Penile Implant Surgery

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a condition that can be treated in various ways, depending on its underlying cause. When drug treatments (such as Levitra®, Cialis®, or Viagra®) or intracavernosal injections are not effective, the definitive solution for erectile dysfunction ispenile implant surgery.

A penile implant restores firmness to the penis either permanently (with malleable implants) or on demand (with inflatable ones), allowing for a return to normal sexual activity. The procedure does not affect penile sensitivity, ejaculation, or the ability to achieve orgasm.

On this page, we explain all the details about penile implant surgery, including the procedure itself and the benefits it offers.

A penile implant is one of the available solutions for treating erectile dysfunction. When other therapies are not effective, penile implant surgery can restore a normal sex life for the patient.

To determine whether this treatment is appropriate, it is essential to consult a urology specialist, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and explore the options that best suit the patient's specific condition.

A penile implant is a permanent solution for men with erectile dysfunction, providing discreet support that enables an erection whenever and wherever desired.

There are different types of penile implants, classified according to the type of cylinder (semirigid or inflatable), their size, and the materials used.

The type of penile implant is determined by the urologist, based on the patient's individual needs, the underlying condition, lifestyle, age, and any potential health risks.

A penile implant increases the firmness of the penis and resolves erectile dysfunction that has not responded to medication or injections.

Inflatable penile implants can vary based on the number of components they include. However, their overall function is quite similar:

• Two-piece inflatable implant: cylinders + pump — rarely used today.
• Three-piece inflatable implant: cylinders + pump + fluid reservoir — currently the most recommended option.

The inflatable penile implant involves the insertion of a pair of cylinders, a pump system, and a reservoir (not included in the two-piece implant), which serves as a storage unit for the fluid.

This type of implant allows the patient to inflate the cylinders by activating the pump, which transfers the fluid to create and maintain an erection during sexual activity. After intercourse, pressing the pump again returns the fluid to the reservoir, allowing the penis to return to a flaccid state.

The implant procedure is quick, straightforward, and often performed on an outpatient basis. It is typically carried out under regional or spinal anesthesia.

Considering an inflatable penile implant? Schedule a surgical consultation with our urology specialists to discuss your case and find the best treatment option for you.

Do you have erectile dysfunction?

Request a free surgical consultation with our Urology specialist to evaluate your case for penile implant surgery.

Make an appointment

Before explaining what erectile dysfunction is, it's important to understand how the penis normally functions.

The penis contains two chambers called the corpora cavernosa. When a man becomes sexually aroused, these chambers fill with blood, causing the penis to enlarge and become firm, making penetration during sexual intercourse possible.

Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect following a radical prostatectomy, a surgical treatment for prostate cancer.

Erectile dysfunction occurs when blood flow to the corpora cavernosa is insufficient, resulting in the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm or long-lasting enough for satisfactory sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of factors, including organic, neurological, endocrine, psychological, or disease-related causes.

The most common include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Arteriosclerosis: a vascular condition that causes hardening, thickening, and loss of elasticity in the arterial walls
• Prostatitis: infection of the prostate gland
• Penile conditions such as Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature or deformity)
• Radical surgery for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy), colon cancer, or spinal cord injuries
• Aging
• Traumatic injuries, including workplace accidents and wounds
• Stress
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Smoking, drug use, and/or excessive alcohol consumption
• Psychosexual disorders: mental blocks or deep-rooted emotional trauma

If you are interested in undergoing penile implant surgery to address erectile dysfunction through Operarme, you can request a free consultation with our Urology Specialist. During this consultation, the specialist will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment for you.

If you would like more information before scheduling the appointment, you can contact the Operarme team using the contact form, by calling at +34 91 141 33 56, or by clicking on the Request Appointment button below.

Do you have erectile dysfunction?

Request a free surgical consultation with our Urology specialist to evaluate your case for penile implant surgery.

Make an appointment

Once you request the consultation, one of our patient service advisors will get in touch with you to answer any questions you may have and confirm the date and time that best suits your needs.

Urology consultation

Diagnosis—identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction—is key to choosing the best treatment option and avoiding false expectations. After scheduling your consultation and attending the appointment, the urologist will perform a series of tests and conduct an interview to understand the specifics of your case.

The standard in-office evaluation includes:

• Review of your complete medical history
• Physical and anatomical examination
• Analysis of medical tests (such as ultrasounds, blood work, etc.)

