Penile Implants & Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
Penile Implant Surgery in La Mesa, CA
Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction when medication or conservative methods have been unsuccessful, including inflatable penile prosthesis consultation, surgery, recovery guidance, and follow-up care.
An inflatable penile prosthesis is an effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. If medication or conservative methods of treatment for erectile dysfunction have been unsuccessful, a penile prosthetic may be recommended. An inflatable penile prosthesis is surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum, and can be manually activated to simulate an erection by pumping fluid from a reservoir into inflatable tubes in the penis.
Penile implant consultation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides penile implant evaluation and inflatable penile prosthesis surgery consultation for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Prior to surgery, the patient is sedated under anesthesia. A catheter may be temporarily inserted into the bladder. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the head and the base of the penis. Cylinders are implanted in the two hollow chambers in the penis called the corpora cavernosa. This is the area that would normally fill with blood during an erection. A pump and a valve are surgically inserted inside the scrotum. Depending on the specific prosthetic that is being used, the surgeon may also make an abdominal incision and implant a fluid reservoir under the abdominal wall. Once the device is in place, the surgeon stitches the incisions closed.
Cylinders are placed in the corpora cavernosa, the hollow chambers that normally fill with blood during an erection.
A pump and valve are placed inside the scrotum so the device can be manually activated and deflated.
Depending on the device, a fluid reservoir may be placed under the abdominal wall.
Recovery from Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Patients may experience mild pain for about a week after the surgery. Pain medication is prescribed and antibiotics are also given to prevent infection. Regular physical activity can be resumed 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Sexual activity can be resumed within the same time frame.
Recovery instructions vary by patient and procedure. Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific guidance on activity, wound care, device activation, and follow-up appointments.
Results of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
After recovery, the inflatable penile prosthetic device can be inflated by squeezing the pump several times to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the chambers in the penis. This fluid straightens and hardens the penis, causing an erection. The doctor may advise the patient to inflate and deflate the penile implants each day, to practice using them, and to stretch the area where the cylinders have been implanted. During sexual intercourse, most men still have the same sensations on the outer skin of the penis and the inflatable penile prosthesis does not affect the man's ability to reach orgasm or ejaculate.
The pump transfers fluid into the implanted cylinders to create firmness for sexual intercourse.
The device can be deflated after use, allowing the penis to return to a softer state.
Risks of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
While it is considered a safe procedure, penile prosthesis surgery carries risks that may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to the penis or scrotum
In rare cases, the inflatable penile prosthetic may not work correctly or may break through the skin. Surgery may be necessary to repair or remove a broken implant.
Your urologist can review individual risk factors, device type, surgical approach, expected recovery, and possible alternatives before surgery.
Common questions about penile implants.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help determine whether an inflatable penile prosthesis is appropriate.
What is an inflatable penile prosthesis?
An inflatable penile prosthesis is a surgically implanted device used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can be manually activated to simulate an erection by pumping fluid from a reservoir into inflatable tubes in the penis.
Who may be a candidate for a penile implant?
A penile prosthetic may be recommended when medication or conservative methods of treatment for erectile dysfunction have been unsuccessful.
How is penile implant surgery performed?
The patient is sedated under anesthesia. Cylinders are implanted in the corpora cavernosa, and a pump and valve are placed inside the scrotum. Depending on the device, a fluid reservoir may also be placed under the abdominal wall.
How long is recovery after inflatable penile prosthesis surgery?
Patients may experience mild pain for about a week. Regular physical activity and sexual activity can typically be resumed 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, depending on the surgeon’s instructions.
How does the implant work after recovery?
The device can be inflated by squeezing the pump several times, which transfers fluid from the reservoir into the chambers in the penis. This straightens and hardens the penis, causing an erection.
Does a penile implant affect orgasm or ejaculation?
During sexual intercourse, most men still have the same sensations on the outer skin of the penis, and the inflatable penile prosthesis does not affect the man's ability to reach orgasm or ejaculate.
What are the risks of penile implant surgery?
Risks may include infection, bleeding, injury to the penis or scrotum, device malfunction, or rare cases where the prosthetic breaks through the skin. Surgery may be needed to repair or remove a broken implant.
Where can I get penile implant surgery near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides penile implant and inflatable penile prosthesis consultation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a penile implant consultation in La Mesa.
If erectile dysfunction medication or conservative treatment has not been successful, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can discuss whether an inflatable penile prosthesis may be an appropriate option.