Editorial
Written byMen's Health Istanbul Editorial Team
Medical reviewer (awaiting sign-off)Prof. Dr. Ateş Kadıoğlu
Published
Updated
Medically reviewedNot yet
The short answer
The basic idea has changed surprisingly little since the first inflatable penile prosthesis was described in 1973: two cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum and a fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen. What has changed is almost everything around it. Materials and tubing have become more durable, pumps easier to use, and antibiotic-carrying coatings combined with strict "no-touch" surgical protocols have reduced the risk of infection. The purpose has not changed: an implant restores rigidity for intercourse, but it does not add length.
Key takeaways
- The basic three-piece design (two cylinders, a pump and a fluid reservoir) dates back to the 1970s.
- Most of the progress since then has been in materials, durability, antibiotic coatings and surgical technique.
- Infection prevention is one of the most important advances, combining device coatings with strict theatre protocols.
- An implant restores rigidity for intercourse. It does not add length.
When was the inflatable penile implant invented?
In 1973, Brantley Scott and colleagues described an implantable inflatable prosthesis in the journal Urology. The idea was simple and has lasted: two cylinders placed inside the erection chambers of the penis, a small pump in the scrotum and a reservoir of fluid in the lower abdomen. Squeezing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders to create an erection; a release valve returns it.
Earlier implants had been rigid or semi-rigid rods. The inflatable design allowed the penis to be soft most of the time and firm when wanted, which is still its main advantage.
How have penile implants improved?
Over the following decades, manufacturers refined the cylinder materials, tubing, connectors and pumps. Changes such as more durable cylinder layers and kink-resistant tubing aimed to reduce mechanical failure, while pump designs became easier to use. Today, several manufacturers make three-piece inflatable devices, and two-piece designs without an abdominal reservoir also exist. Our implant brand comparison sets out the current devices side by side.
How is implant infection prevented today?
Infection is one of the most serious complications of any implant, because it usually means the device has to be removed. Two developments changed the picture:
- Antibiotic-carrying devices. Some implants are impregnated with antibiotics; others have a hydrophilic coating that absorbs an antibiotic solution chosen by the surgeon.
- "No-touch" technique. Surgical protocols that minimise contact between the device and the skin. A 2012 study in Urology reported an infection rate of 0.46% when coated implants were combined with a no-touch technique.
Results from one centre do not automatically apply to every surgeon or patient; diabetes, previous surgery and other factors all affect risk. You can read how infection risk is managed in practice on our infection prevention page.
Does a penile implant make the penis longer?
An implant restores rigidity. It does not create length, and it does not change sensation or the ability to ejaculate and orgasm in men who could before. Careful counselling before surgery, including realistic expectations about size, matters as much today as it did in 1973.
What is next for penile implant technology?
Research continues into new materials, coatings and ways of making devices easier to use. Much of it is at an early stage. We will cover developments in the Man Cave as the evidence is published, and we will say clearly when something is still experimental.
Questions men also ask
How is a two-piece implant different from a three-piece?
A two-piece design has no separate reservoir in the abdomen. Which type suits a man depends on his anatomy, health and preferences, and is decided with his surgeon.
Does an implant change sensation or orgasm?
It should not change sensation, or the ability to ejaculate and reach orgasm, in men who could do so before surgery.
Sources & further reading
- Scott FB, Bradley WE, Timm GW. Management of erectile impotence: use of implantable inflatable prosthesis. Urology. 1973;2(1):80–82.
- Eid JF, Wilson SK, Cleves M, Salem EA. Coated implants and "no touch" surgical technique decreases risk of infection in inflatable penile prosthesis implantation to 0.46%. Urology. 2012;79(6):1310–1315.
Concerned about something you've read?
Ask one of our specialists privately. There is no obligation, and no question is too awkward.
This article is general health information. It does not replace an individual medical consultation, examination or diagnosis. Read our editorial policy and medical review policy.
