There are 3 types of penile implants for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, a non inflatable implant, a two piece inflatable implant and a multi-component inflatable penile implant.
The terms penile prosthesis, inflatable penile prosthesis, penile implant and internal penile pump all refer to the multicomponent inflatable penile prosthesis.
What’s referred to as an internal penile pump, this is a soft fluid-filled device consisting of water and salt, that can expand and contract without losing elasticity.
Consisting of three small components, the pump, very thin tubes and the reservoir, the reservoir contains fluid which is transferred by the pump into the tubes, which causes it to expand and become rigid.
There are now believed to be over 250,000 men who have the internal penile pump worldwide. Below are listed the common advantages and disadvantages most associated with these devices.
Non Inflatable Penile Implant
Advantages
- Totally concealed in body, all parts of the device are implanted inside the body
- Relatively easy for you and your partner to use, you simply bend it up for an erection, down when not in use.
- This is the simplest surgical procedure so it’s a good option for surgeons with limited surgical experience.
Disadvantages
- Only 20% of these implants are performed in the USA.
- Strange and abnormal feel and appearance.
- Having a permanent erection will be very bothersome for most men.
- It will cause deterioration and thinning of penile flesh over the long-term.
- Least expensive. This may be a consideration for men not covered by insurance.
- By far the most painful and discomforting post-op because the penis needs to adjust to a constant erection.
Two piece Inflatable Penile Implant
Advantages
- A good option for men with limited dexterity which maybe something to consider if you have arthritis or difficulty using your hands.
- Simply pump it up for an erection and down when not in use.
Disadvantages
- The cylinders have an unnatural shape and make the penis look like a broom with a square head.
- The penis is not as rigid as with a multi-component inflatable device because only a small amount of fluid is transferred into the cylinders to obtain an erection.
- The pump is small and difficult to inflate.
- All parts of the device are implanted inside the body so having a partial erection is very bothersome.
- It will also cause deterioration and thinning of penile flesh over the long-term.
Three Piece (Multi-component) Inflatable Penile Implant
Advantages
- All parts of the device are implanted inside the body.
- The larger softer pump makes it easier to inflate than a two-piece device.
- Many single patients report that the partner does not realize that the penis has an implant in it.
- Pump it up for an erection and press the release valve above the pump to deflate.
- Offers better flaccidity (softness) to the penile shaft when not in use.
- Due to a larger amount of fluid transferred into the cylinders to obtain an erection, the penis is the most rigid of all the implants.
Disadvantages
- Because the penis is flaccid after the surgery, the patient will have a less amount of pain post-operatively, but still a noticeable amount.
Bottom Line:
Whilst a penile implant may seem like one option to counter erectile dysfunction, as you can see it’s clearly by no means pain free and the damage is irreversable.
Erection problems can now however be tackled with some of the latest natural supplements which help relax the blood vessels in this organ, resulting in a larger volume of blood filling the penis which in turn creates a harder manhood during sexual intimacy.
A much more appealing option which is pain free and will cost the fraction of a surgical procedure.