What’s the procedure like?

See if the outpatient procedure is right for you.

Getting a penile implant is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go in and out the same day or spend the night, depending on the facility and your doctor’s recommendation. Although every physician is different, most follow similar protocols for this type of surgery. Before the procedure, your doctor should give you a thorough explanation of what will happen during your surgery and how to prepare for it.

Most men are back to doing normal activities—and feeling like themselves again—in about a week. In 6 to 8 weeks, they’re back to having intercourse.

Prior to surgery:

• You may be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection
• A tube called a catheter may be inserted into your bladder to drain urine
• You’ll be given an anesthetic to make you unconscious, or a spinal anesthetic to block the pain

The surgery:

• Penile implant surgery usually takes about an hour
• A small incision is made and the implant is placed inside the penis with a pump placed in the scrotum for inflatable devices
• Once the device is in place, the incision is closed and dressed with a bandage

Postsurgical care:

• The catheter is usually removed within 24 hours of surgery, and patients are usually discharged when they are able to urinate
• Typically, your doctor will prescribe an appropriate pain medication as well as antibiotics to prevent infection
• Patients are typically cautioned against sexual activity before the incision has healed—approximately 6 weeks

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