A penile implant is a surgically placed device that helps a person achieve an erection when other options have not worked. This article focuses on the non-inflatable option often called a Semi rigid device and sets realistic expectations: it is a long-term treatment rather than a quick fix.
The piece explains how the device works, what daily life may feel like and which questions to raise with a urologist. It highlights the core benefit — a reliable erection for sex when other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed — and notes that choices depend on individual health and anatomy.
Some men prefer the simpler design because there is no pump to operate, while others choose inflatable models for concealment. This review also includes an objective spotlight on the Rigicon Rigi10™ and how the product aims to balance rigidity, comfort and discretion. Decisions are made with a surgeon and depend on overall health, prior treatment history and personal preference.
Key Takeaways
- A penile implant can provide a dependable option for men with erectile dysfunction.
- The non-inflatable (malleable) choice is simple to use and requires no pump.
- Rigicon Rigi10™ is reviewed for its balance of firmness, comfort and discretion.
- Choice of device should be discussed with a surgeon, considering health and history.
- The article offers practical information to help men ask the right questions.
Understanding penile implants for erectile dysfunction treatment
When pills and vacuum devices are not effective, an internal prosthesis can offer a dependable route to an erection. This option is a surgical treatment intended for patients who need a reliable result for penetrative sex after conservative care fails.
What a penile prosthesis is and what it does
A penile prosthesis is an internal medical device that creates a dependable erection suitable for intercourse. It is chosen after discussing risks, benefits and alternatives with a urologist.
The two types explained
There are two types commonly used. One relies on flexible rods that are bent into position for sex and bent down for concealment.
The other is an inflatable system made of two cylinders, a reservoir placed under the lower abdominal muscles and a small pump under the scrotum. Squeezing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders to create an erection; a valve returns fluid to deflate.
Who may be a candidate
Candidates include patients with erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease who do not respond to tablets or vacuum devices, and selected reconstructive cases after phalloplasty or metoidioplasty.
Choice depends on manual ability, lifestyle, medical history and the surgeon’s judgement. Early questions often cover how it feels, visibility and recovery time.
Semi rigid penile implant: how it works and what it feels like
Inside the penis, two flexible rods sit in the corpora cavernosa to create a steady shaft. The person simply bends the penis up for sex and down for concealment; there is no pump or reservoir to operate.
How malleable rods create an erection without a pump
The rods replace the mechanical support of a natural erection. During surgery they are sized and placed within the erectile chambers. For sexual activity the user lifts and angles the penis; this manual positioning creates a usable erection each time.
Rigidity, positioning and discretion in day-to-day life
Always firm means consistent rigidity; hardness does not change after orgasm. Patients control angle for comfort, bend the shaft down when dressed and find it usually unobvious in social settings.
Sexual sensation, orgasm and partner experience
The device supports penetration but generally does not change skin sensation. Ejaculation and orgasm remain possible for most patients.
Many partners report little or no difference compared with a natural erection once healing is complete.
Natural erection expectations
The prosthesis replaces the mechanical step of getting hard. Natural erections are typically no longer relied upon and adjustment can take weeks to months as the patient learns positioning and care.
- Quick steps: rods placed → lift for sex → bend down for concealment.
- Day-to-day: clothing fit, sitting comfort and discreetness are commonly manageable.
Semi-rigid vs inflatable penile implant: key differences that affect choice
Choosing between a bendable rod and a fluid-filled system comes down to daily needs and hand ability. Each option has clear pros and cons that influence recovery, concealment and long-term satisfaction.
Ease of use and manual dexterity
Bendable devices work by simply lifting and angling the shaft. They require no pump or inflation sequence and are easy for people with limited hand strength.
Inflatable systems need repeated squeezes of a small pump in the scrotum to move fluid into the cylinders for inflation, and a valve action to deflate. Good manual dexterity matters, especially for older patients or those with neurological conditions.
Comfort, realism and concealment
Inflatable devices often feel closer to a natural state when deflated. That can help concealment in fitted clothes and sitting comfort.
Bendable options prioritise immediate readiness and simple positioning, though they can feel firmer at all times. Positioning strategies differ and affect what shows in daily wear.
Reliability and reasons some patients prefer simpler devices
Fewer moving parts mean fewer mechanical failure points. For some patients this reliability, lower cost and simpler surgery are decisive.
“Choice is best made with a urologist who considers anatomy, prior surgery, infection risk and lifestyle.”
- Consider ability to operate a pump and valve.
- Think about concealment in clothing and social settings.
- Discuss long-term reliability and revision risk with the surgeon.
| Feature | Bendable device | Inflatable device |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Manual bending for use and concealment | Pump in scrotum to move fluid into cylinders; valve to deflate |
| Concealment | Consistently firm; simpler positioning | More natural when deflated; easier to hide in fitted clothing |
| Suitability | Good for limited manual ability, older patients | Best for those with good hand strength and preference for realism |
| Reliability | Fewer moving parts, lower mechanical failure risk | More components; potential for pump or valve issues |
Product review spotlight: Rigicon Rigi10™ malleable penile prosthesis
The Rigicon Rigi10™ aims to deliver dependable support for intercourse while keeping daily comfort in mind.
