What is an Artificial Penis?

A penile implant is a pump system surgically put into your body. It is inflated to create an erection for sexual activity, then deflated to be soft and more naturally looking.

A pump in the scrotum moves saline fluid to fill cylinders in the penis that mimic a natural erection. You can control this with your finger.

What is a penile implant?

A penile implant is a medical device that helps men with Peyronie’s disease or other conditions that prevent an erection. It’s typically prescribed by a physician and most insurance companies cover the cost. The procedure is a minimally-invasive outpatient surgery that requires a four to six-week recovery period before the device can be used.

The device consists of an inflatable or semi-rigid rod implant. With the inflatable implant, a pump in the groin (scrotum) sends salt water or saline solution into hollow cylinders that look like heavy-duty balloons. These cylinders become hard when inflated, resulting in an erection. When the pump is deactivated, the cylinders return to their flaccid state.

When used for sexual purposes, an inflatable penile implant has a feel similar to a natural erection and is discreet to others who don’t know you have an implant. It also doesn’t make your penis longer, but it may appear shorter when erect than it was before surgery.

The first step in getting a penile implant is meeting with a healthcare provider who can check your overall health and answer questions about the procedure. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements you take. Certain medicines can increase your risk of infection after a penile implant. This includes antibiotics, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbs.

How does a penile implant work?

A penile implant helps men with ED have an immediate, firm, stable erection and boosts sexual self-confidence. It enables men to have orgasms and ejaculate semen (if they can produce it). Men and their partners also report high levels of satisfaction with penile implants.

A health care provider can decide whether penile implants artificial penis are right for you. They will ask you about your general health and your sexual history. They will also check whether you have a condition that could affect your chances of having a successful operation, such as bleeding problems or a disease that can cause an infection in the groin area.

You might need to stop taking some medications before surgery, including aspirin and some herbal supplements. During the procedure, your health care provider will wash the groin and lower abdomen area with an alcohol solution to reduce the risk of infection. The surgeon makes an incision at the base of your penis or in the lower abdomen. They then stretch the spongy tissue that would normally fill with blood during an erection. Two cylinders are then attached to the ends of the corpora cavernosa.

For inflatable devices, a fluid reservoir, valve, and pump are placed in the scrotum for the three-piece implant or under the skin for a two-piece implant. You can press a button on the implant to make it inflate and deflate.

What are the risks of a penile implant?

Penile implants are a permanent solution to an erection problem. You can have a normal sex life, and your partner won’t know the difference during intercourse. However, you may have scars from the incisions. Your doctor will advise you on how to hide these scars with clothing or underwear.

A few risks of penile implant surgery include damage to your urethra and infections at the surgical site. Those are very rare, but they do happen. You may also have some pain and swelling. Make sure your doctor knows if you have allergies or are taking any medicines. You should also bring a copy of your advance directive to the hospital, which lets others know what your health care wishes are.

A few complications of a penile implant include internal erosion or adhesion (the implant sticks to your skin inside the groin). Some people find their penis seems shorter when erect after having the implant. This isn’t because the implant makes the penis shorter, but because blood flow to the head of the glans (penis) is reduced. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help increase blood flow to the head of the glans after you have the implant. Some men also report that their erections don’t feel as firm as they used to. For most people, though, a penile implant improves their quality of life.

How long will a penile implant last?

Getting a penile implant is a permanent, irreversible procedure. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of this treatment with your health care provider before deciding. Your health care provider will review your medical history and do a physical exam, including a complete urologic exam.

You can find several different types of penile implants. Some have special designs that let them artificial penis fit a shortened or larger than average penis. Others have coatings that might reduce friction and lengthen their life. Your doctor will recommend one based on your preferences and your medical history.

For an inflatable penile implant, your surgeon makes small cuts in the scrotum to place the pump and valve. After surgery, you will need to practice using the device by inflating and deflating it each day. This will help stretch the tissue and help you get used to the feel of the device.

Inflatable penile implants can be used for sexual activity and other activities that require an erection. They can be worn under clothing, and they aren’t visible to other people when you’re not erect.

You can also have a noninflatable penile implant that’s made of firm silicone rods. They’re easier to use and less likely to malfunction than inflatable implants. But they’re harder to conceal and can be uncomfortable during sex.