A penile implant substitutes the faulty erection chambers of your penis and helps your to regain your penetrative abilities. A penile prosthesis is the last treatment option for erectile dysfunction. It has the highest satisfaction rates of all therapy modalities for erectile dysfunction.
A penile prosthesis as solution
Advanced erectile dysfunction
If erectile dysfunction is at an advanced stage, conventional treatment, such as medication intake (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc.), will not have any effect anymore. These are cases of therapy-resistant erectile dysfunction.
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction at this stage often experience depression, avoid intimacy, or are facing relationship problems.
Sexuality plays a vital part in every relationship. If potency problems have taken over, they are casting a shadow over something fundamentally important to the relationship.
The solution: penile prosthesis
In cases of therapy-resistant erectile dysfunction, implanting a penile prosthesis can help the patient to regain intimacy and a healthy sex life. A penile prosthesis substitutes the erectile mechanism which had been lost – it does not, what many people think at first, replace the penis itself.
How does a penile prosthesis work?
As mentioned above, a penile prosthesis does not replace the penis. It merely substitutes the mechanism of erection which had been lost. Loss of this mechanism in advanced stages of erectile dysfunction makes it impossible to maintain a good and lengthy erection and consequently impedes active penetration. To solve this problem, the penile prosthesis is implanted into the cavernous bodies of the penis.
The patient’s penis remains his own. Sensitivity and the ability to orgasm and ejaculate are not affected. Solely the stability of the penis changes – to the better.
How is sex life with the prosthesis?
Studies evaluating patient and partner satisfaction with different treatment methods for erectile dysfunction have shown that penile implants reach the highest rating. Some studies show a satisfaction rate of 94% (in comparison: Sildenafil has a satisfaction rate of 52%). Of course, this can also be connected to the fact that most men who choose to undergo implantation surgery, have a long history of unsuccessful treatments. Regaining intimacy and sexuality naturally creates feelings of happiness and content.
What types of penile prosthesis are available?
Two types of penile prostheses are used in modern genital surgery.
On the one hand, there are semi-rigid prostheses. These models are rigid rods made of silicone, which can be bent in any direction. Before sexual intercourse, the penis simply placed in the desired position and holds this through the prosthesis.
On the other hand, there are the hydraulic inflatable penile prosthesis systems. These most closely resemble the natural erection mechanism and are used in most cases.
Inflatable hydraulic penile implants consists of two cylinders, which are inserted into the penis and then connected to a separate reservoir of saline in the abdomen. With a pump also connected to the system and placed inside the scrotal sac, the patient can gradually inflate the penis until the desired rigidity is achieved.
Which penile implant type is best for me?
Which of the two types of penile prosthesis would be best for your specific case depends on your goals, underlying conditions and dexterity. Dr. Kuehhas will be happy to advise you on this topic and explain the differences between the different systems in more detail.
Overview on penile implant surgery
| Form of anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Duration of the surgery | 60-120 minutes |
| Stationary stay? | Ambulatory treatment possible |
| Fit for work | 2 days after surgery |
| Intensity of pain | low (pain is subjective) |
| Risk profile | Low – you will receive an in-depth consultation prior to surgery |
| Sexual intercourse | After 4-6 weeks possible |
| Sport | Refrain from sport activities for 1 week |
| Final result | You can fully use your penis 4-6 weeks after surgery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Even sexual partners will usually not notice any difference from a normal erect member.
Only by pressing the release valve of the pump the fluid returns to the reservoir and the penis returns to the flaccid state. As the penis itself is not replaced, sensitivity and the ability to orgasm and ejaculate are not affected negatively affected in any way. An implant can thus bring back the pleasure of intimacy and sexuality.
I think I need a penile implant, what should I do next?
Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help. Dr. Kuehhas will answer all your questions confidentially. Following a private examination, we will be able to ascertain if a penile prosthesis is appropriate in your individual case, and if so – which one.
We care about your concerns and would like to find the best solution for your problem!
Dr Franklin Kuehhas is a medical specialist in the field of urology and andrology. He received his specialization training at the University College London. He also underwent his training at the prestigious University Hospital in Heidelberg (Germany) and at the University Hospital of Vienna (Austria). Dr Kuehhas focuses on the treatment of congenital and acquired penile curvatures (Peyronie’s disease). His research activities have resulted in many publications and improvements of surgical techniques such as the STAGE technique for congenital penile curvature treatment.