Penile Prosthesis
Why Consider a Penile Implant?
Finding a satisfying solution to erectile dysfunction can be a life-changing event for many men and their partners. Research shows penile implants are more satisfying than other common treatment options.
Penile implants were found to be much more satisfying than both pills and injection treatments in one recent study (Rajpurkar A, Dhabuwala C.Comparison of Satisfaction Rates and Erectile Function. J Urol. 2003 July; 170: 159-163)
Benefits and Risks* of Penile Implant Surgery
Penile implants have helped over 300,000 men return to an active, satisfying sex life. But like any surgical procedure, there are both benefits and risks to be considered.
Benefits
- Offers a permanent, long-term solution to erectile dysfunction
- Provides the ability to have an erection anytime you choose
- Allows for greater spontaneity — have sex when the mood strikes
- Enables you to maintain an erection as long as you desire
- Eliminates the need for costly pills or shots
- Feels natural to you and your partner
- Does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm
Risks*
- May cause permanent loss of ability to achieve an erection
- If an infection occurs, the implant may have to be removed
- May cause the penis to become shorter, curved or scarred
- In rare cases, may cause lasting pain
- In rare cases, there may be mechanical failures
*For a complete list of possible risks associated with implant surgery consult your doctor.
Types of Penile Implants
Choosing the penile implant that's best for you is a very personal decision. Because each type of implant offers unique features, you will want to discuss the choices with your partner in order to choose the most satisfying option.
One-piece Positionable Implants
One-piece positionable implants are the simplest types of penile prostheses. The device is surgically inserted into the penis. The implant is positioned up for intercourse or down for everyday activities.
Advantages
- Easy for you and your partner to use
- Good option for men with limited dexterity
- Generally the simplest surgical procedure
- Least expensive type of penile implant
- Totally concealed in body
Disadvantages
- Remains firm when not erect
- Must be bent down to conceal
- Less appropriate for patients requiring repeated cystoscopy
Two-piece Inflatable Implants
- Remains firm when not erect
- Must be bent down to conceal
- Less appropriate for patients requiring repeated cystoscopy
Two-piece Inflatable Implants
Two-piece inflatable implants consist of a pair of cylinders inserted in the penis and a small pump bulb implanted in the scrotum. To get an erection you simply squeeze and release the pump several times.
Advantages
- Simple to use
- Fast and simple one-step deflation
- Totally concealed in body
- Natural flaccidity compared to non-inflatable implant
Disadvantages
- Requires some manual dexterity
- Possibility of leakage or malfunction
- Flaccidity not as natural as three-piece device
Three-piece Inflatable Implants
The three-piece inflatable implant features an additional reservoir implanted under the abdominal muscles designed to send more fluid to the penis, resulting in a larger, firmer erection (watch video) (1.4 Mb).
Advantages
- Acts and feels more like a natural erection
- Expands the girth of the penis
- More firm and full than other prosthetic erections
- When deflated, it feels softer and more flaccid
- Totally concealed in body
Disadvantages
- Requires some manual dexterity
- Possibility of leakage or malfunction
- Possibility of unintentional erections
Patient and Partner Satisfaction
Studies like the ones below show that penile implants offer the satisfying results that so many couples seek. Consult your physician to determine which type of implant is best suited to your condition and lifestyle.
1 Kearse WS Jr, Sago AL, Peretsman SJ, Bolton JO,Holcomb RG, Reddy PK, Bernard PH, Eppel SM, Lewis JH, Gladshteyn M,Melman AA.
Report of a multicenter clinical evaluation of the Dura II penile prosthesis. Journal of Urology May 1996 v. 155 p. 1613-1616
2 Ferguson KH, Cespedes RD. Prospective long-term results and quality-of-life assessment after Dura II penile prosthesis placement. Urology 2003 v. 61 p. 437-441
3 Levine LA, Estrada CR, Morgentaler A.Mechanical reliability and safety of, and patient satisfaction with the Ambicor inflatable penile prosthesis; results of a 2 center study. J Urol. 2001 Sep; 166
(3): 932-7
4 F. Montorsi. et al. AMS Three-piece Inflatable Implants for Erectile Dysfunction:A Long-Term Multi-Institution Study in 200 Consecutive Patients: Eur Urol. 2000; 37: 50-55 88% of patients would recommend the AMS DURA II Positionable Implant to a friend:


































