Penile implants address an intimate issue many avoid discussing, which is erectile dysfunction. This common condition affects over 150 million men globally. Penile implants have proven to be one of the most effective surgical solutions for erectile dysfunction, significantly transforming patients’ lives by restoring both confidence and stable sexual function.
What are penile implants?
A penile implant is an artificial device surgically placed inside the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve firm, functional erections. It is typically considered for those who have not responded to other medical treatments (such as pills, injections, or vacuum devices). It may also be suitable for men with conditions that impair erectile function, like priapism (persistent painful erections) or Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature).
Types of penile implants
Two of the most commonly used types of penile implants, semi-rigid implants and inflatable implants, are usually implanted under general or regional anesthesia, often requiring an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Semi-rigid implants: These devices allow a man to have a penis that is hard enough for sexual activity whenever and for as long as he wants, as the penis remains in a semi-rigid state permanently, and can be simply guided up or down as the patient desires.
- Inflatable implants: These implants are the most common, allowing the man to inflate the device whenever and for as long as he wants and deflate it at other times. The three-piece inflatable penile implants consist of a saline-filled reservoir implanted under the abdominal wall, a pump and release valve placed inside the scrotum, and two inflatable cylinders inside the penis. At the same time, the two-piece model works in a similar way, but the reservoir is part of the pump implanted in the scrotum.
| Comparison | Semi-rigid implants | Inflatable implants (2 pieces) | Inflatable implants (three pieces) |
| Installation | Two flexible rods, which remain in a permanently rigid position | Two cylinders and an integrated pump with a small reservoir inside the scrotum | Two cylinders + pump in the scrotum + reservoir in the abdomen |
| Hardness | Good but not always consistent | Medium | Excellent and closer to normal |
| Failure and damage rate | Least | average | Highest (for more ingredients) |
Who is eligible for penile implants?
Any patient with erectile dysfunction can be a potential candidate for a penile implant, including patients with Peyronie’s disease. However, their condition does not improve naturally or through other conservative medical treatments, such as medications (Viagra), and when there are intolerable side effects from these medications. It is also suitable for patients who prefer not to use vacuum pumps or penile injections, as well as diabetic patients with nerve damage and irreversible erectile dysfunction, making this surgery the optimal solution for them
Benefits and Risks of penile implants
There are many advantages of penile implants, including:
- Strong erection: The implant helps achieve an erection sufficient for intercourse at any time and for an indefinite period of time.
- Unaffected sensation and ejaculation: The implant does not change the sensation in the skin of the penis or the ability to orgasm or ejaculate.
- Satisfactory results: More than 90% of patients are satisfied with the results.
- The durability of the penile implant: It usually lasts around 20 years.
- It is also a safe procedure with a low complication rate
- Improved self-confidence
Any surgical procedure carries potential complications and risks; these risks include:
- Lack of blood flow to the head of the penis, which may require removal of the implant
- If an infection occurs, the implant may also need to be removed.
- Skin erosion due to the friction of the implant
- Move the pump or tank out of place
- Sensation of shortened penis length
- Form a large scar
Penile implants cost in Turkey
The cost of Penile implants varies depending on the type of implant, and the cost in Turkey ranges from one US dollar, which is much lower compared to European countries and the United States of America, where the cost is about 7,500-$25,000 US .
| Type of Erection Brace | Cost |
| Semi-rigid supports | $4,400 – $4,900 |
| Inflatable brace (2 pieces) | $7,000 – $7,700 |
| Inflatable brace (three pieces) | $7,800 – $8,800 |
In conclusion, penile implants are an effective surgical option for men with persistent erectile dysfunction that does not respond to pharmacological treatments or other conservative methods. Although they are considered an invasive intervention, satisfaction rates remain high among both patients and their partners.
Sources:
- Chung, E. (2017). Penile prosthesis implant: Scientific advances and technological innovations over the last four decades.Translational Andrology and Urology, 6(1),37-45
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Insertion of penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction. Retrieved June 5, 2025
