Why Is the Head of My Penis Still Soft With a Penile Implant?
If your penile implant becomes firm but the head of the penis stays relatively soft, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the implant.
A penile implant creates rigidity mainly in the shaft of the penis. It does not directly inflate the glans — the head of the penis. The glans still relies on your remaining natural blood flow and sexual arousal to become fuller.[1-3]
This is sometimes referred to as soft glans syndrome, glans insufficiency or, historically, cold glans syndrome.
Learn more about Penile Implants
Why Does the Glans Stay Soft?
The cylinders of a penile implant sit inside the two corpora cavernosa, which provide most of the rigidity of the penile shaft.
The glans and corpus spongiosum are separate tissues. They are not mechanically inflated by the implant.[1,3]
This means it is possible to have:
a very firm penile shaft
a softer glans
less glans enlargement than with previous natural erections
or a glans that becomes fuller only during sexual stimulation
A recent 2026 study also suggests that reduced glans firmness after penile prosthesis surgery may be more common than previously recognised, although the available evidence remains limited.[4]
Does It Mean My Implant Is Too Short?
Usually, no.
A soft glans can occur even when the penile implant is correctly sized and functioning normally.
However, there is an important difference between a soft glans and a floppy or hypermobile glans.
With soft glans, the head remains appropriately supported but does not become particularly firm.
With glans hypermobility, the head may noticeably droop, bend or move excessively despite a rigid shaft. In selected cases, this may relate to the relationship between the distal cylinders, corporal anatomy and glans support.[5]
If the glans bends significantly when the implant is fully inflated, particularly if penetration is difficult, assessment is worthwhile.
Could I Be Under-Inflating the Implant?
Possibly — particularly if the whole penis, rather than just the glans, does not feel sufficiently rigid.
Learning to inflate an implant properly can take time. Your surgeon can check your technique and confirm whether the cylinders are reaching appropriate rigidity.
My Penile Implant Pump Is Hard to Squeeze — Is This Normal?
Can Soft Glans Be Treated?
Treatment depends on whether it is causing a meaningful problem.
If the implant is firm, the glans is well supported and intercourse is comfortable, no treatment may be required.
Some small studies suggest that PDE5 inhibitor medication such as sildenafil may improve residual glans engorgement in selected men with penile prostheses.[6] The evidence is limited, however, and these medications are not suitable for everyone.
If there is true glans hypermobility or another anatomical issue, treatment is different. Selected patients with significant symptoms may occasionally benefit from surgical correction such as glanulopexy.[5,7]
When Should I Contact My Surgeon?
Arrange an assessment if:
the glans significantly droops or bends;
penetration is difficult;
the implant no longer becomes as firm as previously;
there is persistent or increasing pain;
the implant suddenly becomes difficult to inflate or deflate;
or you are concerned about the position of the cylinders.
Seek urgent medical assessment for severe pain, marked swelling, wound breakdown, fever or significant colour change of the glans, particularly if it becomes dusky or very dark.[1]
The Take-Home Message
A soft glans does not automatically mean your penile implant is malfunctioning.
The implant provides rigidity to the penile shaft, but the glans continues to rely largely on natural blood flow and sexual stimulation.
The important distinction is between:
a normally positioned but relatively soft glans
true glans hypermobility
a problem with implant inflation, sizing or positioning
If you are unsure which applies to you, examination with the implant fully inflated can usually clarify the cause.
Concerned About Your Penile Implant?
If your penile implant becomes firm but the glans remains soft, feels unsupported or bends during intercourse, an assessment can help determine whether this represents normal glans physiology or a problem requiring treatment.
Related information
Medical Disclaimer
This information is general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Seek urgent assessment for severe pain, significant penile colour change, fever, wound breakdown or other concerning postoperative symptoms.
References
European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. Arnhem, The Netherlands: EAU Guidelines Office; 2026.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641.
Levine LA, Becher EF, Bella AJ, et al. Penile prosthesis surgery: current recommendations from the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. J Sex Med. 2016;13(4):489-518.
Michael S, Hay J, Maher E, et al. Soft glans after penile prosthesis surgery: a patient-reported study of prevalence and clinical impact. Int J Impot Res. 2026.
Skrodzka M, Heffernan Ho D, Ralph D. Floppy glans—classification, diagnosis and treatment. Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):303-313.
Mulhall JP, Jahoda A, Aviv N, et al. The impact of sildenafil citrate on sexual satisfaction profiles in men with a penile prosthesis in situ. BJU Int. 2004;93(1):97-99.
Ziegelmann MJ, Alom M, Bole R, et al. Modified glanulopexy technique for glanular hypermobility in men with penile prostheses. J Sex Med. 2018;15(6):914-919.
