Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants

Some men have problems getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. This is called erectile dysfunction or ED.

Talking about ED can be tough. But there’s good news. There are many ways to treat ED. One way is with a penile implant. A penile implant is a device put into the penis to help men have erections. A penile implant requires surgery and is permanent. It’s usually only offered after men have tried other things like pills, talk therapy or penile injections.

There are two types of penile implants. The first type is inflatable. An inflatable implant fills up with fluid when it’s time to have sex. This makes the penis hard. Men can control how hard the penis gets with this type of implant. After sex, the implant deflates and the penis goes soft again.

The second type of penile implant makes the penis hard all the time. But it can still be bent. To have sex, the man bends the penis away from him. When he’s not having sex, he can bend the penis back toward himself. This helps to hide the penis when he is doing daily activities.

Penile implants are not for everyone. Talk to your doctor about your options.