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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Feb 4.
Published in final edited form as: Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016 Feb 4;2:16003. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.3

Figure 8. Penile prostheses.

Figure 8

a | The malleable penile prosthesis involves two semi-rigid rods that are placed in the corpora cavernosa. The implant does change in size; it is bent upwards before intercourse. b | The two-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) involves placement of two inflatable cylinders in the corpora cavernosa and a pump in the scrotum. As the pump is used, fluid is transferred between the pump and the cylinders. c | The three-piece IPP involves the placement of two inflatable cylinders (in the corpora cavernosa), a pump in the scrotum and a fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen alongside the bladder. Pressure applied to the pump causes a transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders, leading to penile rigidity. The pump has a release valve or button to transfer the fluid back from the cylinders to the reservoir at the end of intercourse.