About one-third of men are living with erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that makes it difficult or impossible to get an erection that’s strong enough for sexual intercourse. It’s a very common condition — but one that can be embarrassing to discuss with your doctor.
ED can severely impact your sex life, but it’s a treatable medical condition. At Advanced Urology, our medical team offers the latest in ED treatments, including penile prosthesis implants, at our offices in Redondo Beach, Culver City, and Los Angeles, California.
ED’s causes vary, and many men find that conservative treatments are enough to improve the condition. But if you’re still struggling in the bedroom after exhausting your other options, a penile prosthesis implant could be the solution you’ve been hoping for.
Implants work by supporting your penis in an erect position that’s firm enough for penetrative sex. The two main types of penile implants are inflatable and semi-rigid, and each works differently.
If you’re considering a penile implant to treat ED, it’s important to educate yourself about your options. We’re here to help you decide which type is right for you.
Inflatable implants are the most common penile prosthesis option for men with severe ED. They create a natural-feeling erection when you want it and they leave your penis naturally flaccid the rest of the time.
Three-piece penile implants consist of two inflatable cylinders inside your penis, a pump inside your scrotum, and a fluid reservoir in your abdomen. Two-piece inflatable implants work in a similar way, but the fluid reservoir is also located in your scrotum instead of your abdomen.
When you want to inflate the device, you’ll gently squeeze your scrotum to pump fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in your penis. You’ll have a firm erection for sexual intercourse, and then you release the valve and the fluid flows back into the reservoir.
An inflatable implant has several mechanical parts and requires manual operation to create an erection that’s strong enough for sex, but it can give you the most natural sensation of any prosthesis.
A semi-rigid implant is another common penile prosthesis implant. It’s a bendable rod that’s placed inside your penis. It’s always firm, but it can be bent upward for sex and downward the rest of the time.
A positionable implant is a type of semi-rigid device that’s made of several smaller segments instead of one long rod. It has a spring on each end and it can offer a firmer erection than some other types of semi-rigid implants.
Semi-rigid implants are easy to use, making them a good option for men with dexterity or mental challenges. However, it leaves your penis slightly rigid all the time, which may be uncomfortable or difficult to conceal under clothing.
Getting a penile prosthesis implant requires a surgical procedure. Before you decide whether a penile implant is right for you, take the time to learn about risks associated with surgery and what you can expect during and after recovery.
Penile implants don’t change the size of your penis or sensation during sex, and they don’t increase your sex drive. Instead, they help your penis maintain an erect position for sexual intercourse.
Choosing the right implant for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. Our doctors are here to review your medical history and your goals for ED treatment to help you determine which option is best.
Ready to learn more about your treatment options for ED? Give us a call or request your first appointment online today.
