Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about 30 million men in the United States. It means you can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. If you’ve tried oral medications or injections and haven’t gotten the results you want, you might consider a penile implant.
There are two main types of penile implants: inflatable and semirigid. Semirigid implants keep your penis in a permanently firm state. Inflatable implants are designed to mimic a natural erection. They’re filled with a fluid that you release from a reservoir. When you’re done having sex, you can deflate the implant, or explore options like constriction rings for enhanced pleasure.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of how inflatable penile implants work. We’ll also discuss whether you’re a good candidate for this type of surgery, what the procedure is like, how long recovery takes, and what outcomes you can expect.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and the Role of Penile Implants
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can stem from various underlying causes. Often, cardiovascular health issues, diabetes, prostate cancer (and its associated radiation therapy), or even pelvic trauma can contribute to ED.
ED takes a toll not just physically, but also emotionally. It can significantly impact a man’s confidence and strain relationships with their partners.
Penile Implants as a Solution
When other treatments, such as injections like Caverject, or medications, prove ineffective, penile implants may be considered a viable solution. They’re not usually the first thing a doctor will suggest, but they offer a permanent fix when other options fail.
One of the most compelling aspects of penile implants is the high satisfaction rates associated with them. In fact, penile implants boast the highest satisfaction rate of all available ED treatments. For many men, this procedure can restore not just sexual function, but also confidence and quality of life.
Types of Inflatable Penile Implants
If you and your doctor decide that an inflatable penile implant is the right choice, you’ll need to decide which type to have implanted.
3-Piece Inflatable Penile Implant
A 3-piece inflatable penile implant has three components:
- Two inflatable cylinders, which are surgically placed inside the penis (in the corpora cavernosa).
- A reservoir filled with saline solution, which is surgically placed in the abdomen.
- A pump, which is surgically placed inside the scrotum.
To get an erection, you squeeze the pump inside the scrotum. This action moves fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders in the penis. The fluid-filled cylinders then cause an erection.
2-Piece Inflatable Penile Implant
A 2-piece inflatable penile implant has two components: inflatable cylinders and a combined reservoir/pump.
The process for using the 2-piece implant is similar to the 3-piece implant.
Comparing Inflatable Implant Types
The 3-piece implants tend to provide a more natural feeling of firmness and rigidity when erect. However, some men find the 2-piece implants easier to use.
Who is a candidate for an inflatable penile implant?
Inflatable penile implants (IPIs) are generally considered a good option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who haven’t responded to other treatments, like medications or injections. You might be a good candidate if your ED is the result of prostate cancer, radiation therapy, cardiovascular issues, or diabetes.
It’s important to have a thorough medical evaluation to make sure you’re a good fit for the surgery. Your doctor will want to assess your overall health and discuss your specific situation. Psychological readiness and realistic expectations are also key. An IPI can significantly improve your quality of life, but it’s important to understand what the surgery involves and what to expect afterward.
Preparing for Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery
Getting ready for surgery involves several important steps:
Medical Evaluation and Discussion
Your surgeon will want to review your complete medical history. You’ll also want to discuss your expectations for the implant and any potential complications. It’s a good idea to include your partner in these discussions, so you’re both on the same page.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. This typically includes:
- Avoiding certain medications like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
- Not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
The Inflatable Penile Implant Surgical Procedure
So, what does the surgery to implant an inflatable penile implant actually look like?
Anesthesia and Incision
Before the surgery begins, you’ll receive anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You and your doctor can discuss whether general or spinal anesthesia is best for you.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will make an incision to access the penis. The incision is usually made in the scrotum or in the lower abdomen, just above the base of the penis.
Implant Placement
Next, the surgeon will stretch the tissue inside the penis (the corpora cavernosa) to make room for the inflatable cylinders. The cylinders are then inserted into the penis and carefully positioned. The surgeon will also place the fluid reservoir in the abdomen and the pump in the scrotum.
Duration of Surgery
Penile implant surgery doesn’t usually take long. In most cases, the entire procedure is complete within 45 minutes to an hour.
Recovery After Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery
The first few days after surgery will involve pain management, often with prescription medication. You’ll also likely have a catheter in place to help you urinate. Expect some swelling and soreness, which can be managed with ice packs and elevation.
Here’s a general timeline for recovery:
- 4-6 weeks: Abstain from sexual activity.
- 4-6 weeks: You can typically resume strenuous physical activity.
- 3-6 weeks: Your doctor will likely instruct you to begin inflating and deflating the implant to get comfortable with its operation.
It’s absolutely essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely. This will help ensure proper healing and optimal function of your new implant.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis carries some risks. Here’s what you should know:
- Infection: Infections usually happen within the first three months after surgery. Treatment may require removing the implant.
- Mechanical Failure: The implant can malfunction. While the devices are durable, they aren’t indestructible.
- Erosion: Internal erosion can occur, meaning the implant can start to wear away at the surrounding tissue.
Choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial to minimizing these risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Life After Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery
So, what can you expect after getting an inflatable penile implant?
- Sexual Function and Satisfaction: Most men are able to achieve an erection with the implant. Patient satisfaction rates are typically high. You can still experience orgasm, and possibly ejaculation, depending on the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction.
- Device Lifespan: These implants are pretty durable, with an average lifespan of about 15 years.
- Maintaining the Implant: Regular check-ups with your urologist are important to ensure the implant is functioning correctly and to address any potential issues.
The Bottom Line
When other treatments for erectile dysfunction don’t work, inflatable penile implants can be a safe and effective option. It’s important to learn as much as you can before making a decision, and to have realistic expectations about what the implant can and can’t do. But for many men, an IPP can improve their quality of life and their sexual satisfaction.