Penile Prosthesis (Penile Implant) Surgery

What is Penile Prosthesis (Penile Implant)?

Penile prosthesis is a medical implant that is surgically placed to provide penile rigidity in men with advanced erectile dysfunction. Also known as the “penile implant” or “malleable/hydraulic implant”, these devices consist of prosthetic systems placed inside the corpora cavernosa of the penis and designed to provide mechanical rigidity when needed.

Modern penile prostheses are manufactured from biocompatible materials and designed to be compatible with body tissues. According to international urology guidelines, this treatment is considered one of the most successful surgical options that can provide a permanent solution when medications or other treatment methods are ineffective.

Who Is Suitable for Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

Penile prosthesis surgery is generally recommended as a permanent treatment option for patients with advanced erectile dysfunction who do not achieve sufficient benefit from other treatment methods.

Medications used for erectile dysfunction, injection therapies, or vacuum devices may not be effective in some patients. In such cases, penile prosthesis implantation can make sexual intercourse possible by mechanically providing penile rigidity.

International clinical studies have shown that when the right patients are selected, patient and partner satisfaction rates after surgery are quite high.

Penile prosthesis surgery may be preferred especially in the following situations:

• Patients with erectile dysfunction who cannot achieve sufficient erection with medication therapy
• Long-term erectile problems that do not respond to other treatments
• Erection problems caused by vascular and nerve damage related to diabetes
• Patients with permanent damage to penile blood vessels
• Erectile dysfunction developing after prostate cancer surgery or pelvic surgery
• Cases where erection cannot be maintained due to severe venous leakage
• Patients who do not want to use injection therapy or vacuum devices

How Does a Penile Prosthesis (Penile Implant) Work?

The working principle of penile prostheses is completely mechanical and designed to replace the natural erection mechanism. In inflatable prostheses, when the user activates the pump located inside the scrotum, fluid from the reservoir fills the cylinders placed inside the penis, creating rigidity. After intercourse, the fluid is transferred back to the reservoir through the valve mechanism, allowing the penis to return to a soft state. In malleable prostheses, there is no such mechanism; the implant has a semi-rigid structure and is manually positioned by the user for intercourse.

What Are the Types of Penile Prostheses?

Penile prostheses are medical implants placed inside the penis to provide erection in men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Today, prostheses are manufactured from biocompatible silicone and advanced polymer materials.

They are mainly divided into two groups: inflatable penile prostheses and malleable penile prostheses. The most suitable prosthesis type is determined according to the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and expectations.

Inflatable Penile Prostheses

Inflatable penile prostheses are the most commonly preferred systems today and are implants that provide the closest result to a natural erection. These systems generally consist of three main components:

• Cylinders placed inside the penis
• A fluid reservoir located inside the abdomen
• A pump mechanism placed inside the scrotum

The working principle is quite simple. When the user squeezes the pump inside the scrotum, fluid is transferred from the reservoir into the cylinders, creating penile rigidity. After intercourse, the fluid is returned to the reservoir using the release mechanism on the pump, allowing the penis to become soft again.

The main advantages of inflatable penile prostheses include:

• Provides rigidity closest to a natural erection
• The penis remains soft when the device is not in use
• Provides a more natural appearance in daily life
• Partner satisfaction rates are generally higher

Inflatable penile prostheses can be divided into two subtypes:

• Three-piece prostheses: The most advanced system consisting of cylinders, a reservoir, and a pump.
• Two-piece prostheses: A more compact reservoir system preferred in certain surgical situations.

Malleable Penile Prostheses

Malleable prostheses are semi-rigid rod-shaped implants and do not contain a mechanical pump system. Thanks to two flexible rods placed inside the penis, the penis remains in a continuously semi-rigid state. The user positions the penis manually upward during sexual intercourse to achieve suitable rigidity.

The features of the malleable penile prosthesis type include:

• No mechanical pump system
• Very simple to use
• Lower risk of mechanical failure due to fewer moving parts
• The surgical placement procedure is generally shorter

However, because the penis remains semi-rigid continuously, some patients may find inflatable prostheses more comfortable for daily use.

Both types of penile prostheses are designed for long-term use. Modern implants are manufactured according to high-quality durability standards and may include special coatings to reduce the risk of infection. With proper patient selection and appropriate surgical technique, penile prosthesis treatment is considered one of the methods with the highest satisfaction rates in the treatment of advanced erectile dysfunction.

Penile Prosthesis (Penile Implant) Surgery in Ankara

Penile prosthesis surgery is one of the most effective and permanent solutions in urology for cases of erectile dysfunction that do not respond to medication or other treatment methods. This surgery, performed by Op. Dr. Emrah Topbaş, is planned according to the patient's anatomy and lifestyle with inflatable (hydraulic) or semi-rigid prosthesis options.

The operation, performed using minimally invasive techniques, is completed in approximately 45–90 minutes under general or spinal anesthesia. With proper patient selection and an experienced surgical team, patient satisfaction rates can reach very high levels. Op. Dr. Emrah Topbaş guides patients with a comprehensive approach from preoperative evaluation to postoperative follow-up, supporting both physical and psychological recovery.

