Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. When non-surgical treatments fail, penile prosthetic surgery offers a permanent and reliable solution.
Patients with ED now have a range of treatment options available. It’s important to discuss these with your urologist first to find the best fit for your needs. Current treatments include oral medications, injectables, intraurethral suppositories, shockwave therapies, psychotherapy, and penile surgeries.
These treatments have varying success rates and can address ED caused by both physical and psychological factors. If non-surgical treatments don’t work for you, surgical options like the implantation of a penile prosthesis might be considered. This procedure can also be an effective treatment for penile cancer.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need about penile prosthesis surgery for erectile dysfunction. We’ll explore everything you need to know about this treatment option, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable with the process.
Table of Contents
What is a Penile Prosthesis?
Penile prosthetic surgery is a permanent and effective solution for men who find non-surgical ED treatments ineffective. This procedure can significantly improve quality of life by restoring sexual function and confidence. Penile prosthetic surgery has been practised for 30 years and has a far higher patient and partner satisfaction rate than any other ED treatment.
What is a Penile Prosthesis?
A penile prosthesis is a device surgically implanted into the penis to help men achieve erections and restore sexual function.
What is Penile Implant Surgery?
The penile prosthesis procedure involves implanting a device within the penis, which can then be manipulated to achieve an erection. It involves a three-piece fluid-filled inflatable prosthesis made up of two inflatable cylinders implanted in the penis. A pump is inserted in the scrotum, and a fluid-filled reservoir is implanted in the lower abdomen. This method offers spontaneous sexual engagement. It reduces anxiety related to performance and significantly enhances sexual satisfaction.
Kinds of Penile Implants
When the underlying medical cause of ED is clear, as well as when the problem is unlikely to disappear or resolve on its own or through other medical therapies, penile implants or implantable penile prostheses are generally implemented. When men decide to get a penile implant, they can choose between two different kinds: inflatable implants and semi-rigid implants.
| Feature | Inflatable Implants | Semi-rigid Implants |
| Commonality | Most common type | Less common type |
| Function | Fluid-filled, can inflate or deflate | Always somewhat stiff |
| Control | User controls size by moving fluid | Always firm, hidden against the body when not in use |
| Appearance When Not in Use | Looks more natural | Semi-rigid, less natural when not in use |
| Penile implant size options | Fits different penis sizes | Limited size options |
| Extra Features | Coatings to prevent infection and reduce friction | Fewer additional features |
| Durability and Infection Risk | Coatings help durability and reduce infection risk | Longer-lasting but can be uncomfortable |
Understanding the types of penile implants helps in making an informed decision about your treatment. Both options have unique benefits, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
How Does Penile Implant Surgery Work?
Knowing what to expect during penile implant surgery can alleviate fears and prepare you for a smooth experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the procedure.
Before
Preparing for penile implant surgery can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make it much easier.
- A penile implant or implantable penile prosthesis is usually done in a hospital or surgery centre.
- Your doctor might give you medicine to make you sleep through the surgery (general anaesthesia) or medication to stop the pain in your lower body (spinal anaesthesia).
- Your doctor or nurse will give you antibiotics through an IV to help keep you from getting sick. Before surgery, the area will be washed with an antibiotic solution that contains alcohol and shaved to lower the risk of infection.
With proper preparation and understanding of the pre-surgery process, you’ll be ready and confident as you approach your penile implant procedure. Remember, your healthcare team is here to support you every step of the way.
During
The surgical procedure for penile implants is straightforward and well-practiced. Here’s what happens during the surgery itself:
- During surgery, a tube (catheter) might be put into your bladder through your penis to collect urine. Your doctor will make a cut below the penis head, at the penis base, or in the lower abdomen.
- Next, your doctor will stretch the soft tissue in your penis that fills with blood when you have an erection. The corpora cavernosa are two hollow chambers that hold this tissue.
- Your doctor will pick the right size implant and put the cylinders of the implant inside your penis. All sizes are made to fit your body exactly.
- If your doctor puts in a two-piece, inflatable device, they will put a pump and a valve inside your scrotum. For a three-piece device, they will use the first cut to put a fluid reservoir above or below the abdominal wall. There are times when a second cut is made in the abdomen.
