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What to Expect During Sex with a Penile Implant

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

If you’re considering a penile implant to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), you likely have one big question: What will sex be like afterward? The good news is, for many men and their partners, intimacy not only returns, it improves!
Below, we’ll walk through what to expect during sex with a penile implant, plus how the procedure works, what recovery looks like, and why satisfaction rates are so high.

First, What Is a Penile Implant?

A penile implant is a medical device placed inside the penis during a surgical procedure. It’s designed to help men with ED achieve and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse, even when other treatments like medication haven’t worked.

There are two main types of implants:

  • Inflatable implants, which use a fluid-filled system you activate with a small pump hidden in the scrotum.
  •  Malleable (or semi-rigid) implants, which you position manually.

Both types of implants are internal, discreet, and tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Remember: Your doctor can help you determine which choice is right for you!

 What to Expect During Sex

One of the biggest advantages of a penile implant is that it offers on-demand control. When you’re ready for intimacy, you simply activate the implant—and when you’re done, you deactivate it (in the case of an inflatable device).

Here’s what many men report after healing:

  • Natural-feeling erections: The implant gives you a firm, reliable erection that feels similar to a natural one—for you and your partner.
  • No interference with orgasm or sensation: A penile implant doesn’t affect your ability to climax or feel pleasure. If anything, knowing you can perform reliably may even enhance your experience.
  •  Spontaneity returns: No waiting for pills to kick in, no worrying about timing. That freedom brings confidence back into your sex life.

What About Your Partner?

Studies show high partner satisfaction rates after a penile implant. Open communication helps, your partner may need time to adjust, but most couples appreciate the renewed sense of connection and spontaneity.

In fact, for many couples, restoring the ability to be intimate on their own terms strengthens emotional closeness. And because the implant is discreet, most partners say they can’t tell the difference!

The Procedure and Recovery

Penile implant surgery is a routine, outpatient procedure that typically takes under an hour. It’s performed under general or spinal anesthesia, and most men return home the same day or the next.

After surgery, you’ll likely experience:

  • Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising in the groin area
  • Pain that improves steadily over the first week or two
  • Restrictions on heavy lifting, sexual activity, and strenuous movement for about 4–6 weeks

Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and teach you how to use the device. Most men can return to normal sexual activity within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on individual healing.
While every person’s recovery is different, the vast majority find the discomfort manageable and temporary, especially when compared to the long-term benefits.

Why Satisfaction Is So High

Penile implants have one of the highest satisfaction rates of any ED treatment, both for patients and their partners. Here’s why:

  •  Long-lasting results: Once implanted, most devices work well for 10 to 15 years or longer.
  • Predictability: Unlike pills or injections, you don’t have to guess whether it’ll work. The implant gives you reliable results every time.
  • Discretion: The implant is completely internal—nothing is visible from the outside, and no one will know unless you tell them.
  • Confidence boost: Many men report feeling younger, more in control, and more connected to their partner after the procedure.  

Most importantly, it restores a part of life that feels personal, powerful, and affirming. And that can have positive ripple effects on mood, relationships, and overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Sex after a penile implant can feel freeing, empowering, and deeply satisfying. If ED has been holding you back, this solution may be the key to a confident, fulfilling sex life.
Curious about your options? Contact Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan   at (216) 285-5036 today to learn more about whether a penile implant is right for you!

7 Advantages of Penile Implants for ED 

Posted on by Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have a significant impact on confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. If you haven’t found success with medications or other treatments, penile implants offer a long-term, effective solution.

While many benefits are well-documented, such as reliability and spontaneity, there are additional advantages that patients may not initially consider. Below, we take a look at benefits of penile implants for ED, and how you can learn more today!

1. Improved Sensation and Natural Feel

Unlike treatments that can dull sensitivity or create an unnatural experience, penile implants allow for a more natural sensation during intimacy. Since the implant is completely internal, there are no external devices to manage.

Once activated, the implant mimics the feel of a natural erection. What’s more, many men report that sexual experiences feel more spontaneous and enjoyable with an implant compared to medications or external devices.

2. Long-Term Cost Savings

In most situations, penile implants are covered by insurance. While the upfront cost of a penile implant may seem significant, it can be more cost-effective over time compared to ongoing medication or therapy. Prescription treatments for ED can be expensive and require continuous refills, whereas an implant is a one-time procedure that can last for years.

Patients who invest in an implant often save money in the long run while enjoying consistent and reliable results.

3. No Need for Pre-Planning or Timing

One of the biggest frustrations with ED treatments like oral medications or penile injections is the need for timing and planning. Pills often require waiting periods and may not always work effectively depending on the situation.

Penile implants remove this concern, allowing men and their partners to enjoy spontaneity – engaging in intimacy whenever the moment feels right.

4. Increased Confidence and Mental Well-Being

ED can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, and even depression. Many men feel self-conscious about their performance, which can strain relationships. A penile implant provides a sense of reliability, eliminating the worry of whether an erection will occur when desired.

This renewed confidence often extends beyond the bedroom, improving overall self-esteem and emotional well-being.

5. Discreet and Undetectable

Unlike external devices such as vacuum pumps, penile implants are entirely concealed within the body. There are no visible signs of the implant when not in use, making it a discreet solution for ED.

Many men appreciate the privacy and normalcy that an implant offers, as it allows them to feel more like themselves without needing to rely on external assistance.

6. High Satisfaction Rates for Patients and Partners

Studies have shown that men who receive penile implants report high levels of satisfaction, with many saying they wish they had opted for the procedure sooner. Partners also often express increased satisfaction, as the implant restores confidence and intimacy in the relationship.

Unlike temporary solutions, an implant provides a long-term improvement in sexual health and connection.

7. A Reliable and Permanent Solution

Unlike medications that may lose effectiveness over time or require dosage adjustments, penile implants provide a permanent and predictable solution. Once healed, men can enjoy a normal, healthy sex life without interruptions or inconsistencies.

For many, this reliability brings peace of mind and a return to a fulfilling, active lifestyle.

Is a Penile Implant Right for You?

If other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed or fallen short, a penile implant could be a life-changing option! With benefits extending beyond function—enhancing confidence, intimacy, and quality of life—it’s a solution worth considering.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan in Cleveland to explore whether a penile implant is the right choice for you!  

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