A penile prosthesis is an implant that allows men with erectile dysfunction to have an erection. Prosthetics may also be used for patients who have Peyronie’s disease.

Is penile prosthesis surgery the right thing for me?

If conservative treatments for erectile dysfunction haven’t been successful for you then your consultant may recommend penile prosthesis surgery.

It may also be recommended by your consultant if you have Peyronie’s disease and less invasive methods such as intralesional collagenase injections have not worked.

There are several types of penile implants available and your consultant will assess your own situation and recommend the implant that meets your needs.

What happens during penile prosthesis surgery?

This type of surgery is normally performed under general anaesthetic and takes 40–90 minutes. Your incision will depend on the type of implant chosen. Some patients will have just a small cut where the penis joins the scrotum. In other cases, an additional incision may be needed in your groin area.

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will insert the implant and close the cut with stitches.

A catheter may be inserted into your urethra to allow urine to pass from your bladder easily. This will be removed before you go home.

Your consultant will give you pain relief medication, but be sure to let us know if you’re in any discomfort following your surgery. You may also need to take antibiotics to help prevent infection.

What is the recovery from penile prosthesis surgery?

Usually it takes about 1–2 weeks to recover from this type of surgery. You may need to stay in hospital for 1–2 nights after your procedure.

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising. We would recommend that you continue to take any pain medication and antibiotics that we prescribe you.

You will need to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a few weeks. It is also important to discuss returning to work with your consultant.

What are the complications of penile prosthesis surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small chance of complications, such as:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Bruising or swelling

Specific complications of penile prosthesis surgery may include:

  • Problems with the implant – malfunction
  • Internal scarring or skin erosion
  • Need to replace the implant
  • Change in physical appearance

If you wish to see our specialists for penile prosthesis, please contact us to organise a consultation. You can also find out more here.