At Vitality Plus Urology, our skilled urologists are highly experienced in the placement of flexible rod and inflatable penile implants. A penile implant is a device that is implanted and concealed within the penis. A flexible rod implant consists of two rods made of steel or silver filaments, covered with layers of silicon sheath. They are inserted through an incision on the underside of the penis, near the base. This procedure provides the rigidity of the penile shaft that is normally desired, allowing for sexual intercourse. Whereas, with an inflatable penile implant, there are inflatable chambers implanted in the penis, a fluid reservoir implanted in the abdomen and a pump placed in the scrotum. The entire device is totally concealed in the body. Some men prefer the more natural look and feel of the erection using this method.
The penile implant procedure is most often performed for men experiencing severe erectile dysfunction. Typically, penile prosthetic surgery is considered after more conservative treatments have failed. Following both the flexible rod and inflatable procedures, patient satisfaction is extremely high.
Reasons to consider a Penile Implant:
- A Discrete Solution: Designed to emulate the look and performance of a natural erection
- Minimal Recovery Time: Following the routine outpatient procedure, a four to six-week recovery period is necessary before the implant is used
- Patient satisfaction rates: 93.8% of patients were moderately or completely satisfied with their penile implant choice, far outpacing satisfaction levels for Viagra (51.6%) or injection therapy (40.9%)
- Insurance Coverage: Most insurance, including Medicare, covers the implant.
The two basic types of penile implants that Coloplast offers include the Titan Touch® Inflatable Penile Implant and the Genesis™ Flexible Rod Penile Implant. Both types of implants enable men with erectile dysfunction to have a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse and to experience the joys of sex again. You should be able to have an orgasm with a penile implant if you were able to have one before surgery, unless you have an additional medical problem that affects it.
Consult your physician about this. The primary difference between the two implant types is that flexible rod implants (the Genesis) produce a permanently firm penis, while the inflatable implants (the Titan) produce a controlled, more natural erection most men desire.
Some facts about Coloplast’s Penile Implants:
- The implant is totally concealed in your body
- Designed to emulate the look and performance of a natural erection
- The Coloplast Titan Touch Inflatable Penile Implant (IPP) is a self-contained, fluid-filled system made from Bioflex and silicone. Bioflex is a supple, durable biopolymer material
- Pump design has a non-bulky, low-profile size
- The Titan Touch inflatable penile implant offers a dependable method of restoring sexual function
- It offers hope to many men with E.D.
- It is the result of advanced engineering and medical research designed with your needs in mind
- It provides an option where other treatments are not appropriate or have failed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will I be able to have spontaneous erections with a penile implant?
A. No. In order to place the implant in the body, the corpora containing the spongy tissue is removed to make room for the cylinders. If you are still able to have erections on your own, which are satisfactory for intercourse, you should consider very carefully whether or not an implant is the right fix for you. However, if you cannot have erections or if they are not satisfactory for intercourse, then an implant will be able to provide you with a more “instant” erection when compared to pills, or vacuum devices.
Q. Will I lose any length in my penis after getting a penile implant?
A. Each penile implant is custom fitted to your anatomy. Discuss this in greater detail with your physician.
Q. What is the recovery time?
A. Each individual is different and therefore their recovery times will vary. Typical recovery is between 4-6 weeks. Your physician will determine what you can and cannot do during this time. It is important to follow the recommendations that your physician gives to you to ensure the best outcome.
Q. Are there risks associated with the penile implant?
A. Penile implants are surgical solutions requiring a healing period that have risks associated with surgery such as pain, anesthesia reactions, repeat surgery due to infections, or mechanical problems with the device. It is important to note that the implant eliminates the possibility of a natural erection. Considerations in choosing a penile implant may include your medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference and cost. This treatment is prescribed by your physician. Although many patients benefit from the use of this device, results may vary.
Q. Are penile implants noticeable?
A. Since the implant is completely placed inside your body, no one will see the implant. In fact, no one will know unless you tell them.
Q. Is the cost of a penile implant covered by insurance?
A. A penile implant is prescribed by your physician. Note that most insurance, including Medicare, covers the implant. Check with your physician’s office to determine your actual cost.
Q. Are orgasms possible with a penile implant?
A. You should be able to have an orgasm with a penile implant if you were able to have one before your procedure. Consult your physician about your expected outcome.
At Vitality Plus Urology, we know how frustrating and sensitive erectile and sexual problems can be for our patients. Our dedicated urologists are experienced in penile implant procedures. If you are suffering from ED and think a penile implant might be right for you, schedule an appointment with our clinic today.
