Deep Dive

10 Straightforward Answers About Penile Implants That Might Surprise You

Why We Need To Talk About Penile Implants

After our recent Instagram video went viral — 750,000+ views! — it became clear that there is a lot of curiosity and misinformation about penile implants. 

Many of the same questions kept popping up in the comments, and we want to take the opportunity to address them in detail.

Let’s be real – there are a lot of misconceptions, jokes, and even some wild theories about penile implants. 

From "robotic penis" comments to people thinking it’s like a Reebok Pump that needs refilling, we’ve heard it all. 

So, let's clear up the confusion and get into the real answers that can help you make informed decisions.

Question 1: 

Does the man using a penile implant still feel sensation and pleasure? Can he have an orgasm?

Short answer: Yes, sensation and the ability to orgasm remain intact.

This was hands-down one of the most common questions. I get it—if it’s a medical device, does it take away all the good stuff? 

The answer is no. 

The implant sits inside the penis, but it doesn’t interfere with sensation or orgasm. The nerves responsible for pleasure and climax remain untouched.

Now, some men notice that the head of the penis doesn’t swell as much, which can slightly change how things feel, but the ability to orgasm remains. 

And let’s be honest – many men say that sex is actually better because they’re not stressed about losing their erection. Less stress, more fun.

The bottom line: The implant affects erection mechanics, not pleasure sensations. Over 90% of men report satisfying sexual experiences after recovery.

Question 2:

What is the recovery process like after getting a penile implant?

Short answer: Recovery takes 4-6 weeks, with initial discomfort that gradually improves. 

Here's what to expect.

Recovery happens in phases. The first few days? A bit rough – expect some swelling, bruising, and a possible catheter. Ice packs and pain meds help.

Week 1 to 2: Swelling increases, then peaks before settling down. 

By weeks 3 to 4, most men are feeling much better and have a follow-up appointment where they learn how to inflate and deflate the implant – yes, there’s a learning curve. 

Around this time, most guys get the all-clear for sex and other physical activity, but like with a knee replacement, it takes some getting used to before things feel totally natural.

The bottom line: Full recovery takes about 4-6 weeks, and there's a brief learning period, but patients typically return to normal activities within a month.

Question 3:

How does the implant affect urination and ejaculation?

Short answer: It doesn't – both functions remain essentially unchanged.

The implant goes into the two erectile chambers of the penis, leaving the urethra (the urine tube) untouched. That means urination stays the same.

Ejaculation? That depends on the individual. If a man could ejaculate before, he typically still can afterward – unless he’s had prostate surgery or other conditions affecting that function.

The bottom line: The implant is designed to affect erection only, not urination or ejaculation capabilities.

Question 4:

How long does a penile implant last, and does it require maintenance?

Short answer: Most implants last 10+ years with no regular maintenance needed.

These things are built to last. About 85% of implants are still working perfectly at the 10-year mark. 

If it ever fails, it’s usually due to tubing leaks – think of it like a slow leak in a basketball, except here, the implant is filled with saline, which is harmless.

And let’s squash one myth: this is NOT a gas-powered lawnmower that needs refills. 

The implant is completely self-contained, and the saline cycles back and forth inside the system – no maintenance required. 

You don't need to go to a 'refill station' or pump it up like those old-school Reebok Pumps from the 90s (if you remember those, you're showing your age like me).

The bottom line: Once it's in, it's in – no tune-ups, oil changes, or saline top-offs needed. Most implants function well for a decade or longer.

Question 5:

Will a penile implant cause issues at TSA security checkpoints?

Short answer: Rarely – the small amount of metal typically doesn't trigger alarms.

Nope. The implant contains a tiny bit of titanium, but it usually doesn’t set off metal detectors. 

Full-body scanners might pick it up, but TSA has seen it all before. If they ask, just tell them you have a medical implant. 

Or carry the medical device card that comes with it. No big deal.

