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What is a Penis Prosthetic?

L. Hepfer
L. Hepfer

A penis prosthetic is a form of surgical treatment for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction usually resort to medications as the first option. When medical therapy no longer works, a surgical procedure can be performed to insert a penis prosthetic that allows the man to remain sexually active.

Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder, and treatment was rare. By the early 1970s, erectile dysfunction surgery began when an inflatable penis prosthetic was developed by two men, F. B. Scott and W. E. Bradley. Early surgeries were plagued with failure, necessitating more surgeries to correct the problems. Urologists later discovered they had the ability to implant semi-rigid rods into the penis, and so further research and development continued.

Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder for which treatment was rare.
Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder for which treatment was rare.

Men can now choose between two penis prosthetics, an inflatable prosthetic or a malleable prosthetic. Both procedures have to be performed surgically. The malleable prosthetic consists of two flexible rods that are inserted in the penile erectile chambers. This sort of penis prosthetic causes the penis to remain semi-rigid at all times. The penis simply should be adjusted or lifted, and put into place to perform sexual intercourse.

A penis prosthetic may be used if eretile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments.
A penis prosthetic may be used if eretile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments.

The inflatable prosthetic is more commonly chosen by men. With this procedure, two cylinders are placed inside the penis. Tubing is then connected to a fluid reservoir that is implanted under the groin muscles. A pump is placed under the scrotal tissue and connected to the tubing.

This type of penis prosthetic allows a man to feel more natural by being able to control when and where he wants his penis erect. By pressing the pump, fluid is transferred into the cylinders inside the penis, producing an erection. Once the erect penis is no longer needed, the man then presses a different valve on the pump. Fluid is thereby moved back to the holding chamber, and the penis returns to its normal state.

Erectile dysfunction issues can sometimes be remedied with medication.
Erectile dysfunction issues can sometimes be remedied with medication.

There is usually no visible scarring to the penis after an implantation procedure has been done, other than a single tiny incision. The ability to orgasm is not affected and ejaculation remains normal. The feelings in and around the penis usually stays the same as well. However, once a penis prosthetic has been implanted, the man is no longer able to achieve an erection naturally.

Discussion Comments

anon137686

what is the cost of the prosthesis for the penis and where can i buy it?

anon88670

Has anyone considered a chinese sized flexible plastic or rubber dildo? It could be called shotgun for being twice the diameter and worn with a strap over the existing nub.

anon74932

My husband had a similar issue but did not have an operation. We chose to purchase a prosthetic extender.

His problem was being too soft, and this is another option for those of you who don't have the medical insurance coverage or the finances to pay for an operation.

The extender made his penis hard enough to penetrate inside of me and he can even reach climax with me. We are trying to get pregnant, so I will post back.

m1u2m345

my husband had a prosthesis in his penis about four years ago. since then he has no fluid come out of his penis when he reaches orgasm. we had kids before the operation so there was no problem before. i am desperate for another baby. The doctors have run tests but no answers have been given. because i have children i am not eligible for in vitro fertilization.

anon48204

What is the cost of either type of prothesis?

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    • Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder for which treatment was rare.
      By: Barbara Helgason
      Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder for which treatment was rare.
    • A penis prosthetic may be used if eretile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments.
      By: tomschoumakers
      A penis prosthetic may be used if eretile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments.
    • Erectile dysfunction issues can sometimes be remedied with medication.
      By: sframe
      Erectile dysfunction issues can sometimes be remedied with medication.
    • Reduced blood flow as a result of smoking may cause erectile dysfunction in some men.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Reduced blood flow as a result of smoking may cause erectile dysfunction in some men.
    • A penis prosthetic may allow a man to remain sexually active.
      By: Boggy
      A penis prosthetic may allow a man to remain sexually active.
    • Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder.
      By: Irina Karlova
      Erectile dysfunction used to be considered a mental disorder.