- When the device is in place, your doctor will close the cuts with stitches. Most of the time, getting a penile implant takes 45 minutes to an hour.
This procedure is designed to be efficient and effective, paving the way for a successful outcome.
After
Recovery is a crucial part of the penile implant journey. Here are post-surgery care tips to help you heal effectively.
- Most likely, you’ll need to take painkillers after getting a penile implant. Often, an injection that works for 48 to 72 hours is given into the scrotum to help relieve pain. Pain might be mild and last for a few weeks. You might be told to take an antibiotic orally for a week.
- Ask your doctor or nurse when you can start physical and sexual activities. Most men can go back to sexual and physical activities in about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
- After you learn how to use the device, which usually takes 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, your doctor might suggest that you blow up and deflate inflatable penile implants to get used to using them and to stretch the area around the cylinders.
Penile Implant Recovery
Every patient’s experience is unique, and you should discuss your options with your urologist. The surgery may cause discomfort and soreness. Returning to a regular daily schedule of light activity usually takes a few days. Penile prosthesis surgery recovery time typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. The implant must be disabled during this period to allow you to heal. The implant will be activated at your post-operative consultation, and you can utilise it to resume sexual function.
After the recuperation period, you will be taught pump manipulation techniques that will allow you to inflate and deflate the penile prosthesis.
Penile Implant Cost Australia
Perhaps you’re wondering “how much is penile implant surgery?” The cost of a prosthetic testicle will vary depending on your chosen urologist. In our case, the in-clinic surgery will incur:
- Hospital costs
- Anaesthetist Fees
- Dr Katelaris’ Fee
Most private health insurance will cover or partially cover the cost of the implant. There are Medicare rebates for the surgery and the implant. One can contact our office here to receive a quote for penile prosthesis surgery cost. By understanding the financial aspects of penile prosthesis surgery, you can make informed decisions and plan accordingly.
Penile Implant Reviews Australia
If you’re still apprehensive about surgery, it may help to hear the experience of others.
David Sandoe OAM and Pam Sandoe OAM, who survived prostate cancer surgery and decided to have a penile prosthesis to restore their quality of life as a couple, shared their experiences with penile implants. David and Pam talk about what a penile implant feels like, what it looks like on the outside and compares sex from before and after the implant.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is penile prosthesis implant surgery safe?
No surgical procedure is entirely devoid of risks and complications. Complications that can arise from having penile implants include uncontrolled bleeding in the aftermath of the operation (this could require further surgical intervention), infections and erosion, which necessitates removal (since the tissue around the implant may break down). Scar tissues may also emerge, and failure of the operation due to mechanical causes is also a risk. Failure of the procedure results in re-operation and removal of the devices.
What is the average size of a penile implant?
The average size of a penile implant can vary based on the specific needs and anatomy of the patient. Typically, the implants are custom-sized to fit the individual’s body. For most men, the length of the implant is chosen to match the natural size of their penis when erect, which generally ranges between 5 to 6 inches. However, the exact size can differ, as the goal is to provide a comfortable and natural fit for each patient. It’s important to discuss your specific measurements and options with your urologist to determine the best fit for you.
What are the results of having a penile prosthesis?
There is a substantial difference in a penile implant before and after the surgery.
After the surgery, the penis is always semi-rigid with the implant and only needs to be raised or tweaked into an erect state to begin sexual intercourse.
Men who have suffered spinal cord injuries or have inadequate hand muscles may benefit from this.
Penile implant surgery allows men to have an erection whenever they want. They are quick and easy to conceal, making them look more natural. Other people won’t be able to tell that a guy has an inflatable penile prosthesis even though men who have had the penile implant surgery will appear to have a minor surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac or in the lower abdomen right above the penis.
After healing, the penile prosthetic can be inflated by squeezing the pump several times to move fluid from the reservoir to the chambers in the penis. It does take some practice to feel comfortable using the prosthesis, but with time and effort, this can be done quickly and well. This fluid makes the penis straight and hard, which causes an erection.
Your urologist will tell you to blow up and deflate the penile implants every day to get used to them, stretch the area where the cylinders were put in, and help the body heal. Most men still feel the same things on the outside of their penis when they are sexually active, and the inflatable penile prosthesis doesn’t change a man’s ability to get an orgasm or ejaculate. Partner satisfaction with penile prosthesis implants is exceptionally high.