Once the above steps have been completed, the urologist will determine the cause of the erectile dysfunction—whether it is due to a physical injury or organic issue, a psychological cause, or a combination of both. This allows the specialist to recommend the most appropriate treatment to resolve the problem.

If, during the consultation, you decide to proceed with penile implant surgery with our urology specialist, you can schedule the surgery date directly during the visit.

The day after your consultation, our patient service team will contact you to ask how everything went and whether you have decided to move forward with the procedure. 

If you choose to proceed, your personal patient service advisor will explain the next steps, arrange your preoperative and anesthesia appointments, and assist you with any questions you may have throughout the process.

Before undergoing inflatable penile implant surgery, several tests will be conducted to assess your overall health status:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): to evaluate the condition of your heart.
• Chest X-ray: not always required—it will be ordered if the doctor deems it necessary. This test helps detect potential lung issues and checks that the trachea is properly aligned.
• Complete blood work: including a full blood count, basic coagulation profile, kidney function test, and glucose levels. A urine test will also be performed to rule out infection.

After these tests—either the same day or shortly after—you’ll have a consultation with the anesthesiologist who will be present during your surgery. During this consultation, it’s very important to mention any allergies, medications you are currently taking (whether prescribed or over-the-counter), previous surgeries, and other relevant medical history. Based on this assessment, the anesthesiologist will determine the most appropriate anesthesia for your procedure.

If the anesthesiologist approves the surgery, the next step will be to go to the hospital for the procedure.

When the time comes, you will be taken to the operating room, where you will once again meet your urologist, the anesthesiologist, and one or more members of the surgical nursing team. 

To help you understand what the procedure involves, here is a breakdown of the steps followed during the surgery:

Penile implant surgery typically lasts between 50 and 60 minutes.

1. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the urologist will make a small incision (approximately 3 cm) either in the scrotum or just above the pubic bone.
   
   
2. Through this incision, the surgeon carefully inserts all the componentsof the implant.
   
   
3. The pump is placed inside the scrotum, the cylinders are inserted into the corpora cavernosa of the penis, and the fluid reservoir is positioned in the lower abdominal area near the pump.
   
   
4. After all components are in place, the incision is sutured, marking the end of the procedure.

The surgery is performed under regional anesthesia and lasts approximately 50–60 minutes.

In general, you will need a few days to return to your normal routine, gradually resuming light activities first and progressing as you recover. Specialists typically recommend waiting about 5 to 6 weeks before resuming sexual intercourse.

Like any surgical procedure, penile implant surgery involves both significant benefits and potential risks:

Advantages of inflatable penile implant surgery

• Restores penile rigidity and function: After the surgery, normal erections are possible without the need for medication or injections.
• Prevents penile conditions: One common cause of erectile dysfunction is Peyronie’s disease, which results from scar tissue forming in the penile tissue. An implant can help prevent complications associated with such conditions.
• Restores confidence: Being able to achieve an erection on demand can significantly improve self-esteem and overall psychological well-being.
• Resumes normal sexual activity: Once recovery is complete, patients can return to a healthy and satisfying sex life without loss of sensitivity or changes in sexual pleasure.

Risks of penile implant surgery

• Prosthesis infection: Rare, and typically treatable with antibiotics.
• Mechanical failure: Also uncommon (around 5% of cases). If it occurs, the solution is usually to replace the implant.

In addition to the medical advantages of inflatable penile implant surgery, there are several important benefits to choosing to undergo the procedure through Operarme:

• Free surgical consultation with a Urology Specialist, with no waiting times.
• All-inclusive fixed price, guaranteed. From the very first moment, you’ll know the final cost of your surgery—no surprises.
• Fully personalized support from our patient service team, who will guide you through every step of the process and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your journey, so you can focus solely on your recovery.
• Highly experienced urological surgeons, renowned experts in their field with years of professional excellence.
• Top hospital facilities, equipped with advanced medical technologies and conveniently located in your city.
• The inflatable penile implant surgery includes hospital admission and is backed by amedical complications insurance, covering issues such as extended hospital stay or the need for revision surgery. For more details on this insurance, please contact our patient service team.

If you’re looking for a safe, efficient, and expert-recommended solution to erectile dysfunction, you can request a free consultation with one of our Urology Specialists by calling at +34 91 141 33 56, or clicking on the button below.

Do you have erectile dysfunction?

Request a free surgical consultation with our Urology specialist to evaluate your case for penile implant surgery.

Make an appointment