A penile fracture is a clinical condition that is characterized by a sudden and painful rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, that is, those spongy tissues that, when supplied with blood, cause an erection.
Which parts of the penis are most at risk? The fracture can occur anywhere in the penis, but usually occurs at the base and involves the tunica albuginea and one cavernous body. Approximately 10-22% of penile fractures also involve the corpus spongiosum and/or urethra.
What are the causes of penile fracture?
A penile fracture often occurs as a result of strong blows during an erection. Pathologically similar phenomena that occur with organ flaccidity are more correctly called penile trauma.
A penile fracture is usually caused by a sudden and unnatural bending of the erect organ around its axis. In fact, during erection, the tunica albuginea (the membrane covering the corpora cavernosa) becomes thinner due to intracavernous pressure and becomes more vulnerable to injury.
Most cases of penile fracture occur during particularly vigorous sexual intercourse. In practical terms, this accident can occur due to the sudden exit of the erect penis from the vagina and subsequent impact on the pubic symphysis or perineal area of the partner. Sometimes the injury occurs as a result of forced manual flexion of the organ during masturbation.
It should be remembered that the penis itself is a delicate organ, and therefore it is advisable to pay some attention to it: too strong a push is enough to break the membrane of the cavernous bodies. Less commonly, a fracture occurs under other circumstances, these include: turning over in bed with an erect penis; dressing during an erection; falling with an erect penis; hitting the erect penis on something (furniture, door).
Who's at risk?
As mentioned above, penile fracture is a pathological phenomenon that occurs mainly during sexual intercourse and masturbation. Some scientific research suggests that there is a higher risk of this type of injury when the woman is on top. When the woman's body is on top of the man's body, the likelihood of movement being interrupted is reduced if the penis is subject to displaced penetration. When the male partner controls the movement, he is more likely to stop in response to pain, minimizing potential injury.
What symptoms does it cause? A penile fracture usually causes immediate and very severe local pain. In this case, you can hear a sound similar to the cracking of a broken branch, often heard by your partner. The injury causes profuse blood loss, which spreads to the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. The pain is also accompanied by significant swelling and pigmentation of the organ, which takes on a purple hue (“eggplant deformity”). The hematoma may also involve the scrotum and perineum
Complications after a penile fracture? After a penile fracture, the tunica cavernosa of the penis may heal with scar formation. This leads to a decrease or loss of their elasticity, which leads to erectile dysfunction. In addition to impotence, as a consequence of injury, the following may also occur: pain during erection and sexual intercourse; curvature, swelling or pulsating diverticulum of the penis. Less commonly, a penile fracture can cause: penile aneurysms; priapism ; fistulas and necrosis.
To repair a penile fracture and prevent organ curvature abnormalities or persistent erectile dysfunction, timely surgery is usually necessary.
If no measures are taken after a fracture of the penis, the patient may experience irreversible deformation with functional changes in the penis and urination.
