What is a Penile Implant?

A penile implant is a device that is placed inside your body surgically that assists you to have an erection, typically if you have erectile dysfunction (ED).

There are two kinds of penile implants:

  • Inflatable penile implant: A pump in your scrotum (the skin bag behind your penis) lets you have an erection whenever you want.
  • Non-inflatable penile implant: Flexible silicone rods within the erection chambers of your penis enable you to pull the rods out into a position of erection.

Alternate names for a penile implant are penis implant and penile prosthesis.

How does a penile implant function?

A penile implant is made up of two cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump that a doctor surgically inserts into the body.

The doctor puts the cylinders into your penis. Tubes attach the cylinders to a different reservoir below your lower stomach muscle. This reservoir holds fluid. A pump is attached to this system, too. It's placed below the skin on your scrotum, between your testicles.

You squeeze the pump in your scrotum to fill the implant (prosthesis) with air. You squeeze the pump without putting any pressure on your testicles. The pump fills fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders in your penis, expanding them to a hardness that you desire. You can stay erect for as long as you like, even after an orgasm, once erect. To cease being erect, pressing a valve on the pump sends the fluid back to the reservoir, deflating your penis.

A non-inflatable penile implant is made up of two stiff, yet flexible silicone rods. This device does not need to be pumped. You squeeze on your penis to slide the rod into place when you use the implant. You can stay erect as long as you want — the hardness does not change even after orgasm. When you are done with the implant, you squeeze your penis once again to slide it down.

Who is an appropriate candidate for a penis implant?

The majority of individuals who are good candidates for a penis implant have Peyronie's disease or ED. But their condition isn't able to improve on its own or with other conservative medical therapies, including medications or a vacuum constriction device (penis pump).

A penile implant results after surgery to create a penis (metoidioplasty or phalloplasty).

How long does a penile implant last?

A penile implant, on average, lasts 20 years. When the implant is worn out, it will no longer function. Your doctor can reoperate on it, typically by replacing it with a new one.

Do penile implants make you bigger?

Penile implants cannot enlarge your penis to be larger than it was before surgery. Your erection might even appear shorter than it did when you were experiencing natural erections.

It's worth noting that the head of your penis (glans) does not become hard (engorged) after inflation since the implant is not placed inside the head of your penis. This can give the impression that your penis is not as big as it was before your implant. Your doctor can prescribe you a drug to increase blood supply to the head of your penis.

Newer penile implant models consist of cylinders that can even make your penis slightly longer, thicker and stiffer. This may be a gradual process over time, depending on the use of the device.

How large a penile implant can be?

In the majority of instances, you'll have a similar appearance and size of your erection after a penile implant to the size of your stretched penis before surgery. Your surgeon will always take the inside measurement of your penis and insert the largest implant that's appropriate to place in your body. The implant is specifically fitted based on your inner measurements.

Can you explain whether you can get hard with a penile implant?

Yes, a penile implant enables you to achieve an erection at any time. It may take a couple of minutes to inflate the inflatable penile implant to its maximum rigidity. The non-inflatable implant always has the same hardness.

After having a penile implant, you will always require the implant to get an erection. Drugs will no longer function. You will not be able to achieve an erection without the implant, particularly if a surgeon takes out the implant and does not substitute it with another one.

Is a penile implant the same as an erection?

When you pump up your penis, the prosthesis hardens your penis and makes it thick, similar to a natural erection. Most individuals typically report sex with a penile implant to be the same as or improved compared to before the procedure. It will not alter the feeling on the penis skin. A penile implant also will not change your ability to orgasm and ejaculate. You might take a few weeks or even a couple of months to get used to the feeling of having an implant. But most men who receive penile implants are very satisfied after they recover completely.

You can tell the difference if you touch the implant with your fingers, especially if it is not erect. But your partner won't be able to feel the difference between an implant and an actual erection during sex.

After you recover from surgery, the implant is not noticeable to anyone else who may get a glimpse of you without clothes, like in a locker room or public restroom.

What occurs before a penis implant?

Before having a penis implant, you'll see a doctor. They will assess your overall health and take your vital signs (temperature, pulse and blood pressure). They will also ensure that you can urinate without serious urinary problems. After seeing a surgeon, they will discuss with you what kind of penile implant is best for you based on your body and your requirements.

Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you’re taking. These include herbal supplements. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, certain herbal supplements and blood thinners can increase your risk of bleeding. Be sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.

Inform the medical professional of any allergies you may have as well. List all known allergies. These are medications (particularly antibiotics), skin cleansers such as iodine or isopropyl alcohol, latex and foods.

The medical practitioner will also provide you with certain instructions regarding eating and drinking before your penis implant. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your surgery. You should take medications with a tiny amount of water if you have to take them.

It's also a good idea to wash your abdomen and groin area thoroughly one day before and the morning of your surgery to prevent infection. You don't have to shave your pubic hair or the hair around your penis and scrotum before your surgery. Your surgeon will shave these areas just before your surgery.

If you have an active urinary or skin infection before surgery, inform your surgeon. Skin and urinary infections make infection of your implant more likely. Always ensure that you do not have any active infections within your body before implant surgery.

What occurs during a penis implant?

