Penile Prosthesis: Complete Guide to Types, Surgery & Results

Have things recently been tricky in your bedroom? Erectile dysfunction can affect your confidence, relationships, and quality of life. 

Have you tried pills and are looking for a more permanent solution?

Have you come across a penile prosthesis and thought what it is?

At first, it can seem scary. You may have several questions on your mind. Is it safe? Will it feel natural? And many more.  

A penile prosthesis is a medical solution with high satisfaction rates. Once it is implanted, it helps you to have an erection whenever you choose, without affecting you in any way. No more pills. No more waiting. No more guesswork.

At NU Hospitals Bengaluru, we don’t just treat your symptoms; we restore your lifestyle. Whether you are navigating after your prostate surgery or managing long-term health conditions, we are here to help you get your confidence back.

If you have been thinking about whether penile implants are for you, read through this blog to learn more. 

What Is a Penile Prosthesis?

A penile prosthesis is a device placed inside your penis. It helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to achieve an erection.

Surgical solution for severe erectile dysfunction

• It is usually recommended when medications, injections, or vacuum devices have failed to provide results.

• You can choose between an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) or a Malleable Penile Prosthesis (MPP).

• Studies show a 95%+ patient satisfaction rate, proving that this is a great choice.

Ideal candidates

Who is the best fit for this procedure?

• Vascular ED

Men whose blood flow conditions don not respond to most medications.

• Peyronie’s Disease

Men who are dealing with penile curvature or plaques.

• Post-Prostatectomy

Men who have not regained penile function 12–18 months after prostate surgery.

• Proactive Patients

Younger men who want a durable solution.

Penile Implant Types: Inflatable vs Malleable Comparison

Choosing an implant is just like choosing a car for you. You will want to choose one that works perfectly for you. 

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) - Gold Standard

The IPP is the most popular choice.  It mimics your natural erection. When you are ready, you use a small pump in your scrotum to move fluid into the cylinders.

 

Malleable Penile Prosthesis (MPP) - Simpler Alternative

The MPP has two semi-rigid rods. There is no pump or reservoir. You will only need to bend your penis up.

• There are no moving parts. Therefore, there is a lower risk of mechanical failure.

• It is best for patients with limited hand strength (dexterity issues) or abdominal scarring. 

Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Procedure Details

Your penile prosthesis surgery at NU Hospitals will involve:

Modern Penile Implant Surgery 

It is going to be a 90-minute procedure. 

• Day 1 (Preparation)

You will have a detailed counseling session where our doctors will inform you about pre-op antibiotics and choosing between spinal or general anesthesia.

• Day 2 (The Procedure)

A small 2–3 cm cut is made (usually in the penis-scrotum junction). Our surgeon then places the cylinders, reservoir, and pump (if inflatable implant).

• Day 15 (Wound Follow-up): 

The doctor will examine the post-operative wound healing. 

• Day 30-45 (Activation)

You come back to the hospital to learn how it functions.  

Advanced Infection Prevention

Infection is the biggest fear in any implant surgery. 

• At NU Hospitals, we use implants that are antibiotic-coated. This leads to a 90% reduction in infection risk.

• Our surgeons make sure the device touches the skin minimally during insertion.

While the international average for infection is 1-3%, the NU Hospitals infection rate is <1% across 500+ successful cases.

Success Rates & Patient Satisfaction (2026 Data)

According to studies, 95% people would choose a penile implant again. 

 

Real-world outcomes

• Orgasm and ejaculation are preserved as your nerves are not touched.

• 96% of men report successful intercourse at the 3-year mark.

Risks & Complications: What You Need to Know

There is no surgery without risk. However, the risks after penile implants are quite low. 

Infection  (1-3%) 

Symptoms: Pain, redness, or fever 

Treatment: Antibiotics or removal of the implant 

Mechanical Issues (5-10% at 10 years)

IPP: Pump failure, cylinder leak, tubing kink

MPP: Rarely, rod breakage

Revision surgery success is around 80%

Recovery Timeline & Post-Op Instructions

Your recovery will influence your success rate from the procedure. 

Week-by-Week Recovery Guide

• Week 1: Hospital discharge is usually by Day 2. Focus on rest. Avoid driving or heavy lifting.

• Week 2: Practice light walking. You will notice the swelling has started to go down.

• Week 4: You will start "cycling" your device (inflating and deflating daily) to stretch the tissue.

• Week 6: Under your doctor's advice, you can resume your sexual activity. 

Long-term maintenance

• Go for an annual urology check (listen for fluid sounds)

Who Should NOT Get a Penile Implant?

• Active urinary tract infection

• Uncontrolled diabetes 

• Severe penile fibrosis/scarring

• Unrealistic expectations (size increase, sensation change)