Penile Implants After Prostate Cancer

3 min read

Penile implants are one of several treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction refers to difficulty having and keeping an erection. ED is a common side effect of many prostate cancer treatments.¹

Doctors recommend penile implants only after other ED treatments have failed. These implants are the most invasive treatment for ED. However, penile implants have the highest satisfaction rate of all ED treatments. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of penile implants.¹

What causes erectile dysfunction for people with prostate cancer?

Almost all major treatment options for prostate cancer can cause ED. Around 85 percent of people experience ED after prostate cancer treatment. Treatments that carry a risk of erectile dysfunction include:¹

Radiation therapy
Surgery (such as radical prostatectomy)
Hormone therapy

Sometimes, ED may be temporary, such as after hormone therapy. In other cases, ED may be permanent, such as after surgery. Exact ED symptoms and how long they last depend on:²

The extent of your prostate cancer
The prostate cancer treatments you receive
The ED treatments you receive
Your other medical conditions
Your age and other individual factors

What are some ways to manage erectile dysfunction?

ED and other sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment are not life-threatening. But they can impact your quality of life, self-esteem, and personal relationships.^1,2

Several treatment options are available for ED. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each treatment. The right option for you depends on many factors, including your personal preference. ED treatment options include:^1,2

Oral medicines that increase blood flow (vasodilators)
Injectable medicines that trigger erections
Mechanical devices like penis pumps
Surgical options, including penile implants
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise

Oral medications are the first choice for many people who have ED with prostate cancer. However, they may not be right for everyone. In these cases, penile implants may be a treatment option.^1,3

What is a penile implant?

A penile implant is a device that is surgically placed inside the penis. It allows a person with ED to get an erection. It does not increase sexual desire or sensation.^1,3

There are 2 types of penile implants: semi-rigid and inflatable. Three-piece inflatable implants are the most common. They use a fluid-filled reservoir placed near the stomach, along with a pump that has a release valve. Pumping the fluid from the reservoir into the penis leads to an erection. Releasing the valve drains the fluid back into the reservoir.^1,3

When are they used to treat ED?

Penile implants are not usually the first treatment option for ED. However, an implant may be an option for you if you:^1,3

Cannot take vasodilators because of certain other medicines you take
Have severe ED
Have ED that does not respond to vasodilators
Prefer them for other individual reasons

What are the benefits and risks?

The main benefit of penile implants is that they are almost always effective. About 90 percent of people are satisfied after receiving a penile implant. Many people who have an implant report:^4,5

Better sexual function
More sexual confidence
Higher relationship satisfaction

Because of this, experts believe it is not necessary to try other ED treatments before getting an implant. However, penile implants are still rarely used. Less than 3 percent of people who have ED after prostate cancer receive penile implants.⁵

Penile implant surgery does have certain risks. These include:³

Infections
Problems with the implant
Internal sticking or wearing of the implant

These are not all the possible risks of penile implant surgery. Talk to your doctor about what to expect from the procedure. After the procedure, tell them if you have any changes that concern you.

Other things to know

Penile implants are not right for everyone. Your doctor may advise against penile implants if you:³

Have an infection
Have diabetes that is not controlled well
Have serious heart disease
Should not undergo surgery because of other health reasons

Before penile implant surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medicines. During the procedure, you will be under anesthesia. After the procedure, you may take medicine to ease any pain. Ask your doctor how to prepare for the procedure, what to expect during and after the procedure, and how to manage any side effects.³

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Jim Early Moderator & Contributor
The idea of penile implants was never something that I thought much about. But since I started facilitating a support group I have learned a great deal more about implants and how members of my group feel about theirs. One gentleman has both a penile implant and an artificial sphincter for urinary control. He has two control "bulbs" in his scrotum, one that allows him to pump up his penis and other one to control his urination. Interestingly, his penile pleasure sensation has also markedly improved after 5 years where he had very little pleasurable reaction to stimulation. So far, I haven't talked with anyone yet who is sorry they had their implant. I'm sure there are two sides to any such procedure; and some of the cautions, contraindications and complications are mentioned in the article. For those who are considering it, I would advise you to ask your urologist/surgeon if they could direct you to others who have had an implant. In addition, posting on ProstateCancer.net can link you into conversations about the procedure!
rsloneman Member
I have a penile implant. It is a waste of time and money for me. No feeling or satisfaction from using it. Never liked it never will. Have had it since 2008.
danny115 Member
After three years with no improvement of my inability to get an erection or have an orgasm I went back to my surgeon for a penile implant. it was extremely expensive and not covered by insurance but I was at the point where I didn't care about the cost and decided to borrow the money- I just wanted my sex life back. I was horrified to learn that since I had had a Artificial Urinary Sphincter implant a couple of years after the original RP surgery because of severe incontinence, I was not able to have the penile implant surgery because "you can have one or the other implanted in your scrotum but not both" I was devastated by this news.
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="danny115" user-id="3257355"/>. You may want to seek a second opinion about a duel implant. I don't know if you noticed <inline-mention username="Jim Early" user-id="4566171"/>'s above post about the person in his support group who had both implants. In addition there are numerous studies concluding the same thing, such as here: <a href='https://auau.auanet.org/content/v906-simultaneous-double-implant-artificial-urinary-sphincter-and-penile-prosthesis-using' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://auau.auanet.org/content/v906-simultaneous-double-implant-artificial-urinary-sphincter-and-penile-prosthesis-using</a> and here: https://jovs.amegroups.com/article/view/28349/html#:~:text=Simultaneous%20implantation%20of%20an%20IPP,rate%20to%20be%20any%20higher. Hoping you can get some answers soon. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Agree on Richard's advice on seeking out another opinion - It is so easy to presume our MD's are up on the latest updates on various treatments and procedures. Its always worth the time to visit with an MD or team who specializes in sexual performance issues Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
edjkoz Member
After my surgery, I suffered ED and decided on an implant. Best thing I ever did. I will say it wasn’t the greatest thing to go thru by after healing I never regretted it.