Dr. Swarna Das

Penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction get an erection. The two main types of penile implants are semi-rigid and inflatable.

They have their own ways of working and own pros and cons.

1. Semi-rigid implants: These devices are always firm, resulting in the penis being bent away from the body for sexual activity and towards the body for concealment. The pros of 'semi-rigid implants' are:

• Is easy to surgically implant
• Has a low chance of malfunctioning

2. Inflatable implants: These are the most common types of implants used, which can be inflated for erection, and deflated at other times. Inflatable implants are usually of two types- 'three-piece inflatable implants' and 'two-piece inflatable implants'.

The pros of 'three-piece inflatable implants' are:

• Gives the most natural, firm erections
• Provides flaccidity when deflated

The pros of 'two-piece inflatable implants' are:

• Provides flaccidity when deflated
• Requires less complicated surgery than the 'three-piece'.

What are the risks involved?

1. Implant problems: In rare cases, implants may not work properly. In some semi-rigid devices, the internal parts might break over time; in inflatable devices, the pump might fail and fluid might leak.
2. Internal erosion: In a few cases, the implant might stick to the skin of your penis, or can wear away the skin from inside the penis.
3. Infection: You might be at the risks of severe infection if you have spinal cord injury or diabetes. Men who need revision surgery of their implants are at a higher risk than their first surgery.