Monthly Archives: May 2019

How do penile implants work?

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection. Broadly speaking, there are two types of penile implants available in the market today: semi-rigid (malleable) and inflatable implants.

Semi-rigid (Malleable) Penile Implants

semi-rigid-penile-implant-technical-medical-information-02Semi-rigid implants are by far the cheapest and simplest to use. They are composed of two flexible, silicone rods that are surgically placed into the erectile tissue of the penis. Whenever the patient is ready for sexual activity, all he has to do is bend his penis upward. When he is done, he can turn the penis downward for concealment.

            Pros of using the semi-rigid (malleable) penile implant

As with any medical device, there are pros and cons to the semi-rigid implant. The prosthesis provides a constant state of erection for the penis; therefore it is effortless to use primarily for men who have problems with manual dexterity. This also allows for spontaneous sexual activity because the patient does not need to wait for the device to be primed before using.

            Cons of using the semi-rigid (malleable) penile implant

However, due to its constant rigid state, this implant can promote the highest rate of penile tissue erosion as compared to the other implants. If the patient has other chronic diseases that affect the vascular system, such as diabetes, the semi-rigid implant could worsen the health of the penile tissue. The device also doesn’t offer any expansion or lengthening of the penis.

3-piece and 2-piece Inflatable Penile Implants

inflatable-penile-implants-info-nyc-01Inflatable implants are slightly more complicated to use than the semi-rigid implants. However, what they lack in simplicity they more than makeup for in functionality. As the name suggests, inflatable implants provide the patient with an erection when they are inflated. There are two types of inflatable implants: the three-piece and the two-piece inflatable devices.

            How does the 3-piece inflatable penile implant work?

The three-piece is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the reservoir, which is situated in the lower abdomen. The reservoir contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by a pump, which is placed in the scrotal sac. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.

            How does the 2-piece inflatable penile implant work?

The two-piece inflatable implant works in much the same way as the three-piece except that the reservoir and the pump are combined into one unit. This reservoir-pump combo is placed inside the scrotum; therefore there are no parts placed within the lower abdomen, and the surgery is less complicated as compared to the three-piece implant. However, a significant disadvantage of the two-piece implant is that the reservoir is smaller, so there may not be enough saline to produce a full erection.

Inflatable penile implants vs. Semi-rigid (malleable) penile implant

By far the most significant advantage of using the inflatable devices instead of the semi-rigid implant is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state.

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If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at 212-541-6239 and schedule your free appointment.

To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at: www.FifthAvenueUrology.com/penile-implants/

Top Benefits of Penile Implants

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

To be diagnosed with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a massive set back for many men and their partners. Naturally, men will do anything to receive treatment for ED. When men are first diagnosed with ED, physicians start off by prescribing the least invasive treatment. If the first treatment does not work or the patient cannot or will not tolerate the side effects, the physician prescribes a different treatment.

Pros of oral medications

The least invasive treatments prescribed is the use of oral medications. One of the most well-known of these medications is Viagra. Viagra works by enhancing nitric oxide. This naturally-occurring chemical relaxes the muscle tissue to allow increased blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. It is easy and convenient to use.

Cons of oral medications

However, there are drawbacks to using the oral medications. First, it takes at least 10-20 minutes for the drug to take effect entirely, and some men may find that the wait times do not allow for spontaneous sexual activity.  Another, more severe side effect is that Viagra can induce low blood pressure and is contraindicated for men who have heart disease or heart failure.

Penile Implant is superior to medications and pumps

The Penile Implant solves these problems. The prosthesis takes no time at all to use. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he does not need to remember to take medication and wait 30 minutes for the medicine to take full effect. He and his partner can participate in sexual activity spontaneously. Since the implant works by providing physical support for the penis, this device is safe to be used by patients with heart disease and heart failure without risk of hypotension.

Indications for Penis Pump

However, if the patient is unwilling or unable to use oral medications, they can use a device called a penis pump. The pump induces an erection by creating a vacuum, pulling blood flow towards the penis which causes it to swell and become erect. The patient can then place a ring on the base of his penis to keep his erection for sexual activity. The problem with this approach is that the vacuum causes bruising to form on the penis. The ring placed on the base of the penis also hampers the force of the man’s ejaculation, since the ring constricts the ejaculatory pathway from the scrotum to the penis.

Penile Injections and Suppositories

Finally, there are penile injections and suppositories that are used to treat ED. These work by helping to increase blood flow to the penis, thereby inducing an erection. However, both treatments are cumbersome and are more painful to use as compared to the oral medications and the penile pump. Both methods work relatively quickly (about 5-20 minutes) but still require wait times before the patient can participate in sexual activity.

Penile Implant is superior to medications and pumps

On the other hand, there are no painful suppository insertions or injections needed when the man has a penile prosthesis. Although surgery is indicated to insert the device, it is a one-time intervention only. Recovery time is minimal, requiring only 4-6 weeks of healing time before the patient can participate in sexual activity again post-surgery. After the surgery, the patient can have a full erection and to have sexual intercourse whenever and wherever he and his partner desires.

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If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at 212-541-6239 and schedule your free appointment.

To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at www.fifthavenueurology.com/penile-implants/