The bottom line: Travel concerns are minimal – the implant is discreet even in security situations.

Question 6:

Is a penile implant covered by insurance or Medicare?

Short answer: Yes, Medicare and many private insurance plans cover medically necessary implants.

Good news – Medicare covers penile implants for men with medically documented erectile dysfunction. Many private insurance plans do, too, but you’ll want to double-check. 

Costs vary depending on whether it’s done at a hospital or surgery center.

Most experienced urologists will verify insurance coverage ahead of time, and some implant manufacturers even help with benefit investigations. So, no surprises.

The bottom line: Financial coverage is available for most patients who have a medical necessity, though coverage details vary by insurer.

Question 7:

What age groups typically get a penile implant?

Short answer: While most recipients are 60+, men of various ages with severe ED may be candidates.

Erectile dysfunction is common – 40% of men in their 40s, 50% in their 50s, and so on. 

While younger guys with mild ED have other options, a penile implant is the go-to solution for men with severe ED who haven’t had success with pills or injections.

Most patients are 60+, but younger men – especially those who've had prostate cancer treatment – also get implants. 

One of my patients in his 50s had his prostate removed and wanted to maintain an active sex life. The implant gave him back that option.

The bottom line: Age itself isn't the determining factor – medical necessity and failure of other treatments are the primary considerations.

Question 8:

Does a penile implant make the penis bigger?

Short answer: No – it preserves natural length but doesn't increase size.

This is another big one. The implant preserves natural length – it doesn’t make the penis smaller, but it also doesn’t magically make it bigger. 

During surgery, we measure the penis and fit the implant to match that exact size.

Now, some men think they’ve lost length, but that’s often due to other factors like age-related shortening or pubic fat hiding some of the shaft. 

The good news? An implant actually prevents further shrinkage over time.

The bottom line: The implant's purpose is functional restoration, not enhancement – it maintains what you have rather than increasing size.

Question 9:

What happens if something goes wrong with the implant?

Short answer: With modern implants, 98% of patients avoid infection, and 85-90% experience no mechanical issues over many years.

Like any surgery, there are risks – pain, swelling, bruising. 

The big one we work hard to avoid? Infection. 98% of patients avoid infection but if it happens, the implant usually needs to come out and be replaced after treatment.

The good news is that 85-90% of implants have no mechanical problems whatsoever, even after years of use. 

In the small percentage of cases where issues do occur, it's typically due to normal wear and tear on the tubing over time – think of it like a slow leak in a basketball, except here, the implant is filled with saline, which is harmless to the body. 

More rarely, complications like herniation or erosion can occur. If something does happen, it can typically be fixed with revision surgery. 

These cases are uncommon, especially when the procedure is done by a high-volume specialist.

The bottom line: While no procedure is risk-free, complications are relatively uncommon with modern implants, and most issues can be addressed with revision surgery.

Question 10:

How do partners typically react to a penile implant?

Short answer: Most partners don't notice any difference, with over 90% reporting satisfaction.

Most partners don’t even notice a difference. Satisfaction rates? 95% for men, 90%+ for partners.

One of my patients – a single guy in his 60s – started dating after getting his implant. He told me that he didn’t mention it to his girlfriend for the first six weeks, and she had no clue. 

That’s how natural it felt.

So, if you’re worried about it being a “turn-off,” rest assured – your confidence and performance will likely be more of a turn-ON. 

In fact, some partners actually appreciate the spontaneity – no waiting around, just a quick 15-30 second inflation and you’re good to go. (Now if only we could find the remote control for this thing!)

The bottom line: Partner acceptance is rarely an issue – most are simply happy about the return to a satisfying intimate life.

Moving Past The Myths

Penile implants are a game-changer for men with severe erectile dysfunction. They restore function, confidence, and intimacy without affecting sensation. 

The myths, misconceptions, and robot-penis jokes don’t change the fact that these devices offer a reliable, long-term solution with incredibly high satisfaction rates.

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