Penile prosthesis surgery, also known as penile implant surgery, is a procedure performed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) when other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes, have not been effective. It involves the placement of a device inside the penis to enable a man to achieve an erection.
There are three main types of penile prostheses:
- Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP): This type of prosthesis consists of two or three components. It includes a fluid-filled reservoir implanted in the abdomen, a pump placed in the scrotum, and inflatable cylinders inserted into the penis. By manually activating the pump, the reservoir transfers fluid into the cylinders, creating an erection. To deflate the prosthesis, the pump is pressed again.
- Malleable Penile Prosthesis (MPP): A malleable prosthesis is a semi-rigid device that is always firm but can be manually adjusted into different positions. It consists of bendable rods that are implanted into the penis, allowing it to be positioned up or down as desired.
- Semi-Rigid Penile Prosthesis (SRPP): Similar to the malleable prosthesis, the semi-rigid prosthesis is a non-inflatable device made of flexible rods. However, it remains in a fixed semi-rigid state, offering constant firmness.
Penile prosthesis surgery is typically performed by a urologist who specializes in sexual medicine. The procedure involves making incisions in the penis, placing the chosen prosthesis components, and closing the incisions. Recovery time varies, but most individuals can resume sexual activity after a few weeks.
It’s important to note that penile prosthesis surgery is a specialized procedure for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and it is not directly related to gender affirmation or gender reassignment surgeries for transgender individuals. If you have specific questions or considerations related to gender transition or transgender healthcare, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals who specialize in transgender healthcare.