Penile Prosthesis

Questions about Penile Prosthesis aka Penile Implants

Ambicor penile prosthesis by Boston Scientific.

What is a penile prosthesis?

A penile prosthesis is designed to be a permanent solution for men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and can provide an erection whenever and wherever desired. It is usually implanted into the penis on an outpatient basis and is entirely concealed within the body. The user controls the penile implant, which allows for spontaneity and control.

 
old-couple-2261495_1920.jpg

Is a penile implant right for me?

A penile implant is:

  • designed to be a permanent solution for erectile dysfunction (ED) (6)

  • spontaneous (8)

  • once activated, the erection can last as long as you desire (1, 8)

  • entirely contained inside the body - no one knows you have an implant unless you tell them (6)

  • designed to feel natural during intercourse and does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm (3, 9)

  • broad range of lengths available for a custom fit, depending on your anatomy

 
Surgeons gathered around the operating table.

Is a penile implant safe?

While penile prosthesis surgery is an exceedingly safe procedure, all surgeries come with the risk of infection, bleeding, and possible damage to adjacent tissues. Your surgical risk depends on your age, underlying medical conditions, and past surgical history.

 
An older couple looks out through binoculars.

Is a penile implant painful?

Pain associated with the healing process can be expected. You will be provided with pain medication in the post-operative period to control your pain. As you heal, the surgery related discomfort will gradually improve.

 
An attractive man in his 40s wears sunglasses as he stands shirtless on the beach.

Do patients and their partners recommend the penile implant?

Yes.

  • 98% of patients reported their erections to be excellent or satisfactory following surgery (2)

  • 97% of patients reported overall satisfaction; not a single patient reported dissatisfaction (5)

  • 96% of partners reported sexual activity with the implant to be excellent or satisfactory (2)

 
A man in his early thirties looks out over the mountains. He is hiking.

Will my penis look different? Will others notice the penile implant?

Once in place, your implant is fully concealed in your body (6, 10, 11). No one will know unless you tell them - even in the locker room.

 
A young couple lounges in a wood cabin. A pug sits on the woman's lap.

How long is the recovery time after Erectile Dysfunction (ED) surgery, and when can I have intercourse?

Most men return home within a day of penile implant surgery and are back to all their normal activities within a week, typically having intercourse around 6 weeks post-surgery. (6, 10, 11)

 
A healthy-looking elderly couple walked down a dock with boats in the background.

How long does a penile implant last? Will I ever need to replace it?

It is impossible to predict how long an implant will function in every patient. As with any mechanical device, penile implants are subject to wear and mechanical failure over time. A recent study showed that the 7-year mechanical survival is greater than 94% (7). If your penile implant breaks down, it usually requires a simple revision procedure to restore full functionality.

 
A man looks at his computer.

Are penile implants covered by insurance?

While most insurers cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of ED, it is important to understand that coverage varies if you have insurance that covers penile implant surgery. medicare has a national policy for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which includes pneile impalnts, although coverage may depend on where you live. There are financial assistance programs available to help cover out-of-pocket expenses or to help cover the procedure if your private insurance will not cover it.

Surgical Treatments for Penile Prosthesis

 

Coloplast Penile Prosthesis

Coloplast offers inflatable penile prostheses (Coloplast Titan® and Titan® OTR) as well as malleable penile prostheses (Genesis®) .

Learn More

 

Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific offers inflatable penile prostheses (AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis and AMS Ambicor™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis), concealable penile prosthesis (Spectra™ Concealable Penile Prosthesis) as well as malleable penile prostheses (Tactra™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis).

Learn More

 
 

Citations

  1. Data on file with Boston Scientific

  2. Montorsi F, Rigatti P, Carmignani G, et al. AMS three-piece inflatable implants for erectile dysfunction: a long-term multi­institutional study in 200 consecutive patients. EurUrol. 2000 Jan; 37(1):50-5

  3. Coleman E, Listiak A, Braatz G, Lange P. Effects of penile implant surgery on ejaculation and orgasm. J Sex Marital Ther. 1985 Fall;11(3):199-205.

  4. AMS 7001M with MS PumpTM Penile Prosthesis Prcxluct Line Instructions for Use. American Medical Systems. 2017

  5. Natali A, Olianas R, Fisch M.Penile implantation in Europe: successes and complications with 253 implants in Italy and Germany.J Sex Med.2008 Jun; 5(6):1 503-12

  6. AMS 7001M Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patients Considering an Inflatable Penile Prostheses..Amelican Medical Systems. 2012

  7. Enemchukwu EA, Kaufman MR, \Nhittam BM, et aL Comparative revision rates of inflatable penile prostheses using woven Dacron"" fabric cylinders.J Urol. 2013 Dec;190(6):2189-93.

  8. Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, etal. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. American Urological Association. 2018

  9. Rajpurkar A, Dhabuwala CB. Comparison of satisfaction rates and erectile function in patients treated with sildenafil, intracavemous prostaglandin E1 and penile implant surgery for erectile dysfunction in urology practice. J Urol.20 03
    Jul;170(1 ):1 59-63

  10. AMS Ambicor"" Penile Prosthesis Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patient Considering and Inflatable Penile Prosthesis.American Medical Systems, Inc.2016

  11. TactraTM Malleable Penile Prosthesis Patient Manual.Information and instructions for patients considering a Tactra Malleable Penile Prosthesis. Boston Scientific, 2019