Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by

Men with erectile dysfunction might find a penile implant life-changing. It’s normal to worry about how these devices look and work.
A penile prosthesis is a device implanted to help men get an erection. There are two main kinds: inflatable and malleable (semi-rigid) implants.
These devices aim to be discreet and boost confidence. We’ll look at the different types, how they look, and how they work. This information helps patients decide on their treatment.
Penile implants are a treatment for men with erectile dysfunction. They help achieve a natural-looking erection. This restores confidence and intimacy.
Men with erectile dysfunction who have tried other treatments might consider implants. Conditions like Peyronie’s disease also make implants necessary. We suggest looking into implants when other treatments don’t work.
The medical reasons for implantation include:
Inflatable penile implants are a common choice. They have cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir. To get an erection, a man uses the pump to fill the cylinders.
The steps to get an erection with an inflatable penile implant are:
To stop the erection, the fluid goes back to the reservoir. This makes the penis soft again. It’s a natural and discreet way to manage ED.
Understanding penile implants helps men make better choices. We offer support and guidance every step of the way.

Penile implants come in two main types: inflatable and malleable. Each has its own features. It’s important for men thinking about this surgery to know the differences.
Inflatable implants are a favorite for many. They let men have erections that look and feel real. The device has cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir.
When a man wants an erection, he uses the pump. This fills the cylinders with fluid, making the penis erect.
Key Features of Inflatable Penile Implants:

Malleable implants are another choice. They are bendable rods in the penis, always firm. Men can adjust the penis’s position manually, for privacy and control.
Characteristics of Malleable Implants:
Both types of implants have their benefits. We help patients choose the best one for them.
Penile implants are made to look natural, whether soft or hard. This is key for those thinking about getting one. They want it to look and feel like their own.
When soft, the penis looks normal. You can’t see the implant. The parts of the implant are hidden under the skin.
Keeping the penis looking natural when soft is very important. Modern implants are made to blend in. They don’t change how the penis looks when it’s not hard.
When hard, the penis looks natural too. The implant makes it stiff like a real erection. It’s designed to look and feel like a real hard-on.
Scarring and being seen are not big worries with penile implants. The cuts are small, and the implant is hidden inside. So, scars are usually small, and the penis looks natural.
We’re proud to give our patients the best care and advice. This includes helping them understand how penile implants look.
Penile implants have several key parts that work together. They help restore erectile function. It’s important for men to know about these parts if they’re thinking about implants for erectile dysfunction.
Penile implants have three main parts: inflatable cylinders, a pump, and a reservoir. The inflatable cylinders are inside the penis shaft. They fill with fluid to create an erection. Clinical experience shows that these cylinders are flexible and durable, feeling natural.
Where these parts are placed is very important. They are put in a way that helps them work well and avoids problems.
The pump system is key for the implant. It moves fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders. The pump is in the scrotum, making it easy to use. When you press the pump, fluid goes to the cylinders, making an erection.
This process is simple and easy to use. It lets men control their erections easily.
The reservoir is under the belly, holding the fluid for erections. It’s made to be small and not noticeable. Fluid moves from the reservoir to the cylinders through the pump, allowing for a natural erection.
Knowing how these parts work can make men feel more ready to consider penile implants for erectile dysfunction.
Men thinking about penile implant surgery often wonder about the look of the procedure and the changes afterward. Knowing these changes helps manage expectations and find happiness with the results.
Right after surgery, the penis might look swollen and bruised. This is normal and usually most noticeable in the first days. Swelling comes from the body’s reaction to surgery, and bruises are from blood under the skin.
It’s important for patients to be ready for this look, as it’s different from the final outcome. The surgery itself takes about 45 minutes to an hour. But recovery takes longer.
As healing goes on, swelling goes down, and the penis looks more normal. Most men can start hard activities and sex about 4 to 6 weeks after. During this time, the body heals, and the implant becomes part of the penis.
Following the surgeon’s advice is key for proper healing and avoiding problems. Healing takes time, and patience is important for the best results.
The final look of penile implant surgery is usually good, with men getting a natural-looking erection. Studies show over 80% of men are happy with the look and function of their implants.
The changes after penile implant surgery are big, and understanding them is key for happiness. By knowing what to expect, men can make better choices about their treatment.
Men with a penile implant often wonder how it will change their daily lives and sex life. Adjusting to a penile implant involves many practical things. These can affect how you live and your intimate relationships.
One big worry is how visible the implant is under clothes. Malleable implants, being semi-rigid, might be more noticeable. But, they can be bent away for sex and toward the body for hiding.
Men with malleable implants can pick clothes that hide the device better. Wearing loose pants or the right underwear can help a lot.
Partners of men with implants often feel very happy. The implants can make sex better and boost confidence. The implant’s natural feel during sex can make it more enjoyable for both.
It’s key for men to talk openly with their partners. This ensures a supportive and understanding relationship.
Most physical activities are okay with the implant, but follow your surgeon’s advice. You can usually start exercising again after a while, as your doctor says.
Some worry about the implant’s look during exercise. But, most implants are made to be discreet. Many men say the implant doesn’t stop them from doing sports or exercises.
In summary, while there are practical things to think about with a penile implant, many men find the benefits worth it. Understanding how the implant affects your life and intimacy helps make informed choices. This way, men can enjoy a better quality of life.
Penile implants are a top choice for men with erectile dysfunction. They greatly improve their quality of life. At Liv Hospital, we focus on the latest medical care and always aim to get better.
More than 80% of men are very happy with their penile implant surgery. They say it has made a big difference in their happiness and well-being. This surgery helps them feel more confident and intimate again.
Our team has seen how penile implants can change a person’s life for the better. We’re all about giving our patients the best care and support. Choosing a penile implant can lead to a more satisfying life, full of confidence and joy.
There are two main types: inflatable penile implants (IPP) and malleable (semi-rigid) implants.
These implants use a pump to move fluid. This fluid goes to cylinders in the penis, creating an erection. When you don’t need an erection anymore, the fluid goes back to a reservoir, making the penis soft again.
When the penis is soft, it looks normal. You can’t see the implant.
When erect, the penis looks natural. The inflatable cylinders make it stiff.
Scarring and visibility are not big worries. The incisions are small, and the implant is hidden.
The main parts are the cylinders, pump, and reservoir. The cylinders are inside the penis. The pump is in the scrotum, and the reservoir is under the belly.
The pump system moves fluid to the cylinders. This makes the penis hard.
Right after surgery, the penis might look swollen and bruised.
As it heals, the swelling goes down. The penis will look more normal, with a natural erection.
The worry is that the implant might show under clothes. This is more of a concern with malleable implants, which are always stiff.
Partners often say they’re very happy. The implants can make sex better and boost confidence.
You can usually do physical activities with the implant. But, always listen to your surgeon’s advice on how to care for yourself after surgery.
Studies show over 80% of men are very happy with their implants. They feel it’s made a big difference in their lives.
Goodstein, T., & Jenkins, L. C. (2023). A narrative review on malleable and inflatable penile implants: Choosing the right implant for the right patient. International Journal of Impotence Research, 35(7), 623-628.
Corona, G., et al. (2025). Long-term penile prosthesis couple’s satisfaction: A multicenter study. Andrology, 13(2), 200-208.
Habous, M., et al. (2022). Malleable Penile Implant Rod Diameter Predicts Outcomes and Satisfaction. Sexual Medicine, 10(2), Article 100486.
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