Penile Prosthesis Melbourne

Benefits

• Highest satisfaction rate of any erectile dysfunction treatment — 90–95% for men and their partners
• Reliable erections on demand, without tablets, injections or vacuum devices
• Completely concealed — an inflatable penile prosthesis is invisible from the outside
• Sensation, orgasm and ejaculation are preserved
• Works regardless of the cause of erectile dysfunction, including after radical prostatectomy
• Durable — around 80–90% of modern devices are still functioning at 10 years
• Usually a day-case or single-night procedure with return to desk work in 1–2 weeks

The Procedure

Penile implant surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic through a single small incision, usually at the junction of the penis and scrotum (penoscrotal) or in the lower abdomen (infrapubic). A three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis has three components: two soft cylinders placed inside the erectile bodies of the penis, a small pump concealed within the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir hidden behind the abdominal wall. Squeezing the scrotal pump moves fluid into the cylinders to create an erection; pressing a release valve returns the penis to its soft state. A malleable (semi-rigid) implant is a simpler single-component alternative for men with limited hand dexterity or those who prefer a shorter operation. Surgery takes 60–90 minutes and is carried out with strict infection-prevention protocols including antibiotic-coated devices, a 'no-touch' technique and pre-operative screening.

Who Is a Candidate?

Penile prosthesis surgery is appropriate for men with erectile dysfunction that has failed conservative treatment — PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil), intracavernosal injections, or vacuum erection devices — and for men who cannot tolerate these therapies. Common groups include men with erectile dysfunction after robotic radical prostatectomy or pelvic radiotherapy, men with diabetes or vascular disease, men with Peyronie's disease and associated erectile dysfunction (where the curvature can be corrected at the same time), and men following priapism or pelvic trauma. Assessment includes a full medical, sexual and medication history, examination, blood tests including testosterone and HbA1c, and a discussion with your partner where possible. Poorly controlled diabetes, active infection anywhere in the body and untreated urinary infection must be addressed before surgery.

Recovery

Penile implant recovery is predictable. Most men go home the same day or the next morning with a light dressing and supportive underwear. Bruising and swelling of the penis and scrotum peak at 3–5 days and settle over 2–4 weeks; ice, elevation and simple analgesia help considerably. A catheter, if used, is removed before discharge or the following morning. Desk-based work is usually possible in 1–2 weeks, driving once comfortable, and heavy lifting, cycling and gym work after 4–6 weeks. At the 4–6 week review Dr Dias activates and teaches you to cycle the device, and sexual activity generally resumes at around 6 weeks. Regularly inflating and deflating the prosthesis in the first months keeps the tissue space open and optimises long-term results.

Risks & Considerations

Risks of penile prosthesis surgery include infection requiring device removal (approximately 1–3%, higher in men with diabetes, previous implants or immunosuppression), mechanical failure requiring revision (uncommon in the first decade), a perceived shortening of penile length, glans droop, erosion or migration of a component, scarring, and persistent pain in a small number of men. Importantly, the operation is irreversible: the natural erectile tissue is dilated to accommodate the cylinders, so spontaneous erections will not return if the device is later removed. For this reason all other options are discussed first, and there is no pressure to proceed — the decision is yours, in your own time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

Types of Penile Implant Available in Australia

Penile Implant Recovery Timeline

• Day 0–1: Day-case surgery or one night in hospital. Light dressing, supportive underwear, simple analgesia.
• Week 1: Swelling and bruising peak then settle. Walking encouraged; ice and elevation as needed.
• Week 1–2: Return to desk-based work and driving once comfortable and off strong pain relief.
• Week 4–6: Wound review, device activated and inflation technique taught in rooms.
• Week 6: Sexual activity usually resumes; heavy lifting and gym work recommenced.
• Month 3–12: Routine review to confirm comfortable use, then long-term annual check-ins as needed.

Why Choose a Penile Prosthesis Specialist in Melbourne

Erectile dysfunction surgery is a sensitive, deeply personal decision, and outcomes depend heavily on careful patient selection, meticulous infection-prevention technique and thorough post-operative support. Dr Brendan Dias is a male reconstructive urologist in Melbourne with fellowship training in robotic, reconstructive and functional urology (MBBS MS DrNB (Urology) IntFRCS (England) FUSANZ FRACS (Urology)). Consultations are unhurried and confidential, partners are welcome, and every man receives written informed financial consent before booking.

Penile prosthesis surgery is performed at leading private hospitals across Melbourne, with consulting rooms available across northern and western Melbourne. See our transparent consultation fees before you book.

Information for Referring GPs

Please consider referral for penile prosthesis assessment when a man has erectile dysfunction refractory to maximal-dose PDE5 inhibitors, is intolerant of or has declined intracavernosal injections or vacuum devices, has erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy or pelvic radiotherapy, or has Peyronie's disease with functional erectile failure. Helpful information with the referral includes diabetic control (HbA1c), cardiovascular history, current medications, testosterone level and previous ED treatments trialled.

• Referrals seen within two weeks
• Healthlink EDI: diasurol
• Email referrals: info@diasurology.com