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Istanbul Penile ImplantCentre · Prof. Dr. Bülent Alıcı

Devices

Types of Penile Implant, and How to Tell Them Apart

Every penile prosthesis does the same job — it makes the penis rigid enough for intercourse on demand — but the designs differ in how that rigidity is produced, how the device is operated, and how many parts sit inside the body. Understanding that difference is most of the decision.

Written by
Istanbul Penile Implant Centre editorial team
Medically reviewed by
Prof. Dr. Bülent AlıcıMD, Professor of Urology and Andrology
Published
Last updated

Most commonly implanted

Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis

The most widely used type of penile implant. Two cylinders sit inside the erectile bodies of the penis, a pump is placed in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir is placed in the abdomen or behind the pubic bone. Squeezing the pump moves sterile fluid into the cylinders to create an erection; a release mechanism returns the fluid to the reservoir.

What it is made of

Two cylinders
Implanted inside the corpora cavernosa, the paired erectile chambers of the penis. They expand when filled with fluid.
Scrotal pump
A small pump positioned in the scrotum, between the testicles. It is operated by hand and is not visible from the outside.
Fluid reservoir
Holds the sterile saline that fills the cylinders. Usually placed in the space behind the pubic bone or within the abdominal wall.
Connecting tubing
Kink-resistant tubing links the three parts into one closed, sealed system.

How it is used

  1. Squeeze and release the scrotal pump several times to move fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders.
  2. The cylinders expand and the penis becomes rigid. Rigidity is controlled by how much the device is inflated.
  3. To deflate, press the release valve or button on the pump, which returns the fluid to the reservoir.
  4. The penis then returns to a soft, flaccid state.

Potential advantages

  • The flaccid and erect states both look and feel closer to natural anatomy than with a bendable device.
  • Rigidity is present only when the device is inflated, so nothing needs to be concealed at other times.
  • Girth expansion during inflation; some models also expand in length.

Limitations

  • A mechanical device with moving parts, so it can fail and may eventually need revision surgery.
  • Requires manual dexterity and hand strength to operate the pump.
  • Involves more implanted components than a malleable device, and a longer, more complex operation.

Typically considered when

  • Generally suitable for men who want the most natural flaccid appearance and are able to operate a pump.
  • Requires adequate space for a reservoir; previous abdominal or pelvic surgery may influence reservoir placement.
  • Hand function, dexterity and cognitive ability to use the device are assessed before surgery.

The simpler alternative

Malleable (semi-rigid) penile prosthesis

Two bendable rods are implanted inside the erectile bodies. There is no pump and no reservoir. The penis stays permanently firm and is bent up for intercourse and down at other times.

What it is made of

Two bendable rods
Silicone rods with an internal metal or braided core that holds whichever position they are bent into.

How it is used

  1. Bend the penis upward into position for intercourse.
  2. Bend it downward afterwards so it sits against the body.
  3. There is nothing to inflate, deflate or activate.

Potential advantages

  • The simplest device, with no moving parts, so there is no pump or reservoir that can fail.
  • Easiest to use, which matters for men with limited hand strength or dexterity.
  • Shorter, less complex operation with fewer implanted components.

Limitations

  • The penis remains firm at all times, so concealment under clothing takes more care.
  • No change in girth, and the erect state is less like a natural erection.
  • Constant pressure on the tissue is a consideration in long-term follow-up.

Typically considered when

  • Often considered where dexterity is limited, where a simpler device is preferred, or where anatomy makes an inflatable device more difficult.
  • May be considered in specific reconstructive situations.
  • Discussed as an option rather than a default — the choice is made together with the surgeon.

Brands

The two inflatable devices used most often

Both are three-piece inflatable prostheses from long-established manufacturers, and both have their own detailed page. Neither is universally better than the other; the choice depends on your anatomy, your history and your surgeon's judgement.

Coloplast

Coloplast Titan

Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis

The Coloplast Titan is a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. Like all devices in this class it consists of two cylinders implanted in the penis, a pump placed in the scrotum and a fluid reservoir. Its distinguishing engineering features are the material used for the cylinders and the design of its pump.

Read about the Coloplast

Boston Scientific (formerly American Medical Systems)

AMS 700

Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis

The AMS 700 is a family of three-piece inflatable penile prostheses manufactured by Boston Scientific. It is one of the longest-established inflatable implant lines and is supplied in several cylinder configurations, which is the main way the models differ from each other.

Read about the Boston Scientific

If you want the two placed side by side on every practical point, see the Coloplast Titan and AMS 700 comparison.

Questions about choosing a device

Should I have an inflatable or a malleable implant?

An inflatable device gives a soft flaccid state and girth expansion when inflated, but it has moving parts and needs hand strength to operate. A malleable device is simpler and easier to use, with nothing to fail mechanically, but the penis stays firm at all times. Hand function, anatomy, previous surgery and personal preference all feed into the decision.

Coloplast Titan or AMS 700 — which should I choose?

Neither device is universally better. They are both three-piece inflatable implants from established manufacturers, and they differ in cylinder material, expansion behaviour, pump design, reservoir options and antibiotic strategy. The appropriate choice depends on your anatomy, your medical and surgical history, what the surgeon finds when the erectile bodies are measured during the operation, and your own priorities. A clinic that recommends the same device to everyone is not making that assessment.

How does a penile implant work?

With an inflatable implant you squeeze the pump in the scrotum, which moves sterile saline from the reservoir into the cylinders. The cylinders expand and the penis becomes rigid. Pressing the release on the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir and the penis becomes soft again. With a malleable implant you simply bend the penis up for intercourse and down afterwards. Neither depends on arousal or blood flow, which is why an implant works when medication does not.

Can people tell I have an implant?

With an inflatable device, nothing is visible under clothing when it is deflated. The pump can be felt in the scrotum if someone touches it, and a partner will usually know an implant is present. A malleable device keeps the penis firm at all times, which requires more care with clothing. No implant is detectable through normal social contact.

Medical references

We do not publish complication rates, device survival figures or satisfaction percentages on this website without a citation to the study they come from. Where you see a figure quoted elsewhere without a source, treat it with caution.

Guidelines and professional bodies

Device manufacturer documentation

Citations to be supplied

  • [MEDICAL REFERENCE — long-term device survival study][JOURNAL, YEAR]Cite a peer-reviewed source before publishing any statement about how long a device lasts.
  • [MEDICAL REFERENCE — infection rate study][JOURNAL, YEAR]Cite a peer-reviewed source before publishing any infection-rate figure.
  • [MEDICAL REFERENCE — patient satisfaction study][JOURNAL, YEAR]Cite a peer-reviewed source before publishing any satisfaction figure.

External links open in a new tab and are provided for reference only. We are not affiliated with, and do not speak for, the organisations listed.

Ask whether a penile implant is right for you

Send your medical history and Prof. Dr. Alıcı will review it personally. You will receive an honest assessment of whether an implant is appropriate, which device would be considered, and an itemised written quotation. There is no charge and no obligation.

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