Penile Implants Q & A

If pills or injection therapy are not successful or tolerable, Dr. Blick may recommend a penile implant. The penile implant is the single best long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction and is a life changing, transformational treatment for the men who receive them. Penile implants are covered by most insurance plans and allow you to have an erection whenever and wherever you want. That said, penile implants are not for everyone. Dr. Blick works hard to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure to ensure optimal outcomes.

There are two main types of implants that Dr. Blick uses, inflatable and malleable implants made by Boston Scientific.

AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Implant

The AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Implant is the most popular implant on the market and is often considered the “gold standard” of erectile dysfunction treatment.  Over 500,000 men have chosen the AMS 700™ because it mimics the look and feel of a natural erection. After the device is placed, you will not need medications to perform sex and there should be no on-going side effects or cost. You will continue to experience normal sensations, including orgasms and ejaculations if you were able to do so prior to the procedure.

How does the inflatable penile implant work?

The AMS 700™ consists of a pump, a reservoir and two expandable cylinders. The pump is placed in the scrotum, the cylinders are located in the shaft of your penis and the saline-filled reservoir is located in your abdominal area.  When you want to inflate your device, you will squeeze and release the pump. This brings the saline from the reservoir to the cylinders in your penis and creates an erection.  You will maintain an erection until you press the deflate button on the pump.

The Inflatable Penile Implant Procedure

Dr. Blick performs the penile implant procedure at a hospital or surgery center.  The procedure usually takes between ½ hour to 45 minutes. Dr. Blick will make a 3cm incision where your pubic hair is located. The components of the implant are placed through this small opening. You should be able to go home the same day and the recovery time is quick and manageable. After the device is placed, you will not need medications to perform sex.  Most of the recovery is over in one week, and you will be completely healed and ready to use the device in only 3 weeks. Overall, the healing process is modest for this highly successful, life changing procedure.

Tactra™ Malleable Penile Implant

The Tactra™ Malleable Penile Implant was designed with durability and ease of use in mind.  The malleable implant consists of two malleable or semi-rigid cylinders that are placed in the shaft of the penis.

How does the malleable implant work?

The Tactra™ Malleable Implant consists of a pair of silicone cylinders that give the implant a natural feel with a strong nitinol core which allows for a durable and rigid erection.  Manually adjust your penis upward when you are ready for intercourse and then adjust down for concealment when you are done. 

Will a Penile Implant Cause Penile Enlargement?

Although one type of Inflatable Penile Implant, the AMS 700 LGX has been proven to expand your length and girth, penile enlargement is largely based on your anatomy and your penis tissue’s ability to expand.  Dr. Blick will go over what he thinks the expected size of your penis will be in a pre-op examination.  On the other hand, for patients with normal erectile function,  he may discuss Penuma, a cosmetic urology procedure for penile enlargement.

Make an appointment with Dr. Shawn Blick today, by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.