Penile implants can be an excellent choice to fix erectile dysfunction when all other, more conservative methods, have failed.
They are considered the so called “end game” of erectile dysfunction.
Basically, there are two types of penile implant available, a malleable penile implant and an inflatable penile implant.
The malleable implant is sometimes referred to by patients as “the bendy implant”. This is because it consists of two flexible rods that are inserted into the penis. This then makes the penis in the erect state, permanently. When there is a desire for sexual intercourse the penis is bent upwards into the desired position. After sex, the penis is then bent to the side or downwards. The advantage of this penile implant is that it is very easy to use. You simply bend it up and down as you wish. The surgery for the malleable implant is also less time than the inflatable and the recovery is a little bit quicker.
The inflatable implant is perhaps the favoured choice for many men. This is perhaps due to the natural appearance of the penis when it is in the flaccid state, it is not permanently erect as with the malleable penile implant. It consists of three parts, all linked together. There is a small pump which is located in the scrotum. A reservoir which is located in front of the bladder and two chambers within the shaft of the penis itself. When sexual intercourse is desired, the pump is activated by a few presses which sends fluid from the reservoir into the two chambers in the penis. This then pumps up the penis shaft to achieve a form erection strong enough for sexual intercourse.
When sex has finished, it is a matter of squeezing a value located at the top of the pump to send the fluid back into the reservoir and enabling the penis to return to a natural flaccid state.
The surgery needed to place this implant takes around two hours under general anaesthetic and the recovery is a little longer compared to the malleable implant. Most Patients are back to successful sexual activity at around six to eight weeks.