Depending on the cause and severity of the erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, the patient might have various treatment options, the most common being treated with oral PDE5 inhibitors. There are also medical treatments with urethral suppositories and self-injections into the corporal bodies of the penis.
If medical therapy is insufficient or contraindicated, an erectile implant may be an option. There are different types of implants, with the simplest type consisting of a pair of malleable rods surgically implanted within the corporal bodies of the penis. With this type of implant, the penis is always semi-rigid and needs to be lifted or adjusted to the erect position to initiate sex. This type of implant is a good choice for men with limited dexterity or a high risk of developing an infection after surgery. Today, it is more common to choose a hydraulic, inflatable implant. The implant consists of two inflatable cylinders placed in the corporal body, a pump placed in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir placed under the abdominal wall muscles. This implant gives a more natural look and feeling, both in an erect and flaccid state.