The penile prosthesis does not enlarge the penis; it restores erectile function in severe erectile dysfunction. In conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, where the organ is deformed, the prosthesis can partially or totally reconstruct its dimensions, giving the impression of enlargement. Learn more!
Many men believe that a penile prosthesis increases penis size. However, its real purpose is to restore penetration capability.
Below, we clarify common doubts about what to expect from a penile prosthesis regarding penis size, and we discuss issues such as temperature and sensitivity after the procedure.
Is it possible to enlarge the penis with a penile prosthesis?
It is not possible to enlarge the penis with a prosthesis.
Although that is not its goal, the implant helps men with shortening or deformity regain the organ’s original dimensions.
When anatomy is modified by Peyronie’s disease, for example, the urologist performs penile reconstruction with Egydio’s Technique to maximize length and girth while inserting the prosthesis during the same procedure.
An impression of enlargement may occur in some patients, especially when lost length is recovered after deformity. Men accustomed to a “smaller version” of the organ may think it is larger—when, in fact, it has only returned to its original length following reconstruction.
What is the function of a penile prosthesis?
Its aim is to enable a man with erectile dysfunction to achieve a satisfactory erection when oral or injectable medications have failed.
Can the prosthesis increase penile girth?
Another common question is whether the prosthesis can thicken the penis. This is also a myth.
Penile prostheses come in different types and models, but they all share the same purpose: restoring erectile function.
Therefore, they do not increase length or girth—they simply return the patient’s natural measurements and are not an effective option for cosmetic enlargement.
What is the purpose of a penile prosthesis?
Although it may positively affect appearance, the prosthesis’s role is to provide rigidity for intercourse. It is indicated for patients with compromised penile function.
Lack of firmness may involve difficulty maintaining an erection or, more rarely, anatomical changes. The relationship between length and girth must be evaluated by a physician before any decision.
How do I know if I need a prosthesis?
Only a urologist can decide whether the prosthesis is necessary.
The indication follows a thorough evaluation. The physician prescribes the implant only when conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction—such as oral and injectable medications—have failed, or when shortening or deformity prevents penetration.
Once the prosthesis is proposed, the doctor guides the patient regarding possibilities and limitations.
It is essential that the patient understand the prosthesis’s goal is not to enlarge the penis but to restore erectile function—allowing erections firm enough for satisfying sex.
What happens to the penis after implantation?
Another frequent concern is the appearance and function of the penis after implantation.
Patient reports indicate satisfaction with functional results—especially rigidity and return to sexual life—because neither appearance nor function changes with the implant.
At rest, the penis keeps its natural look—particularly with the inflatable prosthesis, which offers greater discretion by allowing complete flaccidity when not in use.
The malleable prosthesis keeps the penis slightly rigid, requiring more care when positioning inside underwear.
Is the penis always erect?
No, the penis is not always erect after implantation.
With a malleable prosthesis, the penis stays slightly rigid but not fully erect. Manual positioning is needed for intercourse.
The inflatable prosthesis allows the penis to remain flaccid when not in use, with a natural appearance.
Malleable prostheses
Malleable prostheses are two flexible rods coated with medical‑grade silicone.
This material keeps the penis flexible, making it easy to position downward or sideways near the groin while at rest.
Their key feature is constant mild rigidity. When intercourse is desired, the man simply positions the penis upward.
Inflatable prostheses
Inflatable prostheses consist of three components: a saline reservoir, a pump implanted in the scrotum and two cylinders inside the penis.
To achieve erection, the man must activate the pump, which transfers saline from the reservoir to the cylinders, producing the rigidity needed for intercourse.
After intercourse, saline returns to the reservoir via the deflation system, allowing the penis to become flaccid again.
Articulated prostheses
Articulated prostheses are among the least popular models. Their joints make folding easier, providing flexibility.
However, these joints also reduce rigidity during erection, compromising firmness. For this reason, articulated prostheses are rarely used.
Temperature
Regarding before and after, penile temperature may be slightly lower than in an organ without an implant.
This is because the prosthesis lacks blood flow, affecting internal warming.
Nevertheless, this temperature difference does not compromise sexual function. Some men report that, despite the change, sexual activity is unaffected.
Does sensitivity decrease?
Penile sensitivity is not altered by a penile prosthesis.
When the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon with proper technique, the nerve endings responsible for pleasure—mainly in the glans and penile skin—are preserved.
Discretion
Generally, penile prostheses go unnoticed in daily life.
The inflatable model keeps the penis at rest and, while not as flaccid as naturally, still offers good discretion.
The malleable model keeps the penis semi‑rigid and slightly elongated all the time, requiring more careful positioning.
Hence, men with this prosthesis are advised to wear snug underwear to maintain proper positioning and conceal the implant under clothing.
Does it interfere with ejaculation?
A penile prosthesis does not interfere with ejaculation. Ejaculation is controlled by neurological and muscular mechanisms unaffected by the implant.
However, in rare cases, complications such as infection may impact ejaculation. Therefore, medical follow‑up is key to good outcomes and risk minimization.
How does surgery with Egydio’s Technique work?
Egydio’s Technique is a surgery that uses geometric principles to correct anatomical changes caused by Peyronie’s disease, such as curvature and shortening. Its advantage is correcting curvature while preserving maximum penile length.
Would you like to better understand the available options for treating erectile dysfunction or penile curvature?
Request a pre‑assessment with Dr. Paulo Egydio, a specialist in penile prosthesis implantation with over 6,000 curvature‑correction surgeries performed.
If you face erectile dysfunction or penile curvature, don’t let it affect your quality of life. Schedule your consultation and learn more about Egydio’s Technique and its role in anatomical correction in selected cases.
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- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
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