Most primary care providers - and even some urologists - don’t educate patients about their options either due to a lack of familiarity with available treatments, or because their focus is on other pressing medical problems during the little time doctors get with their patients.

“Some people view erectile dysfunction as a natural progression of life and that nothing can be done. There is a sense of surrender that can come with it, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are safe and reliable options available,” said Bahaa Malaeb, MD, a urologist who annually evaluates over 500 patients with erectile dysfunction and performs over 100 penile reconstructive surgeries a year at U-M Health.

To schedule an evaluation with a Frankel Cardiovascular Center physician, call 888-287-1082.

Penile prosthetics are primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where a man has difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This condition can stem from various causes, including chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or previous prostate surgery. 

The implant procedure for penile prosthetics is performed by a urologic surgeon and typically involves a short hospital stay. The process begins with a consultation to determine the most suitable implant type. 

During the surgery, the implant is placed inside the penis and connected to a small reservoir and pump, if using an inflatable model, which is usually placed in the scrotum. Recovery time is generally a few weeks, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and allow the body to heal before resuming normal sexual activity.