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Penile ImplantsPenile implants are devices put inside the penis that allow men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. Penile implants require surgery. There's a risk of infection and a risk that the device won't work. But new materials, designs and surgical procedures have greatly improved results. Most men with penile implants and their partners say they're satisfied with the results. For most men, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated with medications or use of a penile pump (vacuum constriction device). Penile implants may be an option to consider if you can't get an erection sufficient for sex with these other methods or if other methods cause undesirable side effects. Risks of penile implant surgery include:
Types of penile implants:There are two types of penile implants: inflatable implants and semirigid rods. Inflatable implants are the most common type of penile implant used in the United States. Inflatable devices are more natural than semirigid types are because they can be inflated to create an erection and deflated at other times. Inflatable implants also reduce the possibility of damage to the inside of the penis due to constant pressure — which can be a problem for some men with semirigid implants. There are two- and three-piece inflatable implants.
Semirigid rods are always firm. The penis may be bent away from the body to have sex and toward the body to conceal the device. Although less commonly used than the inflatable type, semirigid implants are less complicated, easier to place and have less risk of failure. The decision about which type of implant you should have is based on both your preference and your medical situation. Your doctor may suggest one type of design over another based on factors including your age, risk of infection, and health conditions, injuries or medical treatments you have had in the past. |