Penile Implants

Board-certified urologists staff The Men’s Clinic at UCLA and you can be assured you are getting an experienced physician performing your penile implant evaluation and procedure.

What is Penile Implant Surgery?

Penile implants are a surgical treatment option for erectile dysfunction. These procedures involve the insertion of malleable or inflatable rods into the penis. Penile implants may be recommended for patients when other less invasive treatment options for erectile dysfunction have not been successful.

There are three forms of penile implants: semi-rigid prostheses, inflatable prostheses and self-contained prostheses.

1. Semi-rigid prostheses involve the surgical implantation of a silicon-covered flexible metal rod that provides rigidity for intercourse. These implants bend into different positions (outward for sex or back toward the body to be concealed under clothing).
2. Inflatable penile prostheses involve the surgical implantation of two soft silicone or plastic tubes into the penis, a small reservoir in the abdomen and a small pump in the scrotum. A patient produces an erection with this prosthesis by squeezing the pump in the scrotum to move sterile liquid from the reservoir in the abdomen into the tubes. A valve moves fluid back to the reservoir to stop the erection.
3. Self-contained inflatable implants consist of a pair of inflatable tubes inserted into the penis with a pump attached to the end of the implant and a reservoir located in the shaft of the penis.

Penile implants are performed as outpatient surgical procedures. The implants are inserted through an incision made in the penis, lower abdomen or scrotum. A thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted briefly up the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. Patients will typically remain in the hospital for one to two days following their surgery. A urinary catheter will be used for one day and antibiotics will be prescribed for two weeks after surgery to prevent infection.

Men are advised to not wear tight underwear or clothing until their surgical incision has healed. For those with inflatable implants, tight clothing should be avoided for up to six weeks to avoid pushing the saline reservoir out of position. Strenuous physical activity and sex can resume one month after the surgery. Penile implants are typically very successful surgical procedures.

Center of Excellence

Dr. Jesse Mills and the Men's Clinic at UCLA have been designated as a Center of Excellence for the AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) - a treatment option for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The Center of Excellence designation recognizes achievement of program requirements, including experience with implanting the AMS 700 and commitment to continuously educating patients and the community about ED and available treatment options. 

Contact Us

Board-certified urologists staff The Men’s Clinic at UCLA and you can be assured you are getting an experienced physician performing your evaluation and procedure in a relaxed and comfortable environment. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call the UCLA Urology Appointment line at 310-794-7700.