Myths and Facts About Penile Implants

Penile implants may be a treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) that’s not treatable with medications and other strategies.

At Urology Specialist Group, our team of skilled urologists offer diagnostic evaluations for ED at our clinics in Hialeah and Miami Lakes, Florida, and can help you decide if a penile implant is the right treatment for you. We also ensure you know how to use the implant correctly, so you can resume intimacy with your partner with confidence.

If you’re unsure about getting a penile implant because of stories you’ve heard, we can also bust some common myths for you.

What to know about penile implants

Penile implants are inserts that our physicians surgically implant in the shaft of the penis. There are two types of penile implants available:

Inflatable implants

Inflatable implants are the most common type of implant men use for treating erectile dysfunction. The implant involves the placement of two inflatable devices that you inflate before sex with a pump hidden in your abdominal wall.

A small reservoir holds saltwater that fills the cylinders when you activate the pump. After sexual intimacy, you release a valve in your scrotum to drain the fluids back into the reservoir.

Semi rigid implant

A semi rigid implant uses a set of rods that you can position in an upward or downward position.

With this type of penile implant, the penis remains semirigid at all times, but you can bend it closer to your body for sex. When you’re not having sex, you can bend your penis away from your body.

Common myths and facts about penile implants

There are several common myths going around about penile implants. At the Urology Specialist Group, we can discuss all the pros and cons of the different penile implants available to help you make the most informed decision.

Here are some myths we’d like to bust right now:

MYTH: Sexual satisfaction is low with penile implants

FACT: One of the biggest concerns men have about penile implants is the impact the implant will have on the quality of their sex life.

Since penile implants provide an erection that’s very similar to a natural erection, you can expect your sex life after the implant to be satisfying. Having an implant won’t interfere with your ability to achieve an orgasm or with ejaculation.

MYTH: Penile implants fail too frequently

FACT: The penile implants we use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction are durable and reliable. You can expect the cylinders to remain operational for many years.

Some men may need to have a follow-up procedure to replace a worn cylinder. However, many men successfully use their penile implant for 15-20 years or longer without complication.

MYTH: Penile implants carry a high risk for infection

FACT: While there is always a risk for infection after any type of surgery, our physicians take great care to ensure that your penile implant remains infection-free.

We take all necessary precautions before, during, and after surgery, so you heal fully. We also can discuss your risks for infections and other postsurgical complications based on your unique medical history during your initial consultation, so you know what to expect.

Before you make assumptions about penile implants and associated risks, schedule a consultation at the Urology Specialist Group to discuss the facts. You can call the office near you or book an appointment online today.