Understanding How Penile Implants Work; Preparing for Them and Post Operation Tips

Three piece implants  |  Two Piece Implants  |  Surgery

Two Piece Inflatable Penile Implants

Two piece devices are similar to 3-piece implants except that they are missing the reservoir component that would be stored within the abdomen. Like 3-piece inflatable devices, two piece inflatable devices are also hydraulic based and use the same types of sterile saline solutions. They only differ from 3 piece implants in that the fluid reservoir is located within the scrotum and not in the abdomen. The pressure release valve mechanism is also different. After an erection, a person may return their penis to a flaccid state, by pushing down on the penile shaft for around 10 seconds.  

Two-piece penile implants are not as complex as 3-piece versions and the surgery is also less costly. The down side is that since the pump and the pressure release valve both work within the scrotum, the scrotum becomes considerably enlarged. 

How do you use a two piece penile implant?

Just like with 3 piece penile implants, an erection is achieve by pressing on the pump located within the scrotum. After intercourse you may simply push down on the penile shaft and the liquid will return to its reservoir within the scrotum.

Semi Rigid Penile Implants

Semi rigid penile implants work a bit differently than with inflatable devices. First of all the erection is permanent and concealment is a bit more difficult. When the man wishes to have sexual intercourse he simply bends the penis upward and since the erection is always present bending it upwards will simply put it in position for sex. He can re-bend it downwards whenever he is finished. Semi-rigid devices can be compared to a bendable metal rod.  

Semi-rigid devices are the least costly type of penile implant. They are mechanically simpler than inflatable devices and are easier to implant.  Since they require fewer parts the risk of infection is also less.

The problem with semi-rigid penile implants is that the erection is not as natural looking as with inflatable devices. The erection is permanent but it is not completely stiff. The penis remains in a state where it is neither flaccid nor fully stiff.  Furthermore, since the erection is permanent, there will be constant pressure placed on the penis and this can possibly injure it. The Surgery