Advantages and Disadvantages of Implants Implants are effective in treating almost any type of impotence. Prostheses don't require follow-up treatment after implantation and no medicines or injections are necessary. In addition, once the prosthesis is in place and functioning, there are no additional costs. However, surgical implants permanently change the internal structure of the penis. If the prostheses is ever removed, normal erections rarely return.
Some patients can develop surgical complications or anesthetic complications.
Occasionally, patients will notice numbness at the head of the penis and intercourse can be uncomfortable. Because the erection is not caused by increased blood flow to the penis, the head of the penis is not part of the erection, and this softness may bother some men. There are three types of penile prostheses currently available. For information about a specific type of penile prosthesis, click on one of the entries below. Semirigid Prostheses Semirigid prostheses are made from silicone-covered bendable metal rods.