At-a-glance overview
Designed to deliver: durable rigidity for penetration, comfort in day-to-day wear and practical discretion through bend positioning. The product is sized to suit a range of anatomies and to simplify placement during surgery.
Column strength explained
The core combines a stainless-steel shaft with titanium end caps to preserve column strength under load. In plain terms, the metal core resists buckling during thrusting while caps help transfer force along the length.
Flexible Rod Technology™
Flexible Rod Technology™ permits bending up to 135°, which matters for achieving a natural angle for intercourse and for tucking the shaft down when dressed. Greater bend range helps the user tailor position for comfort and concealment.
Comfort-led design and handling
A soft-to-touch distal tip and an angled tip aim to reduce pressure on the glans and improve sitting comfort. These features also make the device less obtrusive under clothing in everyday situations.
HydroShield™ and SecureFit™
HydroShield™ is a hydrophilic coating intended to aid handling and ease implantation without promising clinical outcomes. SecureFit™ rear tip extenders (0.5 cm and 1 cm; two of each included) support precise sizing during the procedure.
Available sizes
Diameters: 9–14 mm. Lengths: 23 cm for 9–10 mm models; 25 cm for 11–14 mm models. Note: the 14 mm option is not available for sale in the United States.
- Surgeon-led selection: Device choice and placement should be decided by the treating clinician.
- Box contents: two 0.5 cm and two 1.0 cm extenders included for sizing flexibility.
| Feature | Rigi10™ details | Clinical relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Core construction | Stainless-steel core with titanium caps | Maintains column strength during intercourse |
| Bend range | Flexible Rod Technology™ up to 135° | Improves positioning and concealment |
| Comfort | Soft distal tip; angled tip | Reduced pressure while sitting; less visible under clothes |
| Coating | HydroShield™ hydrophilic coating | May assist handling at implantation |
| Sizing options | Diameters 9–14 mm; lengths 23–25 cm; extenders included | Supports custom fit and surgeon adjustments |
Penile implant surgery and recovery: what UK patients can expect
Practical details about placement, sizing and recovery are key for anyone weighing this surgical option. Surgeons aim to place the largest device that is safe, restoring reliable function while keeping healing risks low.
How surgeons size the device
During the procedure the surgeon measures internal penile length rather than relying on external appearance. This creates a custom fit so the expected erection usually matches the stretched length seen before surgery.
Placement basics
Malleable rods sit inside the erectile chambers. Inflatable systems add cylinders in the penis, a reservoir under the lower abdomen and a small pump under the scrotal skin.
Recovery timeline and returning to sexual activity
Early discomfort and swelling are common. UK patients typically have follow-up appointments and receive clear instructions on wound care and when to resume sexual activity.
Common concerns and risks
Most people find the device not obvious once healed, easing worries about changing rooms or showers. Key risks to discuss with a surgeon or urologist include infection, device failure, pain, erosion and the possibility of revision surgery if replacement is needed later.
- Goal of the procedure: safe placement and return to sex after healing.
- Longevity: worn devices are usually replaced by a revision procedure.
Size, length and longevity: setting realistic expectations
Patients commonly ask if a prosthesis will increase penis size. Evidence-based guidance is clear: the device does not lengthen the organ beyond its natural anatomy. Surgeons size the device using internal measurements to restore function safely.
Does it increase size?
Most post-surgery erections match the stretched penile length measured before surgery. Some men feel larger compared with recent, poor erections because the new erection is consistently firm.
Why the glans may not feel hard
The prosthesis sits inside the erectile chambers and does not make the glans engorge. That means the head may stay softer, which can alter perceived size and shape.
Clinicians may discuss medications to improve glans blood flow if this is a concern.
Longevity and what happens if it fails
Many devices last around twenty years on average, though durability varies with health, use and device type. If a prosthesis wears out or fails, it stops working and a surgeon can usually replace it during revision surgery.
- Ask at consultation: realistic size and length outcomes, glans strategies and revision risks.
- Plan ahead: discuss infection, failure and long-term health with the surgeon.
Conclusion
A reliable mechanical option can restore the ability to have intercourse on demand for suitable candidates.
The bendable prosthesis is a straightforward, dependable treatment for erectile dysfunction when other choices fail. It differs from an inflatable device by having no pump, offering consistent firmness and relying on manual positioning for concealment and sex.
The product review emphasised features that matter: column strength, comfort, bend range and sizing support. The Rigi10™ typifies these priorities in current design.
Realistic expectations are vital: this approach is not intended to increase penis length, the glans may stay softer, and outcomes depend on anatomy and surgical technique.
Patients should discuss suitability, infection and failure risks, recovery and long-term maintenance with a UK urologist to make an informed choice that matches health, lifestyle and comfort.
