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By Mayo Clinic staffPrior to the procedure, your doctor will want to make sure an implant is the best option. Your doctor may ask you questions or do tests to help pinpoint the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will want to be absolutely certain that your erectile dysfunction can't be treated in another way. Your doctor will also want to determine whether there's any reason that implant surgery is likely to cause complications.
Penile implant surgery is usually done at a surgery center or hospital by a urologist. Your surgeon may request that you do several things before surgery. You may need to take the following steps:
- Meet with your doctor. You'll meet with your doctor to make sure you understand what the procedure involves, and what you need to do to prepare. Your doctor will explain the risks and potential complications. You'll discuss which type of implant suits you best. If possible, include your partner in the discussion with your doctor.
- Stop taking certain medications. Your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking medications that could increase your risk of bleeding. Examples include the prescription medication warfarin (Coumadin) and over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).
- Use antibiotic soap. Your doctor might ask you to bathe with antibiotic soap each day, starting a few days before surgery. This will reduce the risk of infection. Don't shave the surgery site yourself. This will be done immediately before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
- Arrange for a ride home. Ask your doctor when you'll be able to go home from the surgery center or hospital. Penile implant surgery generally requires at least an overnight stay.
- Montauge DK. Prosthetic surgery for erectile dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, et al. Walsh: Campbell's Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119551792-3/801941680/1445/26.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50025-X--cesec13_1966. Accessed Dec 23, 2010.
- Eid JF. What is new for inflatable penile prostheses? Current Opinion in Urology. 2009;19:582.
- Erectile dysfunction. Cornell University Sexual Medicine Program. http://www.cornellurology.com/sexualmedicine/ed/implant.shtml. Accessed Dec. 23, 2010.
- Wolter CE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 18, 2010.
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