If you’ve been considering a penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction that has not responded to medication like Viagra/Sildenafil or Cialis/Tadalafil, or Trimix injections, you have likely come across the three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. This is, after all, the gold standard in penile plants and by far the most employed implant to restore erectile function in qualifying patients. However, it’s important that patients understand the full breadth of severe ED treatment options before they choose, even if one option is dominant.
In this case, patients looking for a penile implant may have the option of a malleable implant versus the three-piece inflatable type. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of each, and which may be best for you.
What Is a Malleable Penile Prosthesis, and What Are Its Benefits?
A malleable penile prosthesis is simply a semi-rigid metal core rod that is placed within the penis, replacing the corpora cavernosa that are no longer receiving enough blood to create or sustain an erection. The surgery is straightforward, with the surgeon hollowing part of the penile shaft, sizing the rod, and ultimately implanting it. To achieve an erection, patients lift the penis upward. To eliminate the erection, they put it back down. Everything is performed by hand and on demand.
The Benefits of the Malleable Penile Prosthesis Include
- A single piece implant within the penis. This very straightforward implant reduces how extensive the surgery will be.
- No inflatable parts mean that the prosthesis has little chance of malfunctioning even many years later and with significant usage.
- The nature of simply repositioning the penis to create an erection means that the motion to get an erection is discreet.
What Is an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, and What Are Its Benefits?
An inflatable penile prosthesis is a three-part medical device that includes two pencil-shaped balloon structures that replace the corpora cavernosa in the penis, a pump and release valve implanted in the scrotum, and a reservoir placed deep within the pelvis. All three of these components are hidden, and after some adjustment time, the patient will barely realize they’re there. The inflatable penile prosthesis is the most common penile implant in use today. To create an erection, the patient pumps the scrotal device 10 to 15 times. This forces liquid from the reservoir into the implant. A small button on the pump allows water to drain out and back into the reservoir.
The Benefits of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Are Severalfold:
- The IPP creates the most realistic of erections. Unlike a malleable device, this correction is solid and silent to movement.
- The IPP is very discreet, and many patients can perform the pumping and valve release action without making it obvious to their partner, even if they know about the implant.
- Unlike a malleable implant, the penis returns to its flaccid state, where it feels relatively natural as well.
Note: There are differences between the two major inflatable penile implant devices, which are discussed in a separate blog.
Bottom Line
As you can see, both malleable and inflatable penile prostheses can make a big difference in a man’s sex life, especially if they have not been able to enjoy their sex life for some time. There is a reason, however, why the inflatable penile implant is so popular, and that is because the nature of the implant mimics normal erectile function very closely. Erections feel very natural, as does the flaccid penis.
Ultimately, the most important takeaway from this article is that any man who is not able to achieve an erection after having tried medications and injections should know that they do have an option in the form of a penile implant.
Secondly, Dr. Kapadia is one of the region’s leaders in penile implant procedures and is a Center of Excellence for both the Coloplast Titan and the Boston Scientific AMS 700 devices. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kapadia to learn more and take the next steps towards restoring the erectile function you want.