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Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Edward Gheiler, MD, FACS — September 17, 2026
Home › Penile Implants › Malleable Implants
Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Penile Implants
A malleable penile implant is the simplest prosthesis there is: two bendable rods, no pump, nothing to operate. It is also the device Dr. Gheiler recommends least often. For nearly every man the inflatable implant is the better choice; this page explains why, and describes the few situations where the malleable rod is still the right one.
Dr. Edward Gheiler, MD, FACS places both malleable and inflatable penile implants in Miami. His recommendation for nearly every man is the inflatable AMS 700: soft when not in use, firm when wanted, and natural in both states. Nearly all of his 400+ implant procedures a year are inflatable devices. He reserves the malleable rod for a small number of specific situations, and he will tell you plainly if you are one of them.
Malleable vs. inflatable at a glance
- Operation. Inflatable: a concealed scrotal pump controls rigidity, and most men learn it in a single visit. Malleable: nothing to operate.
- Appearance. Inflatable devices look natural both flaccid and erect. A malleable device is always semi-rigid and is bent up or down by hand, which some men and partners find noticeable under clothing.
- Who it is for. Dr. Gheiler recommends a malleable implant only when a man cannot operate a pump because of severe arthritis, tremor or hand weakness, and in selected complex revision or reconstruction cases.
- Surgery. Both are outpatient procedures through a small incision, and a malleable implant can usually be exchanged for an inflatable one later.
Why Dr. Gheiler recommends the inflatable
Penile implants have the highest patient and partner satisfaction of the erectile dysfunction treatments compared in published studies, and the inflatable device is the one that gives a natural flaccid state, a firm erection on demand and the most discreet result. Dr. Gheiler will examine you, explain both devices plainly, and tell you which he would choose in your situation. For most men that answer is the inflatable. Read more patient education in our Men’s Health Library.
This page is patient education and does not provide a diagnosis or individualized treatment recommendation. Talk to your urologist about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a malleable penile implant?
A pair of bendable rods placed inside the erectile chambers. The penis is bent up for intercourse and bent down to conceal — no pump, no mechanism. It is the simplest type of penile prosthesis.
Malleable vs. inflatable — what’s the difference?
An inflatable implant is flaccid until pumped up, giving the most natural look in both states. A malleable implant is always semi-rigid and positioned by hand. Dr. Gheiler recommends the inflatable for nearly every man; he reserves the malleable for men who cannot operate a pump and for selected complex revision cases.
Who is a good candidate for a malleable implant?
Very few men. Dr. Gheiler recommends a malleable implant only when a man cannot operate a pump because of severe arthritis, tremor or hand weakness, and in selected complex revision or reconstruction cases. For everyone else he recommends the inflatable AMS 700.
Can a malleable implant be switched to inflatable later?
In many cases, yes. Replacing one prosthesis type with another is a form of revision surgery, which Dr. Gheiler performs routinely.
Wondering whether an implant is right for you? See every ED treatment option and how men choose between them.
Not sure which implant is right for you?
Ask a surgeon who places both. Request a confidential consultation with Dr. Gheiler. English · Spanish · Hebrew.
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