What are the risks of having penile prosthesis surgery?
Although it is regarded as a safe treatment, penile prosthesis surgery carries risks, including but not limited to the following:
- Infections
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Risks of repeat surgery
- Bleeding
- Penis or testicle injury
- Future risk of infection
- The possibility that an inflatable penile prosthesis will malfunction or penetrate the skin
- If the patient’s inflatable penile prosthetic is removed, they would be unable to achieve an erection on their own.
These will all be discussed in detail before surgery.
Will I be able to have spontaneous erections with a penile implant?
No. If you can still have erections on your own, which are satisfactory for intercourse, you should carefully consider whether an implant is right for you.
If you cannot have spontaneous erections or they are unsatisfactory for intercourse, the implant will be able to provide you with more “instant” erections compared to other non-surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Can a man ejaculate with a penile implant? Can I have an orgasm with a penile implant?
Yes, if you could have one before the procedure, you should be able to have an orgasm with a penile prosthesis implanted. A man can still ejaculate with a penile implant. The implant is designed to help achieve and maintain an erection, but it doesn’t interfere with the natural processes of ejaculation or orgasm
How long do penile implants last?
Penile implants typically last between 10 to 15 years. The exact lifespan can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the patient’s health, and how well the implant is cared for. Regular check-ups with your urologist can help ensure the implant remains in good working condition.
How much does a penile prosthesis surgery cost?
Penile Prosthesis Cost in Australia varies per urologist. For us in our clinic, the surgery will incur hospital costs, anaesthetist fees and Doctor Katelaris’ fee.
Most private health insurance will cover or partially cover the cost of the implant. There are Medicare rebates for the surgery and the implant. If you’re interested in receiving a quote for a penile prosthesis surgery cost, contact our office here.
Will anyone notice that I have an implant?
This system is entirely concealed within the body. It is not visible to the naked eye, and no one will know you have an implant unless you tell them.
The device will not be detectable by airport security, and it is safe for you to have an MRI.
What are the patient and partner satisfaction rates with penile prosthetic surgery?
Studies show that 9 out of 10 men and their partners were happy with the results of penile prosthetic surgery:
- 95% of men would undergo the procedure again.
- 92% would recommend the device to others.
- 90% of partners would recommend it to other couples.
How reliable is ipp?
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is an effective therapy option for erectile dysfunction. It is especially beneficial for men who have failed to respond to previous medical treatments for erectile dysfunction. If medications or other conservative treatment methods for erectile dysfunction have not been successful, a penile prosthesis (IPP) may be suggested. An inflatable penile prosthesis is surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum. Fluid from a reservoir can be pumped into inflatable tubes in the penis to stimulate an erection. The penis will stay straight until the air is sucked out of it.
For more information regarding IPP, check out Dr Katelaris’ video here.
Need an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist Sydney?
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a common problem affecting millions of men around the world. It can be caused by various factors such as disease, stress, poor diet and lifestyle choices.
If you are suffering from ED, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier you seek help, the better your chances of treatment success.
Dr Katelaris is one of the best urologists for Erectile Dysfunction in Sydney, with over 35 years of experience in the field. He is a penile prosthesis specialist who can help you overcome your condition and enjoy a healthy sex life with your partner again. He’s also an expert on permanent male enlargement surgery in Australia. He’s committed to finding a treatment that’s right for you. Whether it’s a prescription medication, a non-invasive regimen or a surgical implant, he will seek an individualised treatment option for you to help with your condition.
If you’re looking for a trusted surgeon on penile enlargement in Sydney or have any questions about our services or if you’d like to make an appointment, feel free to reach out to us here.
References
Advanced Urology. (2021, November 29). How does a penile implant work? Advanced Urology. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://advancedurology.com/advanced-blogging/how-does-a-penile-implant-work/
Galan, N. (2022). Penile implant: Surgery, size, and how they work. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/penile-implant#surgery
Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 17). Penile implants. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916
Orlando Health Group Urology. (2020, November 25). Inflatable penile prosthesis. Orlando Health Medical Group Urology PUR Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://purclinic.com/inflatable-penile-prosthesis/
