A penile prosthesis is a medical device that requires surgery to implant in a man's penis. More than 300,000 men have benefited from penile implants, returning to an active and satisfying sex life for themselves, and their partners. Overall patient satisfaction is reportedly high with penile prosthesis, with more than 90% of patients satisfied with the outcomes as compared with 50% of patients satisfied with oral medications.  Many patients have reported that the treatment was life changing and restored the intimacy back into their life and relationships.

The Expertise Needed for Success

As one of the region's leading microsurgeons, Dr. Lerner is on the leading-edge of the most advanced surgical techniques and technology and his experience performing penile prosthetic surgery has benefited many men and their quality of life.

Dr. Lerner understands that choosing a penile implant is a very personal decision and will discuss with you all of your options to ensure you receive the prosthetic device that is just right for you. Because each type of prosthesis offers unique features, Dr. Lerner will discuss the benefits and risks of the implant, and work with you to determine the option that best fits with your personal preferences.

Two- and Three-piece Inflatable Prostheses (Implants)

The two- and three-piece inflatable prosthetic devices consist of a fluid filled pair of cylinders implanted in the penis and a small pump implanted in the scrotum. Both are simple to use, completely concealed inside the body and produce an erection that looks and feels natural.
 
With the two-piece implant, you simply squeeze and release the pump several times. When the fluid is pumped into the cylinders, it creates an erection that provides rigidity.

The three-piece inflatable device has an additional part - a reservoir that is implanted into the lower abdomen. When you are ready to have sex, you pump the fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders to create a rigid erection. After intercourse, you release the valve inside of the scrotum to drain the fluid back into the reservoir to return to flaccidity.  The three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis creates a firmer erection than the two-piece device.

 
Advantages of the two-and three-piece inflatable prostheses:

• Completely concealed inside the body
• Simple to use
• Devices are inflated to provide rigidity and deflated for concealment
• Like a natural erection
• When deflated, the cylinders are soft and flaccid (three-piece implant)

Disadvantages of the two- and three-piece inflatable prostheses:

• Requires some manual dexterity
• Cylinders remain partially filled with fluid when deflated (two-piece device)

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While the thought of surgery can be quite intimidating for some men, Dr. Lerner makes sure to provide you with all of the information needed to make a decision that is right for you, and your partner. He will review the advantages and disadvantages of the prosthetic devices as well as educate you on the benefits and risks, which include:

Benefits of Penile Prostheses:

• Provides a long term solution to ED
• Provides the ability to attain a natural feeling, rigid erection anytime you choose
• Allows for more spontaneity when the mood strikes
• Enables you to maintain an erection as long as desired
• No costly pills or shots
• Feels natural during sexual intercourse
• Doesn't interfere with ejaculation or orgasm

Risks:

• Surgery carries risk of infection; if infection occurs, the prosthesis may need to be removed
• Can result in a slightly shorter penis
• If the implant is removed for any reason, attaining a natural erection will be impossible, even with ED medications or by other means.
• Mechanical parts may fail

Patient and partner satisfaction rates are among the highest when it comes to penile prosthesis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction:

• 92% of patients would recommend the two-piece penile prosthesis to others
• 90% of sexual partners would recommend the two-piece penile prosthesis to other couples
• 9 out of 10 men and their partners were very pleased with their inflatable penile prosthesis
• The three-piece inflatable penile device has a 92% patient satisfaction rate and a 96% satisfaction rate among partners
• 95% of patients would undergo the implant procedure again

Is a penile implant the right choice for you? Talk to Dr. Lerner about this treatment option, and if you are a candidate for prosthetic surgery.