FAQs

1. How far in advance do I need to plan for the Penile Implant Procedure?
This can usually be scheduled 4-6 weeks in advance. We can help you set it up at 508.771.9550.
2. How long does the IPP (inflatable penile prosthesis) procedure take to complete?
Implanting the device is done in about 20 minutes. With the anesthesia and prep time, it takes about 1 hour.
3. What appointments do I need after the procedure?
I like to check-in, either in person or by phone, at the 3 week point. Depending on your recovery, at 4-6 weeks out we meet in person to activate the device and learn to use it. That is typically the last visit, and everything is healed at that point forward. If you’re from out of town, I can walk you through that last appointment by phone, or arrange for someone locally to see you and go through the device usage instructions.
4. How long does the penile prosthesis last?
The device lasts for 10-15 years on average, but can last forever without breaking. The device comes with a lifetime warranty for replacement. I am confident that you will not be responsible for any cost related to malfunction or urologists fee for replacement.
5. Will I have normal feeling after the procedure?
Sensation and orgasm will be preserved after insertion of the penile prosthesis.
6. Is this done with a local or a general anesthetic?
I find it easier to do this procedure with a general anesthetic, although you can have it done with a spinal/epidural anesthetic.
7. Since this is a foreign body, is there any risk of an adverse reaction, such as tissue rejection?
The only circumstance where it would need to be removed would be infection. The overall risk of infection is about 1.0%.
8. Is circumcision necessary for the IPP procedure?
Circumcision is not necessary prior to IPP procedures. If you would like it done, this would always be staged, so the circumcision done first, then allowed to heal prior to doing the prosthesis placement.
9. Are semi-rigid implants an option?
There are several drawbacks associated with the semi-rigid implants which can result in sub-optimal erections. Penises with rigid implants are never soft, which makes it difficult to conceal. Since this device is not as flexible as an inflatable penile prosthesis, a larger opening on the scrotum is required to place it. Finally, rigid prosthetics have the risk of extruding through the skin several years later, since they are always hard and provide constant pressure on the penis. This device may be suitable for men who cannot manipulate the pump, either due to severe arthritis, neurological disorder, or revisions where an infection has occurred.
10. Will the pump hinder my physical activity in any way?
Some caution will be advised since there is a pump in the scrotum. Cycling is generally fine, but you may need to be cautious about maintaining constant pressure on the scrotum. Swimming is not an issue.
11. After the implant is done, will I have normal ejaculation of sperm during sex? Is this affected?

Erection, orgasm, and ejaculation are three independent functions. Men who are impotent from vascular causes continue to have an orgasm and ejaculation with a soft penis. Therefore, restoring erections with a prosthesis in that individual will result in a patient that continues to have an orgasm and ejaculation. Patients have fathered children with an implant.

A patient suffering from ED following radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy loses the ability to have erections and ejaculation. Therefore an implant in that scenario will result in a patient that has an erection and orgasm but no ejaculation.

12. Diabetics are prone to infection and/or long healing processes. Is this a contra-indication to a penile prosthesis placement?
No, 50% of patients undergoing this procedure are diabetics.
13. Is the erection with the implant/penile prosthesis the same as my erections when I was younger or with penile injection?
The erection with the implant is identical to an erection post injection. The difference is in the flaccid penis. A penis with an implant will never be as small/short or soft as a penis without an implant. Patient satisfaction with the erection is much higher with implants than with injections.