Penile implants

Penile implants offer a reliable solution for men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction (ED). These medical devices are surgically inserted into the penis to provide an erection when other treatment options such as medication or vacuum erection aids are unsuccessful. Penile implants are a permanent option for men who are looking for an effective treatment for their ED

Quickfacts

Causes & symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Rehabilitation

Quick facts

Indication: Severe and refractory erectile dysfunction
Implant types: Inflatable implants and semi-rigid rods

Causes

Penile implants are considered when ED is caused by various conditions:

Cardiovascular disease: High blood pressure, coronary heart disease
Diabetes mellitus: nerve damage and circulatory disorders
Neurological disorders: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries
Hormonal problems: Low testosterone levels
Post-operative complications: After pelvic or prostate surgery
Psychogenic factors: Severe psychological stress

Symptoms

The need for penile implants arises from the following main symptoms:

Persistent ED: Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
Low sexual desire: Often accompanied by frustration from ED
Psychological distress: Depression, anxiety, lowered self-esteem
Partnership tensions: Stress and conflict in the relationship

Diagnosis

The diagnosis for penile implants involves several steps:

Medical history: detailed history and symptoms
Physical examination: Identification of physical causes
Laboratory tests: checking hormone levels and blood sugar levels
ED-specific tests: Doppler ultrasound to assess penile blood flow

Treatment

Two main types of penile implants are available:

Inflatable implants:
- Three-part systems: Cylinders, pump and fluid reservoir. These offer a more natural erection and better control.
- Two-part systems: Easier to implant, but offer less natural erections.
Semi-rigid rods:
- Consist of flexible rods that are constantly semi-rigid. Less complex, but offer less discretion and comfort.

Surgical procedure:

Performed under general or spinal anaesthesia
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
A small incision for implantation

Rehabilitation

The recovery process after the implantation of a penile implant includes

Post-operative care: pain management and antibiotics to prevent infection
Healing time: Initial healing takes 4 to 6 weeks, during which time sexual activity should be avoided.
Instructions for use: Patients are trained on how to use the implant (for inflatable implants).
Regular follow-up examinations: Monitoring the healing process and early detection of complications

In the long term, many men report a significant improvement in their sexual quality of life and satisfaction with penile implants, as they provide a permanent solution to erectile dysfunction.