A semi-rigid penile prosthesis is an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The semi-rigid prosthesis is a device that lacks a pump with inflatable parts but can only bend downwards or upwards. One thing that sets it apart from the inflatable devices is that it is always hard.
However, the device is bent on some strategic areas near the downward end to allow for comfort. This approach also helps with concealment of the erection, whose position can only be varied upwards during sexual activity.
What Should You Expect from Semi-Rigid Implants?
It is a relatively easier procedure in which patients with adverse medical conditions can still benefit1. The structure of the semi-rigid penile implant consists of two rods that can be bent. These rods are always solid, only being bent away from your body whenever you desire an erection.
Afterward, you can turn the prosthetic back towards your torso to hide the already rigid penis from possible detection. When bent, the device is quite stable and doesn’t cause any problems. This device doesn’t require any maintenance since it is not that easy to break2.
Unlike the inflatable penile devices, the semi-rigid implant does not have any pumping mechanism or flow tubes. Placing it inside the penis takes a relatively shorter time compared to the other implant alternatives. The semi-rigid implant can be used within two or three weeks after you have the surgery.
The Physical and Medical Approach
For this kind of implant, you can maintain the girth and length of the penis with the organ’s erect state, not interfering with the reproductive structure. However, there is hardly any moment when the penis will be soft.
One major perk of this semi-rigid implant is that there is minimal risk of infection since it occupies a smaller surface area and has no pumping provisions3. It can be used for sexual activity by merely bending the device upwards without much complication.
The surgeon installs this device in the penis by inserting two flexible rods. These implants do not change their stiffness or size. They are always in a semi-rigid state.
However, they can be varied in position with ease, but the constant hardened state of the penis may not appeal to some of the patients. Your doctor will conduct specific tests aimed at verifying whether you are fit for this surgery.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Some of the benefits of the semi-rigid penile prosthesis are:
- It is quite an easy device to use
- The surgery takes a short time
- Recovery often lasts for a few weeks.
- Infections rarely occur
- The procedure can be used in salvaging operation in case of an infection4
- The smaller number of parts involved make it a reliable form of ED treatment
Quite friendly to use for patients with manual dexterity
However, there are some disadvantages associated with these implants, such as:
- Appearance is less natural
- The penis is always in a semi-rigid state
- It can put a lot of pressure on the penis which could result in injury
- Quite tedious to hide under your clothes
Final Thoughts on Semi-rigid Penile Prosthesis
Overall, this device is very effective in treating erectile dysfunction and would be a choice for various patients. Discussing with your doctor what to expect from this treatment would go a long way toward helping you make that decision.
Links to Sources Used:
- Patient and partner outcome of inflatable and semi-rigid penile prosthesis in a single institution https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4752147/
- Penile prosthesis implant: scientific advances and technological innovations over the last four decades https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313299/
- Sample records for penile prosthesis implant https://www.science.gov/topicpages/p/penile+prosthesis+implant
- Semi-rigid penile prosthesis as a salvage management of idiopathic ischemic stuttering priapism https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4567212/