Are you tired of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments that don’t work? If you’ve been disappointed by medications and devices promising firmer erections but not deliverying, it might be time to learn more about penile implants.
Penile implants can be a viable solution for men experiencing ED when other treatments have failed. At Advanced Urology, we offer two main types of penile implants: inflatable implants and semirigid implants. Both have their benefits, and both can help you achieve an erection that’s strong enough for sexual intercourse.
Understanding how each type of implant works and what to expect during surgery and recovery can help you make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to know.
Inflatable penile implants are the most popular choice, because they provide a natural-looking erection and flaccidity. These devices typically consist of three components: cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump.
We implant the cylinders in your penis, and they inflate to produce an erection. The reservoir, which holds the fluid that fills the cylinders, goes under your abdominal wall. The pump is located in your scrotum; it controls the transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders.
To achieve an erection, you manually squeeze the pump in your scrotum, which transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders and makes them inflate. Once you are finished, a release valve on the pump drains the fluid back into the reservoir, returning your penis to a flaccid state.
Semirigid penile implants, or malleable implants, are bendable rods surgically inserted into your penis. These rods provide a permanent state of firmness, and they can be manually adjusted to different positions.
You can bend semirigid implants upward for intercourse and downward for concealment. Since they have a straightforward design with fewer components, the risk of mechanical failure is lower than with inflatable implants. And while semirigid implants are less natural-looking than inflatable ones, they are easier to use and maintain.
We do penile implant surgery under general anesthesia, with most procedures taking about an hour. Before we schedule you for surgery, we complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests and a discussion of your medical history. If you choose penile implant surgery, we’ll give instructions on fasting and medications to avoid before your procedure.
During surgery, we make an incision in your lower abdomen or at the base of your penis and scrotum, depending on the type of implant you’re getting. Then, we insert the implant components and position them. We close the incisions with sutures and apply a dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Recovery from penile implant surgery generally takes four to six weeks. Immediately following your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Once you go home, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
Pain and swelling are common, and we typically prescribe medication to help manage discomfort. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove sutures if necessary. If you got an inflatable implant, we’ll show you how to operate the pump a few weeks after surgery.
If you’re unhappy with your sex life, and traditional ED treatments don’t work for you, a penile implant could significantly improve your quality of life and sexual satisfaction. Learn more about your options with a consultation at Advanced Urology in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, or San Pedro, California.
Call us at 310-670-9119, email info@urologyla.com, or request an appointment online today.
