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Do you have erectile dysfunction (ED) that hasn’t responded to medicine or lifestyle changes? You may be a candidate for male reconstructive urology surgery. Sometimes prosthetic urology can fix these health issues.

Likewise, urology surgery may be in order if you’ve had chronic problems with leaking urine. It can also help with other health issues that affect the genitals, like Peyronie’s disease or buried penis.

Here are some basics about when and why reconstructive surgery might work well for you.

What Is Male Reconstructive Urology?

Male reconstructive urology includes surgical treatment that helps restore urinary and sexual functions. The goal is to help your body work well and look normal.

Many of these treatments have an extra benefit. They can increase your sense of worth and self-confidence. They help you live life with less worry and pain.

Sometimes surgery is the best treatment for urinary tract problems. If you suffer from one of the following issues, talk to your doctor about whether reconstructive urology is right for you.

Health Issues Treated With Male Reconstructive Urology

Doctors treat a wide range of problems with reconstructive urology surgery. Some of them are:

• Traumatic injuries to the penis or scrotum. When the genitals get injured or burned, you may need reconstructive surgery.
• Urethral stricture disease. The urethra is the tube that passes urine out of the body. A urethral stricture is scar tissue from an injury or infection that blocks the urine flow and causes pain. Surgery can help remove the stricture and restore function.
• Urinary fistulas. Fistulas are a health issue where an abnormal opening forms between urinary tract organs. It can also occur between a urinary tract organ and another organ, such as the bladder and colon. Surgery can close the opening and help organ function return to normal.
• ED. When a man can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, he may have ED. Prosthetic urology can often help when other treatments don’t work. An inflatable implant is one option; a semi-rigid rod is another.
• Buried penis. This health is when a man’s penis becomes hidden and causes problems with peeing and having sex. It often occurs in obese men when the penis disappears under the skin of the belly, thighs, or scrotum. Surgery can remove excess skin and fat and free the penis.
• Neurogenic bladder. When a person loses bladder control due to brain or spinal cord problems, they may have a neurogenic bladder. This can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or stroke. Doctors may suggest an artificial sphincter to control urine flow.
• Peyronie’s disease. This health issue is when scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis. The scar tissue pulls on surrounding tissues and causes the penis to bend painfully during an erection. Prosthetic urology is one treatment.
• Urinary incontinence (UI). This health issue is the involuntary leaking of urine throughout the day. UI can happen after surgery, because of an enlarged prostate, or due to a disease like diabetes. Sometimes surgery can help.
• Ureteropelvic junction obstruction. An obstruction is when a kidney gets blocked, usually after a man has kidney stones or surgery. It occurs when the kidney attaches to the ureters, the tubes carrying urine to the bladder. The blockage stops or slows the urine flow, but surgery can help.

Reasons for Reconstructive Urology Surgery

There are many reasons men may need reconstructive urology surgery.

Some diseases can harm your urinary tract or genitals. Some treatments (like radiation for cancer) may have harmful side effects. They can cause damage to your bladder, urethra, and other parts of your urinary system.

The urinary tract and genitals are susceptible to injury, just like any other body part.

Some of the reasons you may need reconstructive urology include:

• Trauma, including car accidents, burns, and other injuries.
• Diseases like buried penis, Peyronie’s disease, or urethral stricture.
• Chronic ED.
• Chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, or Parkinson’s disease. These diseases affect the way your nervous system talks to your urinary system.
• Some health events, such as a stroke, can interrupt signals between the brain and the urinary system.
• Previous surgeries, including having part or all of your bladder removed because of bladder cancer.
• Side effects from cancer treatments such as radiation.

What Are the Pros of Reconstructive Urology for Men With These Health Issues?

Your doctor can tell you if you’re a candidate for reconstructive urology. If surgery is right for you, you may see:

Decrease in pain and discomfort. Many men find relief from painful symptoms after having reconstructive urology surgery.

Ability to have an erection. For men with chronic ED, the frustration and embarrassment of not being able to have a satisfying sex life are profound. Prosthetic urology can help a man achieve consistent erections.

Better urinary function. Men who suffer from chronic UI find their social, work, and home lives disrupted. Reconstructive urology surgery can decrease both stress and urge incontinence.

Improved quality of life. Issues with the urinary and reproductive organs can greatly affect your self-esteem and overall well-being. You can live life to the fullest when you’re not in pain or worried about your symptoms.

How Can I Find a Reconstructive Urologist Near Me?

To make an appointment for urology services at UPMC Mercy, call 412-232-5850.

We are at:

Mercy Professional Building

1350 Locust St.

Suite G100-A

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Learn more about urology at UPMC.