What is Penile Implant Surgery?
A penile implant, or prosthesis, is a device that is surgically implanted in the penis to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Penile implant surgery replaces non-functioning tissue in the penis to help men achieve and maintain erections. For men with erectile dysfunction that is caused by an underlying medical condition, surgery is an option when medications, injections, and other non-surgical treatments have failed to work.
Implantation of the prosthesis is performed through an incision in the abdomen or scrotum. Depending on the type of implant, penile implant surgery will be completed within one to three hours. Recovery following penile implant surgery will usually take one or two days, and implants may last indefinitely. However, there are risks associated with implants, including breakage, leakage, and infection. Broken or infected implants are treated by removal, repair, or replacement.
Following implantation, you may return to full physical and sexual activity in about a month. You may need to take medication to ease pain and prevent infection, and you should avoid wearing tight clothing in the weeks after your procedure.