Penile implants primarily work to fix what people with erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease can’t do: getting erections.1 They feature mechanical devices surgically inserted in the body, precisely the prostate area. Even though this is a surgical procedure and it carries some risks, there are also numerous benefits, including control of your sexual functions.
How Does a Penile Implant Work?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of how the implants work, you need to know about the types of penile implants. Different types function differently. There are two main kinds:
- Malleable
- Inflatable
The malleable implant uses flexible rods/ Flexi rods which offer a permanent stiffness or firmness of the penis. However, the inflatable implants offer a more natural erection which you can control with ease.
Learn more about this below.
How the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Pump Works
The inflatable penile prosthesis implant comes in one, two, or three pieces. It features two attached cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump, which are surgically inserted in the body.
During sexual activity, you simply squeeze the pump that sits under the foreskin of the scrotal sac, right in the midst of the testicles. Using the thumb and index finger, squeeze the pump up to a point where the penis is fully erect.
After sexual intercourse, you squeeze again while holding the pump a little longer. This way, the fluid that left the reservoir during erection is reverted, bringing the penis back to its flaccid state.
This implant is more commonly preferred as it offers multiple penile prosthesis benefits including longer erections, full control of the penis, and a more satisfying and natural sexual experience.
How the Semi-rigid or Malleable Implant Works
Unfortunately, for this penile implant, the result of the surgical procedure is an ever semi-rigid penis. The insertion of flexible rods leaves the penis in a semi-erect position permanently.
During sexual intercourse, you only need to straighten the bent rods into an upright position. Many people find this uncomfortable and unnatural.
Benefits of Penile Implants
Now that you’ve read about the works of the implants, here are various penile prosthesis benefits:
- Patient satisfaction – more especially for the inflatable implants, you will have total control of your erectile functions.
- Faster and better results compared to other treatment options like medications and vacuum pumps.
- Discreteness – the surgery is minimally invasive leaving a very small/ unnoticeable scar. Moreover, there aren’t any mechanical feelings during sex.
- Minimal recovery time – after this outpatient procedure, you only need a recovery period of three to six weeks and you can resume normal sexual functions.
- Cost-effective – after the surgery you can expect the devices to last you five to 20 years. Its life expectancy falls between ten to 15, depending on various factors.
The penile implants are custom-fitted to your body. No problems with sensitivity, pain, or other issues.
These are just some of the most common advantages of penile implants.
Experience These Penile Prosthesis Benefits
They say experience is the best teacher. This is true about penile implants as well. While you’re not protected from the risks of the surgery, this procedure sure does offer more benefits than risks.
Links to Sources Used
https://healthcare.utah.edu/menshealth/conditions/peyronies/index.php