Illustration comparing two-piece and three-piece penile prostheses for patient education.

Ambicor vs. Three-Piece: Choosing the Right Penile Prosthesis for You

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the Options: A Comprehensive Guide to Inflatable Penile Prostheses, Comparing Ambicor and Three-Piece Devices"

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can significantly impact a man's quality of life, affecting both physical intimacy and emotional well-being. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have provided effective solutions, and one of the most reliable is the penile prosthesis. If you're considering this option, understanding the different types of prostheses is crucial to finding the best fit for your needs.

This article delves into the two main types of inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs): the Ambicor, a two-piece device, and the more commonly used three-piece devices. We'll explore their features, advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different individuals. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about restoring your sexual health.

We'll consider factors like surgical considerations, patient satisfaction, and mechanical reliability. Furthermore, we’ll provide insights into the unique characteristics of each device to help you determine which one aligns best with your lifestyle and health goals.

Ambicor (Two-Piece) vs. Three-Piece IPPs: A Detailed Comparison

Illustration comparing two-piece and three-piece penile prostheses for patient education.

The fundamental difference between the Ambicor (two-piece) and three-piece IPPs lies in their design and functionality. The three-piece device consists of a pair of inflatable cylinders implanted within the penis, a pump placed in the scrotum, and a reservoir containing the fluid, typically placed in the abdomen. The Ambicor, on the other hand, integrates the reservoir into the inflatable cylinders, simplifying the device’s components.

This difference has implications for both the surgical procedure and the patient experience. With the Ambicor, the surgery might be less complex due to the elimination of the need to place a separate abdominal reservoir. However, the three-piece device is often favored because of its ability to provide a more natural erection and potentially better rigidity.

Surgical Complexity: Two-piece IPPs may involve a less invasive procedure, but reservoir placement in three-piece IPPs has become more refined.
Erection Quality: Three-piece devices are generally known for providing a more rigid and natural erection.
Mechanical Reliability: Both devices have improved over time, but any mechanical device carries a risk of failure.
Patient Satisfaction: Satisfaction levels vary, and are influenced by multiple factors, including the patient's expectations and overall health.

Both Ambicor and three-piece IPPs have seen significant improvements in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing reliability and patient satisfaction. Choosing the right device involves considering your specific needs, the surgeon's experience, and a thorough discussion of the pros and cons of each option.

Making an Informed Decision

Selecting a penile prosthesis is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified urologist specializing in sexual medicine. Consider this guide as a starting point for your research. It's essential to have an open conversation with your doctor to discuss your expectations, medical history, and lifestyle. With the right information and professional guidance, you can choose the IPP that best suits your needs and helps you regain confidence and intimacy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.07.010, Alternate LINK

Title: Ambicor Two-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Background And Contemporary Outcomes

Subject: Urology

Journal: Sexual Medicine Reviews

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Oliver S. Ko, Nelson E. Bennett

Published: 2018-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main differences between the Ambicor two-piece penile prosthesis and a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP)?

The fundamental difference lies in their design. The Ambicor, a two-piece IPP, integrates the fluid reservoir into the inflatable cylinders implanted in the penis. A three-piece IPP has three components: inflatable cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a separate reservoir, typically placed in the abdomen, containing the fluid. This difference affects surgical complexity, erection quality, and other factors.

How does the surgical procedure differ between the Ambicor two-piece IPP and the three-piece IPP, and what are the implications?

The Ambicor two-piece IPP surgery may be less complex because it eliminates the need to create space and place a separate fluid reservoir in the abdomen. However, the placement of the reservoir in three-piece IPPs has become more refined. The surgical approach impacts recovery time, potential complications, and the surgeon's preference based on their experience. Missing is specific complication rates, which are important to consider.

Which type of inflatable penile prosthesis, Ambicor two-piece or three-piece, generally provides a more natural erection, and why is this important for patient satisfaction?

Three-piece IPPs are generally known for providing a more rigid and natural erection compared to the Ambicor. This is because the separate reservoir in the three-piece device allows for a greater fluid volume transfer to the cylinders, resulting in better rigidity. Patient satisfaction is heavily influenced by the perceived naturalness and rigidity of the erection achieved with the prosthesis.

What factors should I discuss with my urologist to determine whether the Ambicor two-piece or a three-piece IPP is the most suitable option for my needs and lifestyle?

You should openly discuss your expectations, medical history, and lifestyle with a qualified urologist specializing in sexual medicine. Consider factors such as your desired level of rigidity, any previous surgeries or medical conditions that might affect reservoir placement, your comfort level with the surgical procedure, and your personal preferences regarding device functionality. Also, you should take into account your surgeon's experience and expertise with each type of device.

Beyond device mechanics, what other elements contribute to overall patient satisfaction with penile prostheses like the Ambicor and three-piece IPPs?

Patient satisfaction extends beyond the mechanical reliability and functionality of the Ambicor and three-piece IPPs. Factors like realistic expectations, psychological well-being, partner satisfaction, and effective post-operative care play significant roles. Managing expectations about the device's limitations and potential impact on sensation and intimacy is crucial. Furthermore, addressing any underlying psychological or relationship issues can greatly improve overall satisfaction.