A team of medical professionals will conduct a penis implant. The team typically consists of:

  • Urologist (surgeon).
  • Anesthesiologist.
  • Nurses.

The anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia (put you under). You won't be conscious, move, or feel any pain during the procedure.

The urologist will possibly put in a catheter into your bladder via your penis. A catheter is a soft, tube-shaped instrument that lets pee flow out of your body. Your urologist will likely take out a catheter following surgery.

The urologist will give you pain medication to keep you numb even after the procedure has finished. The urologist will then cut your genital area and place the implant into your corpora cavernosa. Your corpora cavernosa (plural: corpora cavernosa) are two columns or tubes of spongy tissue that become filled with blood and cause your penis to become hard. Your medical team will tailor the size of your implant to fit the size of your penis.

If you receive an inflatable implant, your urologist will then place the reservoir in your belly and the pump in your scrotum. They might or might not have to make other incisions to insert these parts, but the incisions are very small.

Once the implant is inserted, your surgeon closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures. They'll stitch tiny silicone tubes (surgical drains) into your incision areas. These surgical drains suction out blood or fluid from within your body. They'll then apply a bandage over the incision.

How long does a penis implant last?

A penis implant typically takes one to two hours to do.

What happens after a penis implant is inserted?

The anesthesiologist will stop putting anesthesia into your body. You’ll be conscious (awake) within a few minutes but likely feel groggy.

You will then be taken to a recovery room. Medical staff will wait for you to wake up more completely and monitor your overall health. Once you awaken completely, you will feel sore in your groin and belly area. Providers will manage your pain and instruct you in pain management skills. Providers might also prescribe antibiotics.

In all but a few instances, you can go home a few hours after a penile implant. You will need a family member or friend to take you home. Having a family member or friend assist in caring for you the first day or two following a penile implant is also advisable.

What are the benefits of a penile implant?

The big benefit of a penile implant is that it enables you to achieve and sustain an erection hard enough for sex, whenever you choose and for as long as you desire. It won't affect the sensation on the surface of your penis or your ability to orgasm and ejaculate.

Additional benefits of a penile implant are:

  • The surgery is fairly safe. There is a low risk of complications or side effects.
  • Satisfying outcomes. More than 90% of individuals with a penile implant are satisfied with the outcome.
  • Penile implants are long-lasting. Newly implanted penile devices usually last 20 years.

It's an outpatient procedure. The surgery can take one to two hours, and most individuals can be dismissed from the hospital the same day.

Is a penile implant detectable?

An inflatable penile implant is not visible. You can have slight scars from your cuts, but the scars typically aren't visible.

Non-inflatable penile implants are always somewhat erect, so they might be harder to cover up with clothes.

What are the risks or complications of a penile implant?

Penile implant surgery is in general quite safe. But it's helpful to be aware of some of the rare risks, such as:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding after the operation could necessitate further surgery.
  • Injury to your urethra necessitates surgical correction and postpones insertion of your implant.
  • Infection, which necessitates the removal of your implant.
  • Too much scar tissue.
  • The implant erodes layers of skin (erosion).
  • Displacement of the pump or reservoir.
  • Mechanical failure.
  • Perceived shorter length of the penis.
  • Reduced blood flow to the head of the penis, which necessitates the removal of your implant.

How long does it take to recover after a penile implant?

Remember, your body is different from someone else's, and the healing times will differ. Generally, pain, swelling, and discomfort will subside after one week. However, you can be tender for up to six weeks.

Your doctor can give you antibiotics, pain medication or other medications. Take them exactly as directed.

Many individuals take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain, including aspirin (Bayer®), ibuprofen (Advil®), or naproxen (Aleve®). Not everybody can use NSAIDs, so make sure to ask your doctor for other medications if necessary.

To aid your body in healing while it heals, clean and dry your affected areas carefully to avoid infection. Wash your hands with soap and water before changing your bandages, and wash your hands before you go to the bathroom.

To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack to your affected areas for up to 10 minutes. You can repeat this many times during the day.

Avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercises that stress your incisions is also important as you heal.

When can I have intercourse or masturbate after a penile implant?

Your physician will advise when masturbation or intercourse can be safely resumed based on your individual procedure. Consistently, forgo sexual activity for at least four weeks following a penile implant.

When can I return to work?

If you sit at a desk, you need to take at least one week away from work.

If you have a physically demanding job, you must plan for at least two to four weeks of recovery before returning to work.

When do I need to call my doctor?

Make routine follow-up appointments with your doctor.

If you have a surgical drain, your doctor usually takes it out one to three days after surgery.

You will next visit a doctor four to six weeks after your surgery to learn how to operate your penile implant.

Call a doctor immediately if you experience any complications following a penile implant. They might include:

  • Heavy bleeding from your incision sites.
  • A temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or above.
  • Infection of the wound.
  • Worsening pain.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Penile Implant in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Penile Implant in Lucknow, India. Our experienced Urologists use advanced technology and provide patient-focused care, ensuring safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes. We offer the best treatment with effective and affordable pricing, making the Penile Implant cost suitable for patients seeking high-quality care in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Penile Implant in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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Our Experts

Dr. Feroz Moh. Khan
Dr. Feroz Moh. Khan
Associate Director - Urology

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