Penis fracture – is it possible?

A broken penis is not a myth. Although it does not happen often, it is worth knowing the background of this injury - just in case. Why do we actually include it in the category of fractures ?

Can you break a penis?

You will find a comprehensive, practical lesson in the anatomy of the penis in the article by Dominika Olchowik. In order to understand the course of the discussed injury, let us recall the internal structure of the penis .

The urethra runs through its very center , surrounded by the corpus spongiosum . Adjacent to the urethra are two tube-shaped sinuses – the corpora cavernosa of the penis . During sexual arousal, they fill with blood , which causes the penis to harden.

The flaccidity of the penis provides protection against blunt trauma. However, its sudden, excessive bending during erection can cause rupture of the tunica albuginea , which surrounds the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Thus, although there are no bones in the human penis, the term "fracture" is appropriate for an injury in which the sheaths of the corpora cavernosa rupture, disrupting the integrity of the erectile cylinders .

Penile fracture – symptoms

When the tunica albuginea ruptures, a distinct crack is heard , the injured person quickly feels severe pain , and the erection ceases (although in the case of a small subtunica rupture, the penis may still be erect). A moment later, the shaft of the penis swells and becomes discolored due to subcutaneous bleeding . This is therefore a closed injury, during which blood does not escape to the outside.

However, in 20% of cases, this injury may be accompanied by damage to the urethra , which is when blood and hematuria are likely to appear at the opening of the penis .

Causes of Penile Fracture

Penile fractures most often occur during sexual intercourse . Sometimes the penis slips out of the vagina and hits the pubic symphysis or the perineum of the partner. This can happen, for example, as a result of losing the rhythm of frictional movements or simply when emotions overwhelm caution .

And the sexual positions during which it is especially worth maintaining it are the "standing" one, when you hold your partner in your arms, or the one in which your partner is on top (the "cowgirl" position). In the case of the latter, you do not have full control over interrupting or changing the movement at the moment of incorrect positioning and the pain caused by misalignment.

The cause of a broken penis during intercourse can also be a sudden change of position without warning from either party. Spontaneity and passion during sex are great, but good communication is equally important . :)

We recommend reading the article about sperm – the structure and viability of sperm .

How else can you break a penis?

• by hitting the penis with a blunt instrument,
• as a result of a sudden change in position during sleep (when the penis is erect),
• due to too aggressive, intense masturbation .

In Middle Eastern countries, the most common cause of this trauma is taqaandan : a cultural practice that aims to suppress arousal for pleasure or, more commonly, to hide an erection due to social embarrassment .

Taqaandan comes from the Kurdish word for "click" and involves bending the upper part of the erect penis while holding the lower part of the shaft until a click is heard and felt. The practice is said to be painless and has been compared to cracking your knuckles, but the truth is that it has led to an increase in the incidence of penile fractures in western Iran, for example.

Broken Penis – Medical Treatment

Reaction to a broken penis? Pain, shock and disbelief. And what should be done first? See a urologist as soon as possible or go to a hospital emergency room if possible.

The injury is diagnosed by physical examination , but additional tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to pinpoint the exact site and extent of the fracture. The British Association of Urological Surgeons recommends surgical repair within 24 hours of injury to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Just before the procedure, the patient is given antibiotics and painkillers , often also sedatives . Then the doctor applies a cooling dressing to the penis and immobilizes it.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing the hematoma , placing stitches on the corpus cavernosum , and stitching the ruptured tunica albuginea . Depending on the degree of damage, the operation may be extended to include reconstruction of the suspensory ligament or urethra .

The circumstances of your injury may be embarrassing, but delaying or avoiding medical attention will do you no good.

An untreated penile fracture can cause:

• its curvature,
• urethral stricture,
• the appearance of scars at the fracture site,
• permanent inability to obtain or maintain an erection.

The sooner the intervention, the more satisfactory the results of the procedure and the quicker the return to health and sexual activity.

A broken penis sounds dramatic, but for those who are careful during sexual activity and, well, for those who do not have any unfortunate twists of fate, this injury remains an unlikely scenario.

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