How to Choose a Penile Implant and What the Recovery Might Look Like
For the many American men who struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) or Peyronie’s Disease (penile curvature), the path to satisfying sex life can seem difficult. However, your urologist in Concord, NC, offers a solution that has helped thousands of men just like you.
It’s the penile implant, a surgically-inserted prosthesis that creates a normal erection and ability to experience sexual intercourse without pills, vacuum, devices or other remedies. Ready to think about your options? Here’s how to choose a penile implant device and what your surgical recovery may be like.
What Is a Penile Implant?
A penile implant is a surgically-inserted prosthesis that allows a man to have a natural-looking and functioning erection. Patients who qualify for this procedure typically have tried other treatment options to counter erectile dysfunction caused by injury, diabetes, spinal cord injury, or Peyronie’s Disease.
Is a Penile Implant Right For Me?
Many men qualify for this reliable surgical solution to their erectile dysfunction. You and your urologist in Concord will discuss factors, such as:
- Your age
- Medical history, including your risk for infection
- Current medications
- Other interventions you have tried for your ED
If you are a candidate, you will select the implant device best suited to your needs. There are three types of implant devices:
- The three-piece inflatable device, consisting of an abdominal saline reservoir, two rods placed in the penis itself and a pump in the scrotum, which moves the fluid into the rods to complete an erection.
- The two-piece inflatable device, consisting of the two penile rods and a scrotal pump, which also contains the saline solution.
- A semi-rigid implant, consisting of two rods in the penis. This option keeps the penis firm continually as it is placed in an upward or downward position, as needed. This option can cause some concern about an erection showing through your clothes.
What Is the Penile Implant Surgery Like?
Most penile implant surgeries are outpatient procedures. The surgeon uses local or general anesthesia during the procedure. If you are receiving the three-piece implant, he will make an incision into the scrotum just above the pubic bone. Through this incision, he will insert all of the penile implant parts. The semi-rigid implant involves a more extensive incision on the penis itself.
The procedure usually takes under an hour to complete. You will have some sutures, which will require minimal care until removed a couple of weeks later.
What Is Recovery Like?
The most common side effects of this surgery are soreness and localized pain. Accordingly, your urologist will prescribe you pain medication. There is a rare risk of infection for which your urologist will prescribe antibiotics. You should refrain from intercourse for four to six weeks after your procedure to complete healing and avoid infection.
Very rarely, implants can fail or cause erosion of nearby tissues. However, these complications are extremely rare when the reliable AMS 700 implants from Boston Scientific are used. These implants are three-piece inflatable devices. They allow for typical penile sensation and a normal sexual experience.
Your Men’s Health Specialist in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Richard Natale, our board-certified urologist with years of experience in men’s health issues, would love to talk to you about the benefits of a penile implant and how it can restore your intimacy. At Carolina Urology Partners, we understand erectile dysfunction, and Dr. Natale can help. It’s his business to restore and improve your quality of life and sexual health. He has performed numerous penile implant surgeries successfully.
Call us today for a confidential and helpful consultation on ED and the penile implant treatment option. You will get the information you need to make an informed decision. Call (704) 786-5131, or request your appointment online.
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