Urologists located in Wilmington, NC & Southport, NC
A penile implant may be the solution when you’re struggling with treatment-resistant erectile dysfunction (ED). The board-certified specialists at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Southport, North Carolina, can explain what implants are available and how they can help restore sexual function. These dedicated urologists use the most advanced and effective technology available to help resolve ED, and your care is delivered in a warm and relaxed atmosphere that puts you at ease. Schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking your appointment online.
Penile Implants
What is a penile implant?
A penile implant is a surgically implanted prosthesis that’s used to provide and maintain an erection that’s adequate for sexual intercourse. The procedure is typically recommended for men who wish to engage in sexual activity but haven’t responded to medication and other treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Who is a good candidate for a penile implant?
You may be a good candidate for a penile implant if:
You have persistent ED that impairs your desired sex life
Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra®) or tadalafil (Cialis®) haven’t helped with your ED
You’ve tried a vacuum constriction device (penis pump) without success
A penile implant may not be recommended if there’s a chance your ED can be reversed, you lack sexual desire or motivation, or you have decreased sensation in your penis.
What kinds of penile implants are available?
The most commonly used type of penile implant is an inflatable device. This type of implant includes inflatable cylinders or rods implanted in the penis as well as a reservoir to hold saline solution and a pump implanted in the scrotum.
Pressing on the pump causes saline to travel to and inflate the rods of the penile implant. This creates an erection that you can deflate later.
Another type of implant uses semirigid rods that aren’t inflatable. These devices stay firm all the time and require you to position your penis against your body when not having sex and then bend it away from your body to have sex.
The surgery for semirigid implants is simpler than that required for inflatable implants. However, the erection is less rigid and sometimes hard to conceal during the normal course of your day.
Your Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina specialist discusses the pros and cons of each type of penile implant in detail before you decide which type to use. Your overall expectations also factor into your doctor’s recommendations regarding the use of a penile implant.
To learn more about what treatments are available for ED, including the various types of penile implants, schedule a visit at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina today. Call the office or try their convenient online scheduling tool to book your appointment.
