Penile implants are recommended for patients who suffer from severe erectile dysfunction which is unresponsive to other treatment options. The survival rate for a penile prosthesis ranges between 93% for the first 5 years up to 60% for 15 years.1

Assuming your doctor recommends this as the best treatment option for erectile dysfunction, you may have some questions.

Most Frequently Asked Penile Implant Questions Answered

Can anyone tell that I have a penile implant?

No. penile implants are very discreet and the only way a person can know you have one is if you tell them.  Your partner also won’t be able to tell as the implant looks natural even when the penis is flaccid.

How long will my implant last?

Penile implants can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years if the surgery is a success. Replacements are dependent on the frequency of usage so the more you use your implant, the sooner you will have to replace it.

What is the success rate of penile implants?

Inflatable penile implants have a success rate of over 90%, meaning that the man is able to successfully sustain an erection fit for sexual intercourse. Around 80% of the men who have undergone this surgery report satisfaction.2

What is the best penile implant for me?

Your doctor will determine the best penile implant for you after consultations and face to face evaluations. There are also factors that will affect this decision including the structure of your penis and your lifestyle and preferences. This is a decision that you can also make with your partner.

How will the penile implant affect my sex life?

The implant will improve your sex life by making it easy for you to achieve long-lasting erections. It does not interfere with the sensitivity of your penis and the orgasms still remain the same. You may experience minor pain at first but with time, you get used to having an implant.

How long is the recovery period following penile implant surgery?

Penile implant surgery takes less than three hours and you may not have to stay in the hospital overnight. The recovery period varies but on average it will take you anywhere between 1 to 2 weeks for the swelling and discomfort to go down. Within 5 days, your incision should be almost healed.

More Penile Implants Questions and Answers

Before you go for penile implant surgery, make sure that you ask any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision. The questions could vary from the functionality of the device and side effects, to how it will impact your life.

You could also carry your spouse with you to the consultation so that you can make the decision together. This will have a profound impact on your sex life.

Links to sources used

  1. Long-term survival and patient satisfaction with an inflatable penile prosthesis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction –  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462637/#:~:text=The%20mechanical%20and%20overall%20survival,Wilson%20et%20al
  2. Contemporary Patient Satisfaction Rates for Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prostheses –  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412090/