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

Three piece implants  |  Two Piece Implants  |  Surgery

Deciding whether or not a penile implant is the right choice for you can be a difficult decision; especially since there are so many alternative E.D. (erectile dysfunction) treatments currently available. However, if other treatments aren’t working for you or if you are simply not satisfied with the results produced by alternative E.D. treatments then penile implants may be the solution for you. Penile implants can facilitate the erection process even when drugs or vacuum devices have failed.

Types of Penile Implants

There are currently three (3) types of penile implants available:

1. three piece inflatable devices
2. two piece inflatable devices
3. semi-rigid or fixed devices

Three Piece Inflatable Penile Implants

Three piece inflatable devices are the most popular of the three types of penile implants and are used in about 75 percent of all surgeries. Most men prefer the 3 piece penile implant for several reasons. First, the erection achieved looks very natural and the penis can be returned to a flaccid state very easily after intercourse. This is not the case with semi-rigid devices which produce a permanent erection. Second, contrary to vacuum pump devices or drug based treatments, penile implants, including 3-piece devices, cause an erection to happen very quickly. Therefore, romantic spontaneity is not compromised. No more planning ahead for sex.

Three piece implants consist of 3 major parts:

1. A small pump that comes with a release valve and is implanted within the scrotum.
2. A fluid reservoir that is inserted deep within the abdomen and is connected to both the pump as well as the cylinders via tubes.
3. Two hollow cylinders that are implanted within the penile shaft (inside the corpora cavernosa).

All components are connected via tubes which permit the sterile saline solution that is initially located within the fluid reservoir in the abdomen to travel back and forth from the reservoir to the cylinders; all depending on whether an erection or a flaccid state is desired at any particular moment.

How do you use a three piece penile implant?

Three piece implants are very easy to use. Just press on the pump located within the scrotum and it will force the liquid (the sterile saline solution) to enter the hollow cylinders within the penis shaft. The fluid’s pressure will then cause the cylinders to expand hence an erection is achieved. Once intercourse has ceased you can simply use the release valve (also located within the scrotum) to allow the sterile liquid to return to its reservoir location within the abdomen. After the cylinders are empty the penis will return back to its flaccid state.

The drawback to the 3 piece implant is that it is the most expensive type of penile implant available. The complexity of the device also makes both the device and the surgery more expensive. Since 3-piece devices contain more components than other penile implants the risk of infection is also greater. Two Piece Inflatable Penile Implants