Penile fracture is a rare and alarming injury that can occur during sexual intercourse.
A penile fracture is not the same as breaking a bone. Instead, it is a rupture of the two areas of the penis responsible for erections: the corpora cavernosa and the tunica albuginea. Since the injury can cause long-lasting damage to sexual and urinary function or, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
Summary
- Symptoms of penile fracture
- Causes of penile fracture
- When to see a doctor
- Penile Fracture Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Recovery after treatment
Penile Fracture Symptoms
A penile fracture is a painful injury that usually occurs in the lower two thirds of the penis.
Symptoms of a penile fracture include:
- bleeding from the tip of the penis
- presence of dark-colored bruises on the penis
- problems urinating
- hear a broken branch or “crack” sound
- sudden loss of erection
- pain ranging from minimal to severe
According to the literature, penile fracture symptoms that do not include a crack-like sound or rapid loss of erection are due to another type of injury.
A penile fracture will cause the penis to take on what doctors call “eggplant deformity,” where the penis appears purple and swollen. Rarer symptoms of a penile fracture are swelling in the scrotum and blood in the urine.
Other conditions that have symptoms of a penile fracture include a rupture of the veins and arteries in the penis or a tear in the suspensory ligament. Causes of penile fracture
The penis has an area of ​​spongy tissue called the corpus cavernosum, lined with a sheath called the tunica albuginea. When you have an erection, the blood in the penis concentrates in this area and the tunica albuginea thins and can be prone to injury and / or rupture.
Most penile fracture cases in the United States occur during intercourse.
The injury usually occurs when a man is pushing against the pubic bone or perineum. However, penile fractures are known to occur in other circumstances as well:
- turn over in bed with an erect penis
- banging with an erect penis on something, such as a door frame or furniture
- fall with erect penis
When to See a Doctor
If a man suspects he has a penile fracture, he should seek medical attention right away.
Doctors consider penile fracture to be a rare uro-andrological emergency because it can permanently affect sexual and urinary function.
The more promptly the fracture is treated, the greater the likelihood of having a total sexual and urinary recovery. Penile Fracture Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on medical history and physical examination. The aid of ultrasound or MRI may be useful to determine the exact location of the lesion and / or concomitant lesions . Treatment
In the past, conservative therapies were proposed such as:
- Ice application
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs
The use of conservative treatments alone has been shown to cause high rates of complications such as erection pain, penile curvature, and erectile deficiency.
Consequently, immediate surgical repair is recommended. According to the literature, surgery has better results.
If a person does not treat a penile fracture, they may have a permanent deformity with functional changes. Recovery after treatment
The ease of recovery following a penile fracture usually depends on the severity of the injury. In general, the resumption of sexual activity will take place after about 6 weeks.
Prompt treatment of penile fracture is vital to ensure that a man is able to return to his full sexual and urinary function.
