An inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is a device placed entirely inside the body that produces a reliable erection on demand. It is the most effective treatment available for erectile dysfunction, and it consistently produces the highest satisfaction scores of any ED therapy in published studies — commonly reported above 90% for patients and their partners.
Who is a candidate?
An implant is generally considered when other treatments have failed or are not tolerated:
- ED that does not respond adequately to oral medications (sildenafil, tadalafil, and similar)
- Men who cannot tolerate, or do not wish to continue, penile injections or vacuum devices
- ED after radical prostatectomy, radiation, or pelvic surgery
- Diabetes-related or vascular ED
- Peyronie's disease with ED — the implant can correct curvature and restore rigidity in one operation
- Severe scarring or priapism-related ED
How the device works
A three-piece IPP has three components, all concealed:
- Two cylinders placed within the erectile bodies of the penis
- A pump positioned in the scrotum
- A fluid reservoir placed in the abdomen or behind the pubic bone
Squeezing the pump moves fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders, producing a firm erection that lasts as long as you want. A release valve returns the fluid and the penis becomes flaccid again. Nothing is visible from the outside, and the device is not apparent in normal clothing or in a locker room.
What to expect realistically
What an implant does and does not do
It does: produce reliable rigidity on demand, permanently, without pills, injections, or waiting for onset. Sensation and orgasm are preserved — the implant replaces rigidity, not feeling.
It does not: increase length. Most men find their erect length is what it was in recent years, not what it was decades ago, and some notice a slight shortening. Discussing this honestly before surgery is the single best predictor of satisfaction afterward. An implant is also not reversible — the natural erectile tissue is altered during placement, so other ED treatments will not work if the device is later removed.
Risks
- Infection — the most significant risk, historically in the low single-digit percentages and lower with modern antibiotic- and hydrophilic-coated devices and careful technique. Diabetics and revision cases carry higher risk. An infected device usually must be removed.
- Mechanical failure — devices are durable but not permanent; a large share remain functional at 10 years, and failures are addressed with device replacement
- Erosion or migration of components — uncommon
- Persistent pain during the healing period, which typically resolves over several weeks
Surgery and recovery
- The operation takes roughly one to two hours and is usually outpatient or one overnight
- Discomfort and swelling are expected for a few weeks and managed with medication
- Desk work is typically resumed within about a week
- Device activation — you are taught to use the pump at a follow-up visit, generally around four weeks
- Sexual activity is usually cleared at roughly four to six weeks, once healing is complete
Common questions
Will anyone be able to tell I have a penile implant?
No. All components are placed inside the body. The device is not visible when deflated, and it is not apparent in clothing, in a locker room, or to a partner unless you tell them.
How satisfied are men with penile implants?
Satisfaction is the highest of any ED treatment. Published series consistently report satisfaction above 90% for both patients and partners — higher than medications or injections, largely because the device works reliably every time.
How long does a penile implant last?
Modern devices are durable. A large majority remain mechanically functional at 10 years, and many last longer. If a device eventually fails mechanically, it can be replaced.
Does a penile implant affect sensation or orgasm?
No. The implant restores rigidity; it does not alter the nerves responsible for sensation or orgasm. Men who could achieve orgasm before surgery generally can afterward. Ejaculation depends on prior function — the implant does not change it.
Will an implant make me longer?
No, and this is important to understand before surgery. The implant restores rigidity to the length you have; some men notice slight shortening. Setting accurate expectations beforehand is strongly associated with satisfaction afterward.
Can I have an implant if I have Peyronie's disease?
Yes, and it is often an excellent solution when Peyronie's disease occurs together with erectile dysfunction. The curvature can be corrected at the time of implantation, addressing both problems in a single operation.
What is the risk of infection?
Infection is the most important risk. With modern coated devices and careful sterile technique, published rates are in the low single digits for first-time implants, with higher rates in diabetics and in revision surgery. An infected device usually needs to be removed and replaced later.
Is a penile implant reversible?
Not practically. Placing the cylinders alters the natural erectile tissue, so if the device is removed, medications and injections are unlikely to work. This is why an implant is generally considered after other treatments have been tried.
Related procedures
Discuss your options with Dr. Azad
Referrals are welcome but not required. Bring any records from prior procedures — operative notes, imaging, or urethrograms — and we will review them together.
504-988-5271Dr. Babak Azad — Reconstructive Urology, Metairie & New Orleans, LA