Malleable penile implant in Atlanta
Men's Health Georgia offers Coloplast malleable penile implants as well as inflatable implants. A malleable implant is a pair of bendable rods placed inside the penis. It keeps the penis firm at all times, with no pump, tubing or reservoir to operate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chirag Dave
Key facts
- Two bendable rods inside the penis; nothing in the scrotum or abdomen.
- Always firm: you position the penis up for sex and down the rest of the time.
- No pump to squeeze, so it is simple to use.
- Fully concealed inside the body.
- Coloplast brand, from a Coloplast Center of Excellence since 2016.
How a malleable implant works
A malleable, or semi-rigid, implant has two flexible rods with a bendable core. They are placed in the two chambers of the penis that normally fill with blood during an erection. The penis then stays firm enough for intercourse. You bend it upward when you want to have sex and downward to keep it close to the body under clothing.
Who may be a candidate
- Men with erectile dysfunction that has not responded to medication or injections, or who cannot use them.
- Men who want the simplest device to use, or who have limited hand strength or dexterity to work a pump.
- Some men with other conditions that make an inflatable device less suitable, as decided with the surgeon.
Inflatable vs malleable penile implant: which is better for you?
Neither type is better for everyone. An inflatable implant looks relaxed at rest and firm when you inflate it; a malleable implant is simpler, with no pump, but stays firm all the time. Here is how they compare.
| Malleable implant | Inflatable implant (IPP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | Two bendable rods | Two cylinders, a pump and a reservoir |
| Erection | Always firm; you bend it into position | Firm when inflated, relaxed when deflated |
| How you use it | Bend up or down by hand | Squeeze the pump in the scrotum; press the release to deflate |
| Appearance at rest | Penis stays firm, positioned down | Penis looks relaxed and natural |
| Mechanical parts | No fluid or pump | Fluid-filled parts and a pump |
Men's Health Georgia offers both inflatable and malleable penile implants, Coloplast brand only, and is a Coloplast Center of Excellence since 2016. Your surgeon can help you decide which type matches your health, your hands and your preferences.
Before, during and after surgery
- Before: a consultation, an exam, a urine test to check for infection, and insurance prior authorization.
- During: surgery under anesthesia through a small incision. The rods are sized to your measurements.
- After: swelling and soreness for the first days, a follow-up visit to check healing, and sexual activity once your surgeon says you have healed.
Cost and insurance
Many insurance plans may cover a malleable penile implant when it is medically necessary. See penile implant cost and insurance.
Risks
Risks are similar to other implant surgery: pain, reactions to anesthesia, infection that may need repeat surgery, damage to surrounding tissue and, less often, problems with the device. Natural erections are not expected after any penile implant.
Malleable penile implant FAQ
Is a malleable implant always firm?
Yes. The rods keep the penis firm at all times. You bend it up for intercourse and down against the body the rest of the time.
Can people see a malleable implant?
The device is completely inside the penis. Because the penis stays firm, some men find it takes more thought to keep it discreet under tight clothing.
Will I still have orgasm and sensation?
A malleable implant does not change skin sensation. Men who could have an orgasm and ejaculate before surgery should still be able to afterward, unless another medical problem affects it.
Why would someone choose malleable over inflatable?
Some men prefer a device with no pump to operate, for example because of limited hand strength or dexterity. Others choose it because it has no fluid parts. Your surgeon will discuss the trade-offs.
When can I have sex after surgery?
Most patients can resume sexual activity 4 to 6 weeks after implant surgery, once your surgeon has checked your healing.
Can a malleable implant be changed to an inflatable implant later?
Changing implants means another operation. Discuss your long-term preferences with your surgeon before choosing.
Implant surgeons
Talk with a urologist
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