Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

Surgery

In a few cases, surgery may be an option to treat erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Surgery will rarely be recommended before non-surgical treatment and counselling have been tried.

Surgery to repair the blood vessels of the penis may be an option for a small number of men younger than 40 who had an injury that caused poor blood flow to the penis. Surgery to repair blood vessels should only be done at a teaching hospital that has experts in this type of surgery.

Surgery Choices

Penile implants

Surgery on penile blood vessels

What To Think About

Give careful consideration to non-surgical options and to the possible risks of surgery. Include your partner in your decision.

Doctors who specialize in conditions of the urinary tract (urologists) perform most penile implants. Specially trained urologic surgeons usually do blood vessel repair surgery.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Ralph Poore	Last Updated: August 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.