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Penile Implant Surgery: What to Expect at Home

Inside view of inflatable penile implant, in both relaxed and erect positions, showing the penis, scrotum, reservoir, cylinders, and pump

Your Recovery

You've had penile implant surgery to help treat your erection problem. You may feel pain and be tired. You may also have swelling and bruising in the area. During surgery, a thin flexible tube (catheter) may have been put in your urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. This may stay in for a day.

After your surgery, you will likely stay overnight in the hospital. Some people go home the same day.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better.
Rest when you feel tired.
You can do your normal activities when it feels okay to do so. But avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks.
You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
Wear snug underwear or compression shorts. Keep your penis pointed up toward your belly button, and take it easy for about 2 weeks.
Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.

Diet

You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Medicines

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- You will take antibiotics for up to 2 weeks after surgery to prevent infection.
- Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.

Incision care

You will have a dressing over the cut (incision). A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.
Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.

Ice and elevation

Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
When you lie on your back, roll up a hand towel and place it between your legs under your scrotum to raise the area. This will help reduce swelling.

Hygiene

You may shower 48 hours after surgery, or when your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take baths, soak in a hot tub, or swim in a pool for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

You passed out (lost consciousness).
You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
You have pain, swelling that gets worse or more painful, or bruising that lasts more than 2 or 3 weeks.
You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
You can't pass urine.
You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
- Blood in your urine.
- A fever.
You are sick to your stomach or can't keep down fluids.
You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.