Penile Prosthesis Surgery Prices 2026

The cost of penile prosthesis surgery may vary depending on many factors. The type of prosthesis, technology of the implant used, surgeon’s experience, and the healthcare center where the surgery is performed can affect the price. Especially, three-piece inflatable prostheses may have higher costs compared to malleable prostheses due to their more complex structure. In addition, the implant brand and surgical equipment used may also cause differences in pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penile Prosthesis (Penile Implant) Surgery

How Is a Penile Implant Inserted?

Penile prosthesis implantation is a surgical procedure performed under sterile operating room conditions. The surgeon reaches the cavernous tissue through a small incision made in the penile root or scrotal area. The natural erectile channels inside the penis are then expanded, and the prosthesis cylinders are placed into these spaces. In inflatable systems, a reservoir is additionally placed inside the abdomen and a pump is placed inside the scrotum. After the entire system is positioned, the incisions are closed and the operation is completed. With the development of minimally invasive techniques, the procedure has become safer and faster.

How Long Does Penile Implant Surgery Take?

Penile prosthesis surgery is a surgical procedure that usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. The duration of the operation may vary depending on the type of prosthesis, surgical technique, and the patient's anatomical characteristics. Most patients can stand up shortly after surgery and return to their daily activities within a few days.

Are There Any Risks of Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

As with every surgical procedure, penile prosthesis surgery may involve some risks. The most commonly reported complications include infection, mechanical malfunction, and rarely, displacement of the implant. However, thanks to modern antibiotic-coated prostheses and advanced surgical techniques, infection rates have been reduced to very low levels. Long-term studies have shown that a significant proportion of implants continue to function successfully for many years.

Recovery Process After Penile Prosthesis Surgery

The recovery process after surgery is generally rapid. Mild pain and swelling may occur during the first few days, but these symptoms usually improve within a short time. Patients can typically return to normal daily activities within a few weeks. After physician follow-up, patients are trained on how to use the prosthesis correctly.

How Is Sexual Life After Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

The majority of patients report a significant improvement in their sexual life after penile prosthesis surgery. Since penile rigidity is provided mechanically with the prosthesis, erection problems during intercourse are eliminated. According to international clinical studies, patient satisfaction rates after penile prosthesis surgery can reach 85–90%.

When Can Sexual Intercourse Begin After Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

Most patients can begin sexual intercourse approximately 4–6 weeks after surgery. During this period, complete healing of the surgical area and confirmation that the prosthesis is functioning properly are important. Following the usage instructions provided by the doctor can help accelerate the recovery process.

Is a Penile Prosthesis Permanent? How Long Does It Last?

Penile prostheses are designed for long-term use. Clinical studies show that modern prostheses may have an average lifespan of approximately 10–15 years. However, since they are mechanical devices, revision or replacement may be required over time.

Is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Painful?

During penile prosthesis surgery (penile implant surgery),the patient does not feel pain because anesthesia is applied. After surgery, mild pain or sensitivity may occur for a few days. This discomfort can usually be controlled with pain medication and decreases within a short period.

When Is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Preferred in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

Penile prosthesis surgery is generally considered one of the last-line treatment options when other treatments have failed. When erectile dysfunction medications, injection therapies, or vacuum devices are not effective, penile implantation may be recommended as a permanent solution. Therefore, prosthesis treatment is mostly applied in cases of advanced erectile dysfunction.

Can a Person With a Penile Implant Ejaculate?

A penile prosthesis is a device that only supports the erection mechanism. Ejaculation, orgasm, and sexual pleasure are related to the nervous system and hormonal mechanisms. Therefore, in most patients, ejaculation and orgasm functions are preserved after prosthesis implantation.

Does a Penile Implant Provide Pleasure?

A penile prosthesis does not alter the sensory nerves of the penis. Therefore, touch sensation and orgasm capacity are generally preserved. Many patients report a significant increase in sexual satisfaction after receiving a penile implant.

How Many Centimeters Is a Penile Implant?

The size of penile prostheses is determined according to the patient's anatomical measurements. During surgery, the surgeon measures the cavernous channels inside the penis and selects a prosthesis with the appropriate length. Therefore, implant size may vary from person to person.

How Is a Penile Implant Used?

Patients using inflatable prostheses can achieve an erection by squeezing the pump located inside the scrotum several times. After intercourse, the penis can return to a soft state by using the release mechanism on the pump. The usage process is quite simple, and patients receive detailed training after surgery.

Does Insurance Cover Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

In some countries and healthcare systems, penile prosthesis surgery may be covered by health insurance when specific medical indications are present. However, coverage conditions may vary depending on the country's healthcare policies, insurance type, and the patient's clinical condition.

Reviews and Satisfaction Rates of Patients Who Have Had Penile Prosthesis Surgery

International clinical studies show that patient satisfaction after penile prosthesis surgery is quite high. Various studies have reported patient and partner satisfaction rates above 85%. These results demonstrate that penile prosthesis is one of the most effective and permanent treatment methods for advanced erectile dysfunction.