Types of penis prostheses. Which penile implant is right for me?
- Nikola Stanojevic
- Apr 19
- 5 min read
The choice of the type of penile implant, however, depends on a good assessment during the consultation with a urologist - andrologist - specialist in penile implant surgery.
The choice of a penile prosthesis depends on several factors specific to each man - the existence of associated diseases, lifestyle habits and expected results.
Here you will also find out which prostheses are more expensive and which are cheaper.
Non-inflatable - semi-rigid, flexible penile implant
Good strength and the possibility of easy bending - these are the main characteristics of a semi-rigid penile implant (Coloplast Genesis, malleable, semi-rigid). The simple construction without moving and hydraulic components makes them the safest model when it comes to the percentage of reinterventions.
Two silicone cylinders with a surgical steel filament core keep the penis in a permanently elongated position. The penis can be gently bent for everyday activities. Before sexual intercourse, just straighten the penis with your hand and you are ready for sexual intercourse.
The prosthesis maintains the axial strength required for normal penetration. During the installation of this prosthesis, the cavernous and spongy tissue of the penis is preserved, which additionally increases the volume of the penis during sexual excitement.
Non-inflatable - articulated, flexible penile implant
Articulated penile prostheses (AMS Spectra) bend much more easily than semi-rigid prostheses due to their design. The silicone cylinders in their center have an articulated construction made up of a dozen segments that, despite their superior flexibility, do not provide adequate axial support to the penis for satisfactory penetrative sexual intercourse.
This model of penile implant is the least popular compared to the others and is no longer produced, but as we have already stated, you must be familiar with all types of penile prostheses before making a final decision.
Semi-rigid penile implant (flexible and articulated penile implants) are several times cheaper than inflatable prostheses. They are also more suitable for men who have some co-morbidities that limit them in the manual dexterity required to use inflatable prostheses. However, the degree of penile flexibility and constant stretching make this type of prosthesis inferior to inflatable prostheses.
Inflatable penile implant
Inflatable penile prostheses can be two-component (AMS Ambicor) or three-component (Coloplast Titan, AMS 700), and both types of implant work on the same principle. The two cylinders in the penis are hydraulically connected to a pump that is hidden in the scrotum behind the testicles. By activating the pump, the liquid is transferred from the tank to the cylinders and thus a strong, hard erection is achieved. After sexual intercourse, by deactivating the pump, the liquid returns back to the tank, which imitates the natural cycle of erection and relaxed state. A significant difference between these prostheses is that the three-component prostheses allow filling the cylinders with a larger volume of liquid, creating a greater - more natural difference between a relaxed state and a full erection. This function of the three-component prosthesis is made possible by an additional liquid reservoir, placed - hidden behind the pubic bone. Two-component prostheses have a smaller reservoir located in the bottom of the cylinders.
Due to its complexity, the system of inflatable prostheses is more sensitive than semi-rigid prostheses. Replacement of an inflatable penile implant is rarely required due to the failure of one of its components, but due to such situations, the experience of a urologist - andrologist - surgeon in assembling a sensitive system is even more important in order to avoid possible problems.
These prostheses are usually installed in younger men for whom it is important that the prosthesis imitates the function of the penis as naturally as possible in maximum erection and in a completely relaxed state. Also, this type of prosthesis is installed when the discretion and concealment of the prosthesis are imperative, which cannot be achieved with semi-rigid prostheses. With inflatable prostheses, you get a bigger penis because these prostheses are pumped up in width.
Which prosthesis is best for me?
The most expensive prosthesis is not necessarily the best for you. The condition of each man who needs a penile implant surgery is individually evaluated. The choice of the type of prosthesis can be influenced by the existence of previous operations in the pelvis (eg radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy), the existence of various penile deformities or uncertainty about the possibility of managing the hydraulic mechanism of the prosthesis.
The price-benefit ratio is always an important factor when making a decision. A patient who is familiar with all available models of prostheses will be able to decide more easily which variant he can financially and functionally-technically accept. Because of all this, price cannot be the only factor when deciding on the type of implant.
Sometimes a semi-rigid flexible prosthesis, at a lower cost, will be the best choice for gentlemen over 75 years of age, as well as for men with limited mobility. In other cases, an inflatable prosthesis brings a good functional - aesthetically balanced result by safely imitating the natural cycle of erection without unpleasant surprises.
The most important thing, if you decide to treat erectile dysfunction, is to contact a specialist who has a lot of experience with penis reconstruction operations, who always aims to achieve the longest and widest penis possible while achieving a completely natural appearance of the penis.
If your biggest fear is the surgical intervention itself, you must know that there are no significant complications when installing a penile prosthesis.
The intervention is usually performed under general anesthesia, but if necessary, it can also be performed under regional anesthesia where you remain awake during the operation itself. After the operation, you usually stay two or three days in the hospital. Outpatient postoperative follow-up is mandatory every day during the first week, and then for three to five days until the fourth week after the operation, when your urologist - andrologist - doctor gives you permission to start having sex.
A penile implant is like a dental implant, when the body gets used to its presence and you won't even notice that you have it until you need it, and then by activating the prosthesis you can achieve a strong erection.
Now that you know that there are many more advantages than disadvantages to having a penile prosthesis implanted, it's time to evaluate your situation. If you have had bad experiences with erectile dysfunction, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will start a conversation about the right way to find and restore your satisfaction.
No matter how old you are, whether you've never had an surgery or you've had been operated without success - it's not too late to correct your deficiency so that you can continue to enjoy a good quality of life. We will help you.
Dr. Nikola Stanojević provides safe correction of all genital problems, even those caused by previously poorly performed unsuccessful operations