Penile Implants Near Phoenix

Everything You Need to Know When Considering a Penile Implant

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an extremely common condition, yet many men will avoid speaking to a specialist about their symptoms of ED. Erectile dysfunction is certainly nothing to be embarrassed about, and a majority of cases can be treated using standard procedures offered by the physicians at Southeast Valley Urology.

Who Should Get a Penile Implant?

ED is usually caused by a medical condition, but it can also be related to prescription and recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, and in some cases a result of psychological issues. ED becomes more common as you get older, but it’s not a normal result of aging. If your ED is a result of an underlying disease like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, it is important to treat the main cause of your condition rather than trying to only manage your symptoms. For those that continue to struggle with ED, oral medications like Viagra can help to successfully treat up to 65% of cases of ED.

Even if medications prove ineffective, patients still have a variety of other options, such as penile implants. Medical device companies like American Medical Systems (AMS) and Coloplast have developed several devices aimed at providing a functional, natural experience for you and your partner.

Am I a Candidate for a Penile Implant?

The best candidates for a penile implant are those who:

• Have a problem with blood flow to the penis
• Have nerve injuries
• Have side effects from prostate cancer
• Have not had positive responses to oral medication or penile injection therapy

In order to more accurately determine a man’s likelihood for success in using a penile implant, patients will need to schedule an individualized consultation with one of our urologists.

Our Office in Gilbert, AZ

Types of Penile Implants

There are three primary types of penis implants. The simplest form is the malleable penile implant. With this device, the penis remains rigid all the time. This allows the penis to be placed close to the body or moved away from the body for sex. Other versions of semi-rigid rods will have segments with springs on each end that make it easier to maintain the position of the penis once in place.

Malleable implants work well for men who do not have the strength or dexterity to work an inflatable penis pump. One downside commonly noted by individuals with this type of penile implant is that the semi-rigid penis can be difficult to conceal, even when positioned downward. 

Two- and three-part inflatable penis pumps provide a more natural option. Inflatable penile pumps consist of two cylinders, a pump, and a reservoir. The cylinders are implanted into the penis while the pump and reservoir are hidden in the abdomen and scrotum, or just in the scrotum, depending on the particular type of pump. 

By repeatedly pressing on a button in the scrotum, the man can inflate the cylinders with a liquid solution drawn from the reservoir to create an erection. A deflation valve allows the fluid to flow back into the reservoir, bringing the penis back to a flaccid state. Since the entire device is concealed within the body, men can worry much less about the visual appearance of their penile implant, as it will be undetectable from outside of the body.

Three-part inflatable penile implants will create the most rigid erection that is also able to mimic the look and performance of a natural erection. The two-part inflatable penile implant type is often used as a less complicated alternative to the standard three-part penile implant.

Learn More About AMS Implants             Learn More About Coloplast Implants

Does Sex With a Penile Pump Feel Different?

Implant surgery does not affect the sensation of intercourse or a man’s ability to reach orgasm or ejaculate. Sex with a penile implant feels just as patients would expect in any other situation where they are no longer hindered by erectile dysfunction. 

As far as your partner is concerned, the penile pump creates an erect penis with an increase in girth and sometimes length, depending on the model. Your erection will last as long as you each would like it to.

What Is the Surgery Like?

Surgery to place a penis pump is usually done under general anesthesia. The device is introduced through a small incision made in the scrotum or at the base of the penis. Most men require an overnight hospital stay and are back on their feet within a week.

For follow-up care, patients should utilize all instructions given to them by Dr. Simoncini in order to minimize the length of their recovery process and optimize their results. Approval from our physicians is needed before patients may safely return to sexual activities, though many can expect to achieve this after only a few weeks.