Semirigid, cylindrical plastic device surgically placed within the penis to treat impotence. The penis is maintained in a semi-erect state at all times. There is usually no effect on the recipient’s ability to urinate.
Surgical insertion of semiflexible plastic rods or an inflatable prosthesis in the penis. A penile implant provides erections in men who have difficulty obtaining or maintaining erections (see erectile dysfunction). The semiflexible plastic rods provide a permanent semierection; the inflatable implant can be inflated temporarily for sexual activity. The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
A penile prosthesis is implanted to assist men dealing with persistent impotence in accomplishing sexual intercourse. Different models encompass a silicone splint placed within the tissues of the upper section of the penis, as well as an inflatable prosthesis that can be expanded by compressing a small bulb located in the scrotum.