Penile Implant Info

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Updated June 2,2003

Seems this subject has a lot of people in the dark when considering a phalloplasty with the implant. GRS Centre in Montreal does not go into details about how this devise they offer works or the cost and I feel it's just a good idea to educate here.

Granted, this information I obtained applies to implanting the devises in non-transsexual men but it is helpful in understanding about these devises.

For actual photos, after reading below, visit: http://www.erectionphotos.com

Nick

There are three types of penile implants. All are totally concealed within the body and provide an almost immediate erection to enhance romantic spontaneity.

• 3-piece inflatable implants (about 75% of penile implants.)
• 2-piece inflatable implants (about 15% of penile implants.)
• Semi-rigid malleable (bendable) rods (about 10% of penile implants.) Unsure if these are available to Transmen
• Baculum rods made of silicone are used by many FTM surgeons who use the suit-case handle method.

The cost can vary from $10,000 to $20,000 and possibly more. Insurance may not cover this with an FTM patient. Perhaps later after the phalloplasty is completed he might get this partially covered by insurance if a doctor is willing to attest that his patient has erectile dysfunction. You may not find a doctor willing to do this.

3-piece inflatable penile implants

The three-piece internal penis pump is the most technologically advanced penile implant. It is totally concealed within the body. Urologists consider the 3-piece inflatable implant to be the "gold standard" of penile implants.

Placement. Using a small incision, the urologist positions inflatable cylinders in the corpora cavernosa. A small pump is positioned in the scrotum and a reservoir is placed deep in the abdomen. The reservoir is filled with saline solution. The device is completely hidden and unobtrusive.

Recovery time. It takes about four to six weeks to regain sexual function. Patients can resume sexual activity after physician consultation.

How it works. Gently squeeze the concealed pump in your scrotum several times. This moves the saline solution from the reservoir into the cylinders. As the cylinders fill, the penis becomes erect and firm.

To end the erection, simply press a "deflation site" on the pump. Deflating the cylinders transfers the fluid back to the reservoir and the penis becomes flaccid.

Advantages of three-piece penile implants

• Most closely resembles the process and "feel" of a natural erection.
• Simple, fast inflation preserves sexual spontaneity.
• Erection feels full.
• When deflated, the penis feels soft and flaccid and appears full and youthful.
• Totally concealed.

Disadvantages and risks of three-piece penile implants

• Requires some manual dexterity to inflate.
• More mechanical parts than other penile implants.
• Complications can occur, including infection and device malfunction.

2-piece inflatable penile implant

The two-piece inflatable penile implant is a fluid-filled internal penile pump. The two-piece system includes cylinders and a small pump. This makes it a slightly more complex device compared to malleable or "positionable" penile implants.

Placement. Using a small incision, the urologist positions inflatable cylinders in the corpora cavernosa. A small pump is positioned in the scrotum. The device is completely concealed and unobtrusive.

The pump inflates the cylinders by transferring fluid within the system. A simple deflation technique then transfers fluid to return the penis to a flaccid state.

Recovery time. It takes about four to six weeks to regain sexual function. Patients can resume sexual activity after physician consultation.

How it works. Gently squeeze and release the concealed pump in your scrotum several times. This transfers the fluid in each cylinder to the cylinder shaft. Your penis will then become erect.

To end the erection, gently bend your penis down for 6-12 seconds (as illustrated here.) This transfers fluid back into the reservoir.

• Small inflation pump provides comfort and ease.
• Simple, fast inflation preserves sexual spontaneity.
• Fast and easy one-step deflation.
• Easier to conceal than a malleable implant.

Disadvantages and risks of two-piece penile implants

• Requires some manual dexterity to inflate.
• More mechanical parts than malleable penile implants.
• Complications can occur, including infection and device malfunctions

Malleable (bendable) penile implant

This is the simplest of the penile implants.

Placement. The surgeon gently places two bendable rods into the penis. The rods have an outer coating of silicone and inner stainless steel core or interlocking plastic joints. These enable the man to place the penis in either the erect or flaccid position.

Recovery time. It takes about four to six weeks to regain sexual function. Patients can resume sexual activity after physician consultation.

How it works. For intercourse, the man places his penis in the erect position. As he does so, the rods inside his penis bend. To conceal the penile implant, the man bends his penis down. He can bend the device in more than one place to create the desired erection.

Advantages of malleable penile implants

• Easy to use.
• Generally the simplest surgical procedure for ED.
• Few mechanical parts mean less chance of malfunction.
• Least expensive penile implant.

Disadvantages and risks of malleable penile implants

• The penis always has some degree of rigidity and may be difficult to conceal under tighter-fitting clothes.
• Complications can occur, including infection and device malfunction.

More Information Sites: http://www.phoenix5.org/sexaids/implants/implanttypes.html

Much of the Information and photos were sent to me by anonymous visitor. The remainder was through research.