Surgery to Permanently Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Surgery in the appropriately selected patient is safe with a high satisfaction rate (over 93%).

It’s a surgery, and it’s permanent. Some people would rather stop having intercourse than think about having a procedure to fix their erectile dysfunction. Others view this similarly to a joint replacement. They have lost functionality and/or use of their penis, like losing the function of a shoulder, hip or knee. At the end of the day, it’s a value judgment. While surgery does have some risks, the question to ask yourself is, “How important is having intercourse to my sex life and overall quality of life?” If it’s important, then the minimal risks of the procedure are often well worth it.

One of the biggest surprises around erectile dysfunction is that the implant device predates all the medications. The implant has been around for several decades, and many don’t even know it’s an option to help cure their erectile dysfunction or that it is FDA-approved.

There are several types of implants on the market. While the device developers are trying to market their products, they do have the best information on their respective devices. Patients should look at the manufacturer’s website to learn more about the specific implant, but also to take the information with a grain of salt. Check out Coloplast and Boston Scientific.

While inflatable penile prosthetic devices have been around for more than 4 decades, the devices and techniques have undergone numerous changes. Techniques have evolved into more minimally invasive procedures allowing for fewer complications, faster recovery and quicker use of the device. Devices have been improved to have smaller anatomic footprints (less bulky in the scrotum and abdomen), last longer and allow for easier use.

Success is the reproducible ability to have a penetration-quality erection lasting as long as the couple would like. Unlike other therapies, the implant is a 0-100 solution. Either the device functions properly, and you will have a reliable erection that lasts as long as you desire, or the device has malfunctioned and warrants replacement. However, device malfunction rates are low. More than 90% of devices last 5 years and 85% of devices last 10 years without malfunctioning.

Our erectile dysfunction surgeons are all prosthetic experts who have fellowship training for either male reconstruction or device implantation surgery. In addition, each provider has a team designed to help shepherd patients through this process from initial consultation to the day of surgery, to activation of the device and beyond. While any urologist can perform the surgery, it’s been shown that experienced surgeons have fewer complications and revision surgeries compared to urologists who do not regularly perform the procedure.

Absolutely to both! Men are encouraged to bring their significant other if they have one.

The short answer is yes. However, meeting in person is better. In-person visits allow the physician to do an exam, demonstrate penile length and go over a live demonstration of the implant.

Anyone can be considered for the surgery; however, there are some common barriers. First, you need to be healthy enough to undergo an operative procedure and have the exercise capacity to have sexual intercourse. Second, you must have adequate penile length (which will be demonstrated in the office) to have a functioning prosthetic after the surgery. Lastly, you must be willing to follow postoperative instructions and understand the recovery timeline.

Many insurance companies, including Medicare, cover the device.