Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It’s one of the most common sexual health conditions in men and becomes more frequent with age. Common symptoms of ED are:

• Trouble maintaining an erection during sexual activity
• Difficulty getting an erection
• Erections that are less firm than before
• Reduced interest in sex due to frustration or inconsistency

Occasional difficulty with erections is common. However, ongoing erectile dysfunction often requires medical intervention to solve. For chronic ED, an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) may be the best option.

When treatments like medication or vacuum pumps aren’t as effective or no longer tolerated, a penile implant may be considered.

A penile implant (IPP) is a medical device implanted inside the body that enables you to create an erection when desired.

It’s designed for men with ED that has not responded to other forms of treatment. It offers a reliable, long-term solution without relying on pills or ongoing drug therapy.

An IPP is a surgically implanted device that consists of three parts:

• Cylinders placed inside the penis
• A pump placed in the scrotum
• A fluid reservoir placed in the lower abdomen

When you’re ready for an erection, you gently squeeze the small pump located in the scrotum. This action transfers fluid from a hidden reservoir into the two inflatable cylinders inside the penis. The reservoir is implanted in the abdomen and can’t be seen or felt.

As the cylinders fill, the penis becomes firm and erect, allowing for sexual activity.

Afterward, when you no longer need the erection, you press a release valve on the pump. This allows the fluid to flow back into the reservoir, and the penis returns to a soft, flaccid state.

The entire system is fully internal and discreet, with no visible components outside the body.

If other treatments for ED haven’t worked or haven’t provided consistent results, an inflatable penile prosthesis might be worth considering. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Have persistent ED that doesn’t improve with pills or injections
• Have Peyronie’s disease, a curved or scarred penis, with ED
• Want a permanent, reliable solution
• Are in good enough health to undergo surgery

Your urologist will complete an evaluation to determine if this procedure is right for you.

The surgery is performed by a urologist who specializes in men’s sexual health. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours and is done under either:

• General anesthesia, where you’re fully asleep
• Spinal anesthesia, which numbs the lower half of your body while you remain awake

Surgeons can use a few different techniques to place the inflatable penile prosthesis. It depends on your anatomy and the surgeon’s preference. The three most common approaches include:

• Scrotal incision. A small cut is made at the base of the scrotum. This allows the surgeon to insert all parts of the device through a single opening.
• Infrapubic incision. A small incision is made just above the pubic bone. The surgeon places the device components through this entry point.
• Combined infrapubic and scrotal incisions. In some cases, both incisions are used to allow better access for placing the prosthesis.

Two inflatable cylinders are inserted inside the penis. A fluid reservoir is positioned in the lower abdomen, beneath the abdominal muscles. A pump and release valve are placed in the scrotum, allowing for easy access through the skin.

Once everything is in place, the incision is closed with sutures, and the device is left in a deflated position to allow healing. The components are completely internal and not visible outside the body.

Most men recover well after surgery, with full healing typically taking about six weeks. You may go home the same day or the next morning after surgery.

In the first week or two, it’s normal to have some soreness, swelling, or bruising around the scrotum and incision site. Your doctor will provide instructions on managing pain and keeping the area clean.

Follow-up visits will be scheduled to check your healing and remove any temporary devices, such as a urinary catheter. Around six weeks after surgery, if everything has healed properly, you’ll be shown how to use the implant. At that point, most men are cleared to resume sexual activity.

An inflatable penile prosthesis offers a reliable solution for men with ED who want a more permanent solution that puts them in control. Key benefits include:

• On-demand erections that are firm and natural-feeling
• Full control over when and how long you maintain an erection
• Completely internal and discreet, with no need for external devices or ongoing medications
• No effect on sexual sensation or ability to orgasm
• Effective for men with ED related to diabetes, nerve damage, prostate surgery, or age-related changes

As with any surgical procedure, getting an IPP isn’t without risks. Some things to be aware of include:

• Infection, especially in men with diabetes or weakened immune systems
• Mechanical failure, although most devices last 10 to 15 years
• Pain and swelling during the initial recovery period
• Scarring or slight shortening of the penis, which can happen in rare cases

Your urologist will review these and any other concerns with you during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

1. How long does an inflatable penile implant last?

Most implants last 10 to 15 years, but some last even longer. If the device wears out or malfunctions, it can usually be replaced with a minor surgery.

2. Will my partner be able to feel the implant?

The IPP creates a firm erection that feels natural. Most partners cannot tell that an implant is in place, especially once the swelling has gone down after healing.

3. Does the implant affect ejaculation or orgasm?

No. An IPP doesn’t interfere with sexual sensation, ejaculation, or your ability to have an orgasm.

All of our providers treat ED.