Choosing the right surgeon for ED treatment—especially something as important as penile implant surgery—might be the most crucial decision you’ll make in this entire journey. Your surgeon choice will determine your outcome for the next 15-20 years.

Here’s how to find a specialist who can give you the best possible results.

Why Regular Urologists Aren’t Enough

Most urologists are excellent at treating kidney stones, prostate issues, and bladder problems. But penile implants might represent only 1-2 procedures per month for them at best.

You need a urologist who specializes in sexual medicine—doctors with fellowship training who dedicate a significant portion of their practice to ED treatment.

Where to Find Specialists

Professional Organizations: The American Urological Association and Sexual Medicine Society of North America have directories where you can search for subspecialists.

Academic Medical Centers: University hospitals often have sexual medicine specialists who combine clinical practice with research, typically maintaining higher standards.

Medical Referrals: Your primary care doctor should know which local urologists truly specialize in sexual medicine versus those who occasionally perform implants.

The Right Questions to Ask

“How many implant procedures do you perform annually?” You want someone performing at least 50-100 implants per year. Experience matters enormously in surgical outcomes.

“What are your infection and complication rates?” Quality surgeons should have infection rates under 1% and revision rates around 3% (mostly mechanical issues years later, not surgical complications).

“Which implant brands do you use and why?” Experienced surgeons use multiple brands and select based on patient anatomy and needs. Be wary of doctors who only use one brand regardless of patient factors.

“What’s your follow-up process?” You want comprehensive care: scheduled check-ups, 24/7 emergency availability, and ongoing support throughout your recovery and beyond.

“Can I speak with previous patients?” Reputable surgeons can often connect you with former patients willing to share their experiences.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Surgeons who rush through consultations
• Anyone who can’t provide specific complication statistics
• Doctors who seem dismissive of your concerns
• Surgeons with limited implant experience
• Anyone who promises unrealistic outcomes

What Good Surgeons Do Differently

Experienced implant specialists:

• Spend adequate time in consultation (at least 30-45 minutes)
• Explain all your options, not just surgery
• Provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions
• Have dedicated staff experienced with implant patients
• Offer comprehensive follow-up care
• Maintain detailed outcome statistics

The Consultation Process

During your consultation, pay attention to:

• How well the surgeon explains the procedure
• Whether they address your specific concerns
• The professionalism and knowledge of their staff
• How they discuss risks and benefits
• Whether you feel comfortable and confident with them

Don’t Shop on Price Alone

While cost matters, choosing a surgeon based solely on the lowest price can be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Complications from inexperienced surgeons can cost far more than the initial savings, both financially and emotionally.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and experience, you need to feel confident in your surgeon. This person will be guiding you through a life-changing procedure. If something doesn’t feel right during the consultation, keep looking.

The Bottom Line

Take time to research and interview multiple surgeons. Ask detailed questions about experience and outcomes. Trust your instincts about whether a surgeon understands the importance of this procedure to your life.

The extra effort to find the right specialist could prevent years of problems and ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Always verify credentials and seek multiple opinions when considering surgical treatment for ED.