There are 2 companies that manufacture these implants. They come in self-contained, 2-piece or 3-piece versions. The more complex the implant, the firmer and larger the erection when it’s inflated, and the softer and more natural the penis is when it isn’t inflated. However, the more parts the implant has, the more likely it is to break down.
All inflatable penile prostheses are similar. They all have 2 cylinders and a pump system that are put in the penis and the surrounding area. To get an erection, you press on a small pump that moves fluid (saline or saltwater that stays in the pump system) into the cylinders in the penis. The fluid makes the penis erect, with an erection that’s just like a natural erection. The penis doesn’t deflate after orgasm until a release valve is pushed. When the cylinders are empty, the penis looks and feels soft and hangs down.
You can’t tell if someone has a penile prosthesis unless you see the small scar on the bottom of the penis.
How the penis looks and feels with a penile prosthesis
A prosthesis doesn’t change how the skin of the penis feels or the ability to have an orgasm. You still ejaculate and pass urine (pee) the same way as you would without a prosthesis.
Many people with inflatable penile prostheses say their erection is shorter than what’s normal for them. This doesn’t usually matter to the person’s partner and it doesn’t usually affect a partner’s orgasm with intercourse. If this is a concern for you and your partner, try different sex positions. For penis-in-vagina sex, having the person with the penile prothesis lie on their back, with their partner on top, can increase friction against the clitoris and make it easier to have an orgasm. For anal sex, it’s safe to try different positions to stimulate the partner’s prostate.
When the prosthesis isn’t inflated, the soft penis is a little fuller than normal, but it looks the same.
Once a prosthesis is put in, you will never be able to get an erection without inflating it. If the implant is removed, you won’t ever be able to have natural erections.
Who can get penile prostheses
Penile prostheses are used when there are no other treatment options for health issues that affect erection problems. Once a prosthesis has been put in, you can’t have an erection without it. This means it won’t work for stress-related erection problems. For stress-related erection problems, it’s best to get counselling.
If you have had a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, you need to wait at least 2 years before having surgery to get an inflatable penile prosthesis. This is to see if your ability to have an erection will recover.
Side effects
Implants work well for 90 to 95 out of 100 people who get them. About 10 out of 100 people with inflatable penile prostheses have mechanical problems with the device, like part of the device getting a tiny leak. These problems can often be fixed.
Rarely (in about 2 out of 100 cases), you may get an infection in the first few days after surgery. If this happens, the prosthesis has to be removed until it heals
It’s best to choose a surgeon who has lots of experience putting in penile prostheses.
Using an inflatable penile prosthesis
Don’t use the inflatable penile prosthesis until you’re healed from your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s okay to have sex.
It’s important to have support from your partner if you choose to get a penile implant. Tell your partner you have an inflatable penile prosthesis. Don’t try to hide it. Talk about and make sure your partner understands that you‘re still attracted to them, even though you need the device to get an erection.
It’s also a good idea to have foreplay with your partner before and after you use the device. Think about getting your partner to inflate the prosthesis as part of foreplay. Before penetration, warm the penis with a warm washcloth or hand massage it with a lubricant.
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