I’m Dr. Sébastien Beley, urological surgeon and andrologist in Paris, and today I’m offering you a comprehensive article to shed light on an often misunderstood but essential subject in the treatment of severe erectile dysfunction: thepenile implant. If you or someone you know is suffering from erectile dysfunction that is resistant to conventional treatments, this article will explain in detail what a penile implant is, when it may be indicated, the different types of implant available, and the advantages and limitations of this surgical solution.

What is a penile implant? A surgical solution for severe erectile dysfunction

The penile implant is a surgical treatment designed for men with severe erectile dysfunction who do not respond to drugs such as Viagra or Cialis, or to intra-cavernosal injections, the latter involving the injection of a product directly into the penis to induce an erection. When these drug treatments are ineffective or insufficient, penile implants become a serious treatment option.

This surgical procedure is generally short, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, and is performed during a hospital stay of around 24 hours. The principle is simple: a prosthetic device is implanted inside the penis to restore sufficient rigidity to allow sexual penetration. In this way, the penile implant not only restores satisfactory sexuality, but also self-confidence and quality of life.

Why choose a penile implant? Main indications

The indications for insertion of a penile implant are precise and essentially concern cases of severe and resistant erectile dysfunction:

• Erectile dysfunction that does not respond to oral treatments (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc.).
• Patients for whom intra-cavernosal injections are unsatisfactory or poorly tolerated.
• Men who want a long-lasting, effective and reliable solution to regain an erection on demand.

In short, the penile implant is reserved for the most severe forms of erectile dysfunction, where other treatment options have failed or are unsuitable.

The different types of penile implants: semi-rigid and inflatable

There are two main types of penile implants used in urological surgery:

The semi-rigid implant

This is the simplest and oldest model. It consists of a shape-memory rod implanted in the penis, which can be bent at will. This rod maintains the penis in a semi-rigid state, sufficient for penetration.

The advantages of this implant are :

• A simpler, faster surgical procedure.
• Easy day-to-day handling, without complex mechanisms.
• No need for regular maintenance surgery.
• The cost is generally lower than for inflatable implants.

The semi-rigid implant, on the other hand, does not deliver the same natural, variable erection as theinflatable implant. The penis remains permanently in a semi-rigid state, which can be uncomfortable for some men.

The inflatable implant

More recent and technologically advanced, the inflatable implant offers more natural rigidity and improved aesthetics. This type of implant consists of cylinders placed in the penis, connected to a pump located under the skin of the scrotum, usually invisible.

To achieve an erection, simply activate the pump, which inflates the cylinders and stiffens the penis. After use, the device can be deflated to restore a flaccid appearance.

The advantages of the inflatable implant are numerous:

• A stiffer erection closer to natural physiology.
• Increased penis volume in width, and sometimes in length depending on the model.
• A more discreet appearance for everyday use, as the penis can be flaccid when not in use.

However, this type of implant requires training to master the inflating and deflating pump. What’s more, it may require maintenance surgery every 10 to 15 years or so to ensure its long-term operability.

Procedure and recovery

Penile implant surgery is performed under anesthesia, usually on an outpatient basis or with a short one-day hospital stay. The surgery takes between 30 and 45 minutes. After the operation, medical follow-up is required to check the healing and functionality of the implant.

It is important to note that :

• A learning curve is required for inflatable implants to fully understand how they work.
• Sexual relations can usually be resumed after a period of time recommended by your urologist, often around 4 to 6 weeks.
• Regular follow-up is recommended to ensure the absence of complications and proper use of the implant.

The benefits of penile implants: satisfaction and quality of life

Beyond simply restoring erectile function, penile implant surgery has a profound impact on patients’ quality of life. A number of studies and surveys show that men with implants have the highest satisfaction rates of all available treatments for erectile dysfunction.

This satisfaction stems in particular from :

• The ability to achieve a firm erection on demand, without relying on drugs or injections.
• The restoration of an active and fulfilled sexuality, with the possibility of normal penetration.
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem.
• A durable, reliable and discreet solution.

Unlike some drug treatments, whose effectiveness can fluctuate, the penile implant offers an immediate, mechanical response to the patient’s needs.

Some important points to remember about the penile implant

1. This is a surgical treatment reserved for severe cases of erectile dysfunction resistant to other treatments.
2. There are two types of implant: semi-rigid and inflatable, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
3. The procedure is short and performed under anesthesia, with a short hospital stay.
4. Medical supervision and training are required, particularly for the inflatable implant.
5. Patient satisfaction is high, with a positive impact on quality of life.
6. The implant may require maintenance every 10 to 15 years.

In conclusion: the penile implant, an effective and long-lasting solution

If you suffer from severe erectile dysfunction that does not respond to conventional treatments, penile implants represent a serious and effective treatment option. This surgical solution, whether semi-rigid or inflatable, can restore satisfactory erectile function and considerably improve quality of life.

It’s essential to talk to your urologist to assess your particular situation, understand the benefits and limitations of this procedure, and choose the type of implant best suited to your needs and expectations.

For more information, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist in urology or andrology. Personalized care will enable you to regain your sexuality and confidence.

I also invite you to discover other resources and videos on male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, Lapeyronie’s disease, and many other topics related to urology and andrology.

See you soon,

Dr Sébastien Beley
Urological surgeon and andrologist, Paris