One of the main concerns that many men have when preparing for penile implant surgery, is whether or not the size of their natural penis will be maintained. There is a lot of contradictory information on the internet, which indicates that penis size can grow, stay the same, and get smaller.

Penile implants are not intended to change the size of the penis

It is important to understand that a penile implant is not intended to specifically lengthen or widen the penis. The primary function of a penile implant is to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, to provide a higher quality of life and to improve sexual activity1.

A penile implant works by removing the corpora cavernosum and replacing it with some kind of prosthesis (inflatable or semi-rigid)1. The corpora cavernosum is the tissue in the penis that fills with blood, which is what causes an erection1. Surgeons do their best to ensure that the prosthesis is an accurate match to the original size of the penis when erect. However, this is not always 100% accurate.

Does the penis get shorter?

Yes, it is possible that the penis can appear shorter when erect after undergoing penile implant surgery, compared to before2. One study showed that out of a sample of 20 men, 70% experienced a loss in penile length after surgery1. These losses ranged from between 0.5cm to 1.5cm1. It is not entirely clear why this loss of size occurs, but it is believed to be related to factors such as denervation atrophy, hypoxia, and minimal tumescence in the glans3. It is important to note that in this study where losses did occur, 43% of these men didn’t actually realize they had experienced any reduction in size1.

Conversely, there are also a number of studies that show that there is no difference in penile length before and after implant surgery4. It is very possible that penile implant surgery will have no visible effect on the size of the penis. In some cases, your outcome will be determined by your physical health and any medical conditions. Patients undergoing implant surgery due to Peyronie’s disease or complications from earlier pelvic surgery were more likely to experience a decrease in length3.

It’s important to have realistic expectations

A reduction in penis size is a common complaint from patients after surgery5. There are a number of studies that have shown that actually, although patients may report that their penis is shorter after surgery, there is no objective difference in measurement5. Regardless of whether a difference in size is real or perceived, it is important to note that it will still have the same impact on implant satisfaction3. This indicates that there are a number of men who may have unrealistic expectations for their surgery, and don’t actually know how to objectively identify the size of their penis.

Perhaps a way of making patients more satisfied with their penile implants is to remind them that reduction in size is very possible. Psychological acceptance of this outcome may result in higher levels of satisfaction afterwards. Patients should also remember that surgeons are attempting to maintain full size of the penis, even enlarge it where possible5. Although the risk of size reduction is real, medical professionals are doing all they can to prevent it.

What Does a Penile Implant Do To The Size of The Penis?

There is no simple answer to the question “Do penile implants alter the size of the penis?”. Sometimes the surgery can cause a reduction in size, and sometimes it does not. This is dependent on a lot of factors, many of which are not fully known yet. When surgery does cause a reduction in size, this is usually not significant, but can range from 0.5 to 1.5cm.

Penis size is understandably important to a lot of men, and this is something that needs to be considered when thinking about getting a penile implant. Patients undergoing penile implant surgery, no matter what kind, should be prepared for a potential reduction in penis size. Most patients will not experience a reduction in length or girth of the penis after a penile implant. It is possible that a change will occur, although usually minimal, and may be entirely psychological. Being better prepared mentally will result in better outcomes, regardless of physical change.

 

References

  1. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/does-a-penile-prosthesis-implant-affect-the-size-of-the-penis/
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320918.php
  3. http://www.ajandrology.com/temp/AsianJAndrol21198-2707587_073115.pdf
  4. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bju.14604
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708606/