Many patients are surprised to learn that there are many options for a penile implant.

Generally, there are two types of implants, a single component implant (just two cylinders in the penis) or a multiple component implant (either a two-piece or three piece). The most common implant we perform is the three-piece, multiple component implant. This provides the most rigid erection when fully erect and is the most natural in appearance when not in use. But the choice of the implant, depends on what is most important to you and your partner.  

Three-piece implants are the best for men looking to use the implant primarily for penetrative intercourse. But this implant requires a pump placed in the scrotum and a reservoir which gets placed in in the abdomen. Sterile fluid moves within this closed system to allow for a rigid erection. Although the risk of the procedure are very low, there are some risks specifically device malfunction.

In men that do not regularly engage in penetrative intercourse and are interested in an implant with essentially zero risk of infection or device malfunction, a single component implant can be an alternative. This implant only consists of two cylinders placed within the penis that do not change in size. The penis can be manipulated into the desired location since the implant is malleable. I have some patients that use this implant for penetrative intercourse. In some men who no longer have penetrative sexual intercourse and have suffered from penile length loss, a single component device can restore penile length and make it easier to direct the stream for urination. Additionally at the time of the surgery, other adjunct procedure (scrotoplasty, ventral phalloplasty, suprapubic lipectomy, monsplasty, glansplasty, etc.) can be performed to enhance perceived penile length.

When considering a penile implant, it is very important to have a frank conversation with your urologist about your goals and preferences. Understanding what is most important for you and/or your partner can change how we approach your individualized treatment.

Many patients are also surprised to learn that there are two (soon to be three) manufacturers of penile implants. Most Urologists typically use one manufacturer or the other, but there are certain key nuances to each manufacturers implant that can be used to optimize your individual outcomes after surgery and prioritize certain aspects of the implant that may be more important to you compared to the next guy.   

Contact us if you are interested in learning more about penile implant.

-Dr. Patel