An older man talks with his urologist about getting a penile implant

Treatments

Penile implant

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A penile implant is a long-term, discrete option for treating erectile dysfunction. It allows you to achieve an erection whenever you desire and has been in clinical use for over 50 years.1

Effective long-term treatment option for erectile dysfunction

A penile implant may be a suitable option when other erectile dysfunction treatments – such as lifestyle changes, medications, and vacuum erection devices – have been unsuccessful or fail to deliver satisfactory results.

How does a penile implant work?

A penile implant is a prosthetic device that placed into your body. It usually contains a rigid or inflatable part in the penis and sometimes additional components in the abdomen or scrotum. It is designed to allow you to get and maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse.

Types of penile implants

3-piece inflatable implant

Malleable implant

Benefits of a penile implant

 
Natural-looking results
A penile implant is designed to look and feel natural. It is completely internal and invisible from the outside. 
 
Does not affect sensation, orgasm, or ejaculation
The procedure to place the penile prosthesis and the implanted device should not change your sexual experience. If you were able to orgasm and ejaculate before the surgery, you should still be able to after.
 
Patient and partner satisfaction
The penile implant is designed for satisfaction. It provides the ability to have an erection anytime you choose and allows you to maintain it as long as you desire. Over 90% of patients and their partners were satisfied with the device and would recommend it to others.2

Potential risks from a penile implant

As with any medical procedure, complications can occur. Side effects include but are not limited to:

  • Natural or spontaneous erections
  • Other interventional treatment options will no longer be possible  
  • Infection, in which case the implant may have to be removed 
  • Pain (typically associated with the healing process) 
  • Mechanical failure of the implant

 

The penile implant procedure

Before

The surgery is performed under anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and won’t experience any pain during the surgery.

During

The implant procedure is completed in a hospital setting. Your urologist will make a small incision in your scrotum or above the pubic bone and insert the components through this opening.

After

You can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising lasting for up to 4 to 6 weeks after your penile implant surgery. You will be able to take oral pain relief during this time. Your urologist will also recommend you abstain from using the prosthesis for sexual activity while your body heals, usually about 6 weeks.

Conditions relevant to penile implants

Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE)

Up to 72% of men with BPE also experience erectile dysfunction.3 An enlarged prostate is a common condition, particularly in men over the age of 50. It’s not prostate cancer, but it can cause similar symptoms.

More info

Prostate cancer

76% of men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer may experience erectile dysfunction and subsequently seek treatment for their condition.4

More info
A physician explains unrinary incontinance to her elderly patients

Find an expert urologist near you

Do you have further questions about penile implants for erectile dysfunction? Want to know if penile prosthesis could be the right treatment for you? Find an expert urologist today.

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Frequently asked questions about a penile implant

No, your penile implant will be completely undetectable because it is fully concealed within your body. Nobody needs to know unless you tell them.

The process of activating your penile implant should not be painful. You just need to push on the pump to make your penis erect. If you do experience pain, speak to your urologist.

You should be able to have a normal, sexual relationship with your penile implant. Your erection will last as long as you want or need it to, and you should still experience the same sensation, orgasm, and ejaculate as you did before your surgery.

Penile implant surgery takes about an hour. It is a fairly simple and straightforward procedure, but you will most likely have to stay in hospital for one night after your procedure.

You may experience some bruising and swelling that could last for up to 4 weeks after your penile implant surgery. You will also need to abstain from using your prosthesis up to six weeks after your surgery, or as long as your doctor advises.

A penile implant shouldn’t affect your ability to travel or go through airport security since most contain minimal metal components. You will receive a patient ID card that identifies you as a medical device patient to make sure you avoid issues.

It’s impossible to know exactly how long a penile implant will last in any specific patient. To prolong the life of your implant, always follow the advice of your urologist.

You will need to check your individual insurance policy to discover if penile implants are covered.

References:

  1. Scott FB, Bradley WE, Timm GW. Management of erectile impotence: use of implantable inflatable prosthesis. Urology. 1973 Jul;2(1):80-2. Data on file with Boston Scientific.
  2. Levine LA, Estrada CR, Morgentaler A. Mechanical reliability and safety of, and patient satisfaction with the Ambicor inflatable penile prosthesis: results of a 2 center study. J Urol. 2001 Sep;166(3):932-7.
  3. Rosen R, Altwein J, Boyle P, Kirby RS, Lukacs B, Meuleman E, O'Leary MP, Puppo P, Robertson C, Giuliano F. Lower urinary tract symptoms and male sexual dysfunction: the multinational survey of the aging male (MSAM-7). Eur Urol. 2003 Dec;44(6):637- 49. [PubMed]
  4. Prostate Cancer UK (2024, Jul 30) Support for men with erectile dysfunction isn’t good enough https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/projects-and-policies/erectile-dysfunction

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France. This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

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