Implantable Penis Implants For Men With Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have erectile dysfunction that doesn’t respond to medication may need a penile implant. It’s a pump system with two silicone rods surgically placed under the skin.
Pressing a valve on the pump sends fluid from a reservoir in your scrotum to inflate the rods, mimicking an erection. When you’re finished, pressing a button returns the fluid to the reservoir and deflates the rods.
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP)
Men with organic erectile dysfunction are suitable candidates for this type of prosthesis. Organic ED is usually caused by spinal cord injury or disease, prostate surgery or cancer, pelvic fractures, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes that reduce blood flow to the penis.
The IPP uses a pump implanted in the scrotum to move sterile salt water between cylinders in the implant that are inflated and deflated on demand to create an erection. The cylinders are located within the cavernous bodies of the penis so they are invisible to your partner and other people. This device can also be used for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease, which is a reversible condition that causes the formation of scar tissue on the tip of your penis that makes it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
Unlike flexible malleable implants, which can be bent up and down and do not change their stiffness, the IPP’s cylinders are always firm and more similar in size and shape to a natural erection. Depending on the brand of implant you receive, it may contain metal in the form of extenders, connectors or springs, but these are positioned away from the pump and not visible at a MRI scan.
A recent study using a large PIF database found that patients who underwent aggressive cycling of the IPP with subsequent device replacement often experienced increased internal penile length, but further evaluation is needed to determine whether this strategy increases patient satisfaction and erectile function. However, mechanical failure is common, and complications of the IPP may include migration with erosion, crossover leading to urethral erosion, buckling or infected hematoma, urethra-cavernous fistula, or leaks from cylinders, reservoir, or pumps.
Semi-rigid penile implant (SRI)
Men with thinning or shortened penises can benefit from semi-rigid implant (SRI). This type of implant doesn’t expand, but it’s pliable enough to bend away from the body during penetration artificial penis and toward the abdomen for concealment. It also provides a fuller appearance and preserves sensation and orgasm. It’s often easier to use than inflatable implants and lasts longer—on average, it’s 10-15 years before needing replacement.
During the procedure, your provider makes a scrotal incision and inserts fluid-filled cylinders inside your penis. Tubes connect these cylinders to a reservoir under the skin of your abdominal muscles or, in two-piece models, to a pump in your scrotum.
Once the implant is in place, you’ll learn how to use it during your recovery period. Most men can resume Dildo Manufacturers sexual activity and normal daily activities four to six weeks after surgery.
Although new designs of penile implants are reliable, rare complications can occur. These might include infection, a ruptured or broken implant, or internal erosion. You may need additional surgery or other treatment to resolve these issues. Talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of each design before deciding. They might also recommend a specific design based on your age, risk of infection, and health conditions or injuries you’ve had.
Natural-looking penile implant (NLP)
The implant can be shaped and designed to look very natural and is completely hidden under the skin. It looks and feels like the patient’s own penis (or glans, in males). The tip of the implant is made to be soft enough to feel and to create an orgasm without friction. A recent study tested a prototype of this type of implant in rabbits. It was inserted into the penis on either side of the urethra and the animals resumed mating behavior within a month.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the genital area and inserts one or more inflatable cylinders or bendable rods, depending on the model of penile implant being used. The surgeon may also make an incision in the scrotum to place a pump or reservoir in the abdominal area and connect it with the inflatable cylinders. Men who are getting this type of implant must avoid any activities that could cause a rupture, such as heavy lifting or exercise, until the implants have fully healed. Usually, it takes four to six weeks for the man to be able to resume sexual activity.
This procedure allows many people with ED or Peyronie’s disease to enjoy a full and satisfying life. It can give couples the opportunity to engage in sex again, restoring intimacy and emotional connection in their relationships. It can also help single men find new partners without the embarrassment of erection problems or having to use a sex aid. This surgical treatment is usually covered by insurances, including Medicare.
Other options
Penile implants are the most common treatment for erectile dysfunction. They are surgically placed and either inflatable or malleable (bendable). Malleable prostheses consist of a semi-solid tube with a series of segments to point the penis downward when dressing, upward for sexual activity and forward for urination. This type of implant is easy to use and has very low failure rates. Inflatable prostheses have a pump that takes fluid from a storage site to fill cylinders within the penis. The user can then inflate the device when they want an erection. This type of implant more closely mimics the feeling of a natural penis.
Researchers have recently reported success with an artificial penis that is made from the patient’s own cells. The Wake Forest University team harvested smooth muscle and blood vessel cells from the penises of adult male rabbits. They then grafted these cells into a special framework of engineered penile tissue, which was inserted into the damaged penises. The resulting penises looked and functioned just like the animal’s own natural penis.
For most men with erectile dysfunction, drug treatments and injections are the first step. If these fail to improve symptoms, we may recommend surgery to put in a penile implant. In most cases, the implant works well, but about 2% of patients experience problems with the implant, such as a mechanical problem or infection.
