Penile Implant: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Penile Implant?
A urologist, a surgeon who treats the urinary system and the male reproductive system, places a penile implant. Health care professionals treat the cause of ED when possible. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A penile implant is a device that a surgeon places inside the penis to make it erect. Doctors use it to treat erectile dysfunction, or ED. ED is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection.
A malleable device has 2 solid rods that are bent upward for an erection and downward when not in use.
The 3-piece inflatable model is the most used type. It has 2 cylinders in the penis, a fluid reservoir, which is a small bag of fluid, and a pump in the scrotum.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Most people with ED do not need surgery. Surgery may be considered if you have tried all other options and your ED does not improve. A penile implant is a third-line therapy, which means it comes after other treatments. These include pills, vacuum erection devices, suppositories, and injections.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- You may need a heart risk check and medical clearance before surgery.
- If you have diabetes, aim for good blood sugar control. High A1c levels, a measure of blood sugar, are linked to more infections after this surgery.
- Quit smoking early, because tobacco use is linked to more infections at the surgery site.
- Do not stop any medicine on your own, and follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions.
- You should not have this surgery with an active infection anywhere in the body, especially in the urinary tract or genitals.
Your surgeon should explain the risks. These include infection, erosion (the device wearing through tissue), being unhappy with the results, and repair surgery later. The surgery will not make the penis longer and may make it slightly shorter.
What happens during it
The surgery is described as starting after general anesthesia, which means you are fully asleep. A thin tube called a Foley catheter is placed to drain the bladder.
The pump goes in the scrotum, and tubing connects the pump, the reservoir, and the cylinders. Then the skin is closed in 2 layers.
Recovery
The drain and catheter are usually removed the day after surgery. Many people have stayed in the hospital overnight, and same-day surgery has become another option. You are told to avoid heavy lifting until the follow-up visit in 7 to 14 days. You will be told to pull the pump down several times a day so it stays in place.
Fever and drainage from the cut can be signs of infection, so call your surgeon if you notice them.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Infection is the most concerning complication of this surgery. Treatment often involves antibiotics and removing all parts of the device. Trouble emptying the bladder is common and affects up to 27% of patients. It is usually managed with a catheter, a thin tube that drains urine.
The pump can move upward out of place, which can affect how the device works. The penis may also become shorter.
Who performs it
Urologists and other surgeons perform this surgery. They need advanced surgical skills to pick the right device and place it safely.
Common questions
Is a penile implant the first treatment for ED?
No, it is not the first treatment. Most people with ED do not need surgery.
Will an implant make my penis longer?
No, the surgery will not make the penis longer and may make it slightly shorter.
How satisfied are people with penile implants?
Satisfaction rates are over 80% with 3-piece devices and over 70% with 2-piece models.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can review how your ED has been treated, check your heart and blood sugar before surgery, and coordinate your care. They do not place the implant, so they would refer you to a urologist and stay involved before and after.
Sources
- NIDDK - Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
- NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls) - Penile Prosthesis Implantation
- MedlinePlus - Erectile Dysfunction
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
