Penile Fracture

What is Penile Fracture

Penile fracture is a break (fracture) in a layer of tissue that lines the penis when the penis is hardened (erect). A penile fracture may involve a break in one, two, or all three of the following:

  • The structures inside the penis that fill with blood when the penis is erect (corpora cavernosa).
  • The tight membrane around the corpora cavernosa (tunica albuginea). If this membrane fractures, it can cause blood to leak into surrounding tissues and collect there (hematoma).
  • The part of the body that drains urine from the bladder (urethra). This is rare. This may cause bleeding from the urethra or an inability to pass urine.

Penile fracture is a medical emergency.

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by sudden force on an erect penis, such as forceful sex.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in men who have:

  • Any kind of forceful sex.
  • Sex with a sexual partner on top. This position makes it more likely for the penis to slip out. The partner’s weight on the erect penis may cause a fracture.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The first signs of penile fracture include:

  • A snapping or cracking sound.
  • Severe pain in the penis.
  • Loss of erection.

Within a short time, other signs may develop, including:

  • Swelling of the penis.
  • Bruising and discoloration of the penis.
  • An unusual bend in the penis at the location of the fracture (deformity).

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms.
  • The description of how your injury happened.
  • A physical exam.
  • Imaging tests, such as:
    • Ultrasound.
    • X-ray of blood flow in the penis (cavernosogram).
    • X-ray of the urethra (urethrogram).
    • MRI.

How is this treated?

A penile fracture requires emergency surgery to:

  • Remove hematomas.
  • Repair fractured tissue and membranes.
  • Repair the urethra, if necessary.

Summary

  • A penile fracture is a break (fracture) in a layer of tissue that lines the penis when the penis is hardened (erect).
  • This condition is usually caused by sudden force on an erect penis, such as forceful sex.
  • Penile fracture is a medical emergency that requires emergency surgery.
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