You’ve tried medications, adjusted your lifestyle, but still, the frustration of erectile dysfunction (ED) lingers. For many men in this situation, traditional treatments just don’t cut it.
But could a penile implant offer a dependable, long-term solution that restores confidence and intimacy?
Here’s what you need to know about ED and penile implants.
4 signs it’s time to see a doctor for your ED
More than half of all men struggle to get or maintain an erection by the time they reach their 50s. It may be time to talk to a doctor if:
- You experience ED regularly
- Your relationship is being impacted
- ED is affecting your mental health
- You’re concerned your ED is linked with another health condition
> Related: 5 Lifestyle Changes That Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Your doctor will start with more conservative treatment.
There are many treatment options for ED including:
- Lifestyle changes
- Oral medications to stimulate blood flow (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)
- Sexual therapy counseling
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile injections
- Urethral suppositories
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When other treatments fail, a penile implant offers hope.
When oral medications have failed, it may be time to see a provider who specializes in more advanced treatments such as penile implants.
“The last option is a surgical procedure to place a penile implant,” explains Jared Bieniek, MD, medical director of Tallwood Men’s Health. “This is generally for men whom the other treatment options have not worked or are not desirable.”
Further discussions and review will help determine the best treatment plan for you.
How penile implants work
To maintain an erection, blood fills two tubes of spongy tissue in the penis. Penile implants are inserted into these spaces to create an erection.
There are two main types of penile implants:
- Semi-rigid malleable devices. “Malleable devices are bendable and can be positioned down to be hidden in the pants or bent upward to achieve an erection,” Dr. Bieniek says. For men with limited dexterity, such as stroke survivors or spinal cord injury patients, malleable devices may be a desirable option.
- Inflatable devices. The more natural-appearing option is inflatable devices, where a man can manually inflate and deflate the device through a pump hidden under the skin in the scrotum.
All components of penile implants are hidden internally, making them discreet and natural in appearance.
Penile implants are simple, but effective.
The procedure to implant a penile device is a relatively quick surgery, with patients typically heading home the same day.
Most men can expect a recovery time of about four to six weeks. Penile implants usually last between 10 and 15 years, though, like any device, they may require maintenance or replacement down the road.
“Satisfaction rates are very high after penile implants. Most men will still be able to enjoy stimulation and be able to achieve orgasm assuming they were able to beforehand,” Dr. Bieniek says.
