Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health issue that significantly affects men’s quality of life and psychosocial well-being. For men who do not benefit sufficiently from medications, injections, or other methods, penile prosthesis implantation offers a reliable and permanent solution. Thanks to devices produced with advanced technology, this procedure enables natural-looking, satisfying, and spontaneous sexual intercourse.

Table of Contents

What is a Penile Prosthesis?

A penile prosthesis is a medical device surgically implanted inside the penis to mimic the function of an erection. One of the most important criteria for penile prosthesis use is that the patient has tried and failed all other known treatment methods. Since this is considered a surgical procedure, it is typically a last-resort option; however, in terms of results, it often yields high satisfaction for both the patient and their partner. There are generally two types of prostheses:

Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Prostheses:
• Made of bendable metal or silicone rods
• The penis remains in a semi-rigid state but can be manually positioned up or down
• Easy to use, lower cost, but harder to conceal

Inflatable (Hydraulic) Prostheses:
• Typically consist of two or three-piece systems
• Include a pump, reservoir, and cylinders
• Erection is achieved by pumping fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders; deflation is also possible
• This type offers the most natural look and feel

How Do Penile Prostheses Work?

Penile prostheses are medical devices that mechanically produce an erection. In malleable prostheses, flexible but firm rods placed inside the penis keep it in a semi-rigid position; the patient can manually adjust the rods to prepare for intercourse. In inflatable prostheses, cylinders placed inside the penis are filled with fluid drawn from a reservoir using a pump located in the scrotum. After intercourse, the fluid is returned to the reservoir via the pump, and the penis softens again. This system allows for both a natural appearance and functional erection.

Who is a Candidate?

Penile prosthesis implantation is recommended in the following situations:
• When oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) are ineffective
• When intracavernosal injection therapy fails
• When erectile dysfunction caused by psychogenic, neurogenic, or vasculogenic factors becomes permanent
• When ED is accompanied by deformities like Peyronie’s disease
• When ED occurs after diabetes, spinal cord injury, or prostate cancer surgery

Surgical Procedure and Recovery

Before surgery, the patient’s medical history is reviewed, a physical examination is conducted, and if necessary, a penile Doppler ultrasound is performed for detailed evaluation. Antibiotic prophylaxis is administered preoperatively to reduce infection risk, and necessary tests are completed. The procedure is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia. The surgical incision is typically made through the scrotum or upper part of the penis, and the selected prosthesis is placed inside the corpora cavernosa. In inflatable prostheses, the pump is positioned in the scrotum, and the reservoir is placed in the abdomen. The surgery takes approximately 1–2 hours.

Postoperative recovery is generally quick; patients are discharged within 24–48 hours. It is recommended to avoid sexual activity for about 4–6 weeks. In the initial weeks, mild pain, swelling, and tenderness may occur, but these symptoms typically subside on their own, and patients can return to daily activities comfortably.

Advantages of Penile Prosthesis Implantation

• High patient and partner satisfaction: Reported satisfaction rates range from 85% to 95%
• Spontaneous sexual activity: No need for prior planning or medication
• Natural appearance and feel: Especially with three-piece inflatable prostheses
• Long-lasting solution: Prostheses can last 10–15 years or longer
• Fast functionality: Once recovery is complete, the prosthesis is ready for regular sexual use
• Uninterrupted work and social life: The prosthesis does not significantly affect daily or physical activities
• Personalized fit: Prostheses come in various types and sizes to suit anatomical needs, ensuring maximum comfort

Psychological Benefits of Penile Prosthesis

Regaining sexual function brings significant psychological relief in addition to physical recovery. Many men who experience confidence loss, depression, or relationship issues due to ED report dramatic improvements in quality of life after receiving a penile prosthesis. Increased partner satisfaction also strengthens emotional bonds between couples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a penile prosthesis cause loss of sensation?
No. The prosthesis only provides rigidity; sensation in the penis head, ejaculation, and orgasm functions remain normal.

Does it affect urination?
No. The penile prosthesis is unrelated to the urethra and does not interfere with urination.

Is it visible from the outside?
No. Inflatable prostheses are not noticeable externally and provide a very natural appearance.

What is the lifespan of a prosthesis?
Typically, it functions without issues for 10–15 years or more. In case of mechanical failure, it can be replaced.

Will my sexual performance improve?
The prosthesis is designed to restore erection. With the resolution of erectile dysfunction, confidence and performance may also improve indirectly.

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