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WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR PENILE IMPLANT?
A penile implant provides a spontaneous and reliable erection. There are a few types of penile implants. The 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis is typically the one used as it most similarly replicates the flaccid and erect states.
The implant procedure is performed under anesthesia. Through a small incision, a pair of cylinders are implanted in the penis, a pump is placed inside the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline is placed in the lower abdomen. Squeezing and releasing the pump moves fluid into the cylinders, creating an erection. A separate deflate button on the pump is squeezed to return the penis to a soft and natural-looking state.
Erectile dysfunction is common, especially as men age. There are many options when it comes to improving erectile function. These include lifestyle modification (healthy nutrition, exercise), pill medications, vacuum erection devices (VEDs), penile constriction bands, intraurethral medication, penile injections, and penile implant surgery.
Some people choose penile implant surgery if pills are not helping. Some people try other options, such as vacuum pump and injections, before surgery. If you have ED that does not respond well enough to oral medications (or if you are unable to tolerate or take oral medications) and are a candidate for surgery, you may also be a great candidate for the penile implant.
There is no right answer when it comes to if/when to undergo implant placement, though men who decide on this option, are often very satisfied with the results.
Depending on your work, you may need to take several weeks off following your surgery. If you have a sedentary job, please plan on taking 1 week off from work after surgery. If your work requires heavy lifting/strenuous activity, you may return to work with activity restrictions (nothing that makes you strain your belly muscles; typically a 10 lb lifting restriction) or after 6 weeks (when you no longer have any activity restrictions).
You will be discharged the same day as surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from surgery.
Recovery:
Follow up in clinic:
Dr. Pearlman is fellowship-trained in sexual health and penile reconstruction. She believes in providing comprehensive care when it comes to the treatment of male sexual health and genital concerns. As a result, she will discuss all treatment options with you prior to consideration of a penile implant so that she can help you come up with a treatment plan to best meet your sexual and quality of life goals.
