Who is a candidate for a penile implant?

You may be a candidate if

• You have erectile dysfunction that has not been treated successfully with other therapies, such as oral medication or penile injection therapy.
• You are not a good candidate for other treatments, such as penile arterial revascularization or venous ligation surgery.
• You have Peyronie's disease and ED that has not responded to conservative treatment. An implant can restore function and straighten the penis. See Peyronie's disease.
• You have ED after radical pelvic surgery, such as prostatectomy or cystectomy, and medical therapy has not worked. See penile rehabilitation on the ED page.

Is a penile implant worth it?

For many men whose ED has not responded to pills or injections, an implant is a way to have sex again on their own schedule. Consider what matters to you:

• What you gain: an erection firm enough for intercourse whenever you choose, with no medication timing, and a device completely hidden inside the body.
• What you give up: natural erections, because the implant replaces the spongy erectile tissue.
• What it takes: an operation, a recovery of several weeks, and the small risk of infection or mechanical problems that could need another surgery.

Penile implant for Peyronie's disease

Men with Peyronie's disease and ED can have an implant placed and the penis straightened in the same operation. Read about our Peyronie's disease treatments.

Think carefully if

If you can still have erections on your own that are good enough for intercourse, consider very carefully whether an implant is the right choice. Placing the implant removes the spongy tissue inside the penis, so natural erections are not expected afterward.

Health factors your surgeon reviews

• Infection: any urinary, skin or other infection is treated before surgery.
• Diabetes: blood sugar should be well controlled.
• Other conditions and medications: heart and lung health, blood thinners and fitness for anesthesia.
• Hand strength and dexterity: an inflatable implant is worked with a pump; a malleable implant has no pump.
• Previous surgery or radiation in the pelvis, and any earlier implant.

Questions to bring to your consultation

• Which type of implant suits me, and why?
• Which surgical approach do you recommend for me?
• What should I expect for length and appearance?
• What does recovery look like for my job and activities?
• What does my insurance require before surgery?

Your partner is welcome at the consultation.

Cost and insurance

See penile implant cost and insurance.

Candidate questions

Is a penile implant worth it?

It depends on your goals. For men whose ED has not responded to medication or injections, an implant offers an erection on demand without medication timing. Trade-offs include surgery, recovery and the loss of natural erections. Your surgeon will help you weigh these.

Can I get a penile implant after prostate cancer surgery?

Yes. ED after prostatectomy or other pelvic surgery is a common reason for an implant when medical therapy has not worked.

Can a penile implant help Peyronie's disease?

For men with Peyronie's disease and ED, an implant can restore erections and straighten the penis, sometimes with additional straightening techniques during the same surgery.

Am I too old for a penile implant?

Age alone does not rule out an implant. Your surgeon looks at your overall health, fitness for anesthesia and how you would use the device.

Can I get a penile implant if I have diabetes?

Many men with diabetes have implants. Blood sugar should be well controlled before surgery to lower the risk of infection.

If you are traveling

For patients traveling from elsewhere in Georgia or out of state, our sample plan schedules the consultation and a flexible cystoscopy for the day before surgery. Plan a consultation.