How does it work?

The implant consists of a pair of cylinders in the penis, a pump placed inside the scrotum (near your testicles), and a reservoir of saline (saltwater solution) in your lower abdomen. Squeezing the pump moves the saline into the cylinders, creating a rigid erection that feels very natural. The erection stays for as long as desired. Even after climax, the implant will stay inflated. There is a deflate button on the pump that returns the penis to a flaccid, soft state.

What are the types of implants?

There are several different types of penile implants available. The type that is used will depend on the needs and preferences of the man.

Three-piece inflatable pump
The three-piece inflatable pump involves placing two cylinders in the penis, an inflatable pump in the scrotum, and a fluid-filled container in the abdomen. All of these components are connected by special tubing.
Squeezing the pump in the scrotum causes fluid to move from the container into the cylinders, creating an erection. When the release valve is squeezed, fluid moves out of the cylinder and back into the container, making the penis flaccid.
When inflated, a three-piece inflatable pump implant acts and feels like a natural erection. The implant also feels natural and comfortable when flaccid.

Two-piece inflatable
This type of implant is similar to the three-piece inflatable device and works in the same way. However, instead of a separate fluid-filled container, the fluid is kept within the pump in the scrotum.
However, the two-piece inflatable device is not as rigid as the three-piece implant.

Semi-rigid or malleable rods
This type of penile implant involves a surgeon implanting two flexible rods into the penis. The implants never change in size or stiffness and maintain a semi-rigid state. They can, however, be set in different positions easily.
The implants are usually bent downward but can be straightened into an upward position when needed for sexual intercourse.
Even though they are very easy to use, many men find their constant rigid state to be uncomfortable.

Instructions before surgery may include:

• not eating or drinking anything for a set amount of time before surgery
• leaving valuables at home
• shaving or cleaning the area
• having someone available to drive home

During the surgery :

• The procedure itself usually lasts for 1–2 hours and takes place at a hospital or outpatient surgery centre. It takes place under anaesthesia to prevent the man from feeling what is happening.
• During the procedure, the surgeon will cut the penis below the head, and place the implant inside. It is important to customize the size of the implant based on both body and penis size.
• For inflatable implants, the surgeon makes small cuts in the scrotum to place the pump and valve. If the surgeon is implanting a three-piece system, they will also make incisions in the abdomen to put the fluid container in place.

Recovery Guideline After Prosthesis:

Most patients recover fairly quickly after the procedure but the swelling associated with the surgery may take weeks to resolve. Pain should improve during the first week after surgery.

How Effective Are the Implants?

About 90%-95% of inflatable prosthesis implants produce erections suitable for intercourse. Satisfaction rates with the prosthesis are very high, and typically 80%-90% of men are satisfied with the results and say they would choose the surgery again.

Is the Prosthesis Noticeable?

While men who have had the prosthesis surgery can see the small surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac, or in the lower abdomen just above the penis, other people probably will be unable to tell that a man has an inflatable penile prosthesis.

Is the Implant Safe?

No surgery is free of possible complications. Complications associated with penile implants include:
Uncontrolled bleeding after the surgery possibly leading to re-operation
Infection
Scar tissue formation
Erosion (tissue around the implant may break down) requiring removal
Mechanical failure leading to re-operation and removal

Outlook:

The implant is an effective treatment for ED, Most men and their partners are quite happy with their implant and find it to be very effective.
The life expectancy of the implant will depend on the specific device used. Around 60–80 per cent of devices will continue to work for 10 years.