Penile fracture happens when the penis is bent or compressed with excessive force, causing the tissues in the organ to tear. It is a serious injury that needs prompt medical evaluation.
A penile fracture typically presents with a popping or cracking sound, followed by severe pain, sudden loss of erection, swelling, and bruising. In some cases, deformity, scrotal swelling, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating may also occur.
If there are signs of a penile fracture, it is important to go to the emergency room immediately so treatment can start as soon as possible. Treatment usually involves surgery to repair the torn tissues, and full recovery typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Main symptoms
The main signs and symptoms of penile fracture are:
- Popping sound when the tissue tears
- Severe pain
- Loss of erection
- Swelling in the area
- Bruising
- Penile deformity
- Enlargement of the scrotum, in some cases
- Blood in the urine and difficulty urinating if the urethra is affected
According to the Urology Care Foundation, penile fracture typically causes a cracking or popping sound, rapid loss of erection, and marked swelling and bruising.
Seek emergency care right away if any of these signs or symptoms occur so you can receive prompt evaluation and treatment.
Confirming a diagnosis
A urologist usually confirms penile fracture by examining the penis. In some cases, the doctor may also order tests to assess how severe the fracture is and whether the urethra has been affected, such as ultrasound, cavernosography, retrograde urethrography, or cystoscopy.
Schedule an appointment with the nearest urologist to evaluate whether testing is needed to confirm a penile fracture.
Main causes
Penile fracture most often happens during sexual intercourse, when excessive pressure is accidentally placed on the penis.
However, it can also happen because of excessive