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Penile Implant

If erectile dysfunction doesn’t respond to other treatments, a penile implant is a safe and effective way to restore your sexual function. The skilled urologists at Urology Associates offer penile implants that can restore sexual function without interfering with ejaculation, penile sensation, or normal urination.

Questions and Answers

Treatment

What is a Penile Implant?

A penile implant is a prosthesis that your urologist places during an in-office procedure. Penile implants are an effective solution for many men who struggle with erectile dysfunction. For many men, a penile implant can offer a new lease on life after prostate cancer, Peyronie’s disease, or other conditions that cause erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

What are the Options for Penile Implants?

We offer both semi-rigid penile implants and inflatable penile implants.

  • Semirigid Penile Implant: A semirigid penile implant includes two flexible rods. To have intercourse, you bend the rods and bring the penis to an erect position. Then, after intercourse, you return the rods to their downward position.

  • Inflatable Penile Implant: An inflatable penile implant, like the AMS 700 Penile Implant, may be the best treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction. A penile implant is a device that is implanted into the penis, usually on an outpatient basis. The implant is entirely concealed within the body, so no one can see it and is controlled by the user to achieve an erection. This treatment is designed to allow for spontaneity and the erection is maintained for as long as the man desires.

    How it works:

    The implant includes a pair of cylinders implanted in the penis, a pump placed inside the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline placed in the lower abdomen. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders, creating an erection. The device is deflated by pressing the deflate button on the pump. The penis then returns to a soft, flaccid and natural-looking state.

All of the components of both semi-rigid and inflatable penile implants are completely hidden under your skin. Nobody can tell that you have a penile implant just by looking at your penis.

Treatment

How Does Penile Implant Surgery Work?

Your surgeon performs penile implant surgery in the Urology Associates of Mobile office. The process usually takes around an hour. You typically receive local anesthesia for the procedure, making it painless. After your penile implant surgery, you need time to heal.

Your urologist teaches you how to use the penile implant. The inflation and deflation process becomes easy with practice. You generally need to wait 4-6 weeks to resume intercourse, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations.

If you would like to learn more about penile implant surgery or would like to have a consultation with one of our urologists, call your preferred Urology Associates location.

Could a Penile Implant be Right For You?

  • Designed to be a permanent solution for ED6
  • Spontaneous — you can have sex when the mood strikes8
  • Once activated, the erection can last as long as you desire1,8
  • Entirely contained inside the body — no one knows you have an implant unless you tell them6
  • Designed to feel natural during intercourse and typically does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm3,9
  • Broad range of lengths available for a custom fit, depending on your anatomy
  • Pre-treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection

With a penile implant, the possibility of organic erections or alternative treatment options for ED are eliminated. Possible risks of a penile implant include: mechanical failure of the device, which may require revision surgery; and upon removal or replacement of the implant, the penis may become scarred, shorter or curved. Pain associated with the healing process can be expected. With the procedure, there is a risk of infection (1-2.5% risk with the Boston Scientific 3-piece inflatable penile implant) and men with diabetes, spinal cord injuries or open sores may have an increased risk of infection. Talk to your doctor for a complete list of risks, warnings and safety information.

Recommended by patients

  • 98% of patients reported their erections to be excellent or satisfactory following surgery2
  • 97% of patients reported overall satisfaction with a Boston Scientific implant; not a single patient reported dissatisfaction 5
  • 96% of partners reported sexual activity with the implant to be excellent or satisfactory 2

Will My Penis Look Different To Me Or Will Others Notice A Penile Implant?

Once in place, your implant is fully concealed in your body6,10,11. It’s fully concealed in the body. No one will know unless you tell them—even in the locker room.

How Long Is The Recovery Time After Ed Surgery, And When Can I Have Intercourse?

Most men return home within a day of penile implant surgery and are back to all their normal activities within a week, typically having intercourse around 6 weeks post-surgery.6,10,11

How Long Does An Implant Last? Will I Ever Need To Replace It?

It is impossible to predict how long a particular implant will function in every patient. As with any medical device, penile implants are subject to wear and mechanical failure over time. A recent study of patients who received an AMS 700™ Penile Implant showed that the 7-year mechanical survival of a Boston Scientific penile implant is greater than 94%.7 To prolong the life of your implant, follow the advice of your urologist.

Are Penile Implants Covered By Insurance?

While most insurers cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of ED, it is important to understand that coverage varies if you have insurance that covers penile implant surgery. Medicare has a national policy for ED, which includes penile implants, although coverage may depend on where you live. Work with your doctor’s office and insurance carrier to check coverage levels prior to receiving treatment. There are financial assistance programs available to help cover out-of-pocket expenses or to help cover the procedure if your private insurance will not cover it.

Sources:

1. Data on file with Boston Scientific. 
2. Montorsi F, Rigatti P, Carmignani G, et al. AMS three-piece inflatable implants for erectile dysfunction: a long-term multi-institutional study in 200 consecutive patients. Eur Urol. 2000 Jan;37(1):50-5.
3. Coleman E, Listiak A, Braatz G, Lange P. Effects of penile implant surgery on ejaculation and orgasm. J Sex Marital Ther. 1985 Fall;11(3):199-205.
4. AMS 700™ with MS Pump™ Penile Prosthesis Product Line Instructions for Use. American Medical Systems. 2017.
5. Natali A, Olianas R, Fisch M. Penile implantation in Europe: successes and complications with 253 implants in Italy and Germany. J Sex Med. 2008 Jun;5(6):1503-12.
6. AMS 700™ Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patients Considering an Inflatable Penile Prostheses. . American Medical Systems. 2012.
7. Enemchukwu EA, Kaufman MR, Whittam BM, et al. Comparative revision rates of inflatable penile prostheses using woven Dacron™ fabric cylinders. J Urol. 2013 Dec;190(6):2189-93.
8. Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. American Urological Association. 2018.
9. Rajpurkar A, Dhabuwala CB. Comparison of satisfaction rates and erectile function in patients treated with sildenafil, intracavernous prostaglandin E1 and penile implant surgery for erectile dysfunction in urology practice. J Urol. 2003 Jul;170(1):159-63.
10. AMS Ambicor™ Penile Prosthesis Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patient Considering and Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. American Medical Systems, Inc. 2016
11. Tactra™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis Patient Manual. Information and instructions for patients considering a Tactra Malleable Penile Prosthesis. Boston Scientific, 2019.

If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms of a urologic condition, call us or schedule an appointment today.

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