume after about a month, once the surgeon confirms healing
What are the risks?
- Infection, which may require implant removal
- Bleeding
- Scar tissue formation
- Mechanical failure of the device
- Tissue breakdown or exposure of the implant
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
When is a penile implant recommended?
An implant is usually considered when erectile dysfunction has a clear medical cause and has not improved with lifestyle changes, tablets or injections. Your surgeon will confirm the diagnosis, review your health and discuss expectations before recommending surgery.
Will a penile implant change sensation or orgasm?
Skin sensation is preserved, and orgasm and ejaculation are usually unchanged because the implant only provides rigidity. The device is hidden inside the body and is not visible from outside.
What is the difference between inflatable and malleable implants?
Malleable implants are bendable rods positioned by hand, are simpler and suit men with limited dexterity. Inflatable implants use a pump in the scrotum to fill cylinders and create an erection; three-piece models give the firmest erection and the most natural soft state.
How soon can I have intercourse after surgery?
Most men can resume sexual activity after about a month, once swelling has settled and the surgeon confirms healing. Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, and work can often resume after a few days.
Can natural erections return if the implant is removed?
Usually not. Placing an implant alters the erectile tissue, so natural erections are generally not possible after removal. This is why implants are considered after other treatments have failed and only after a full discussion with your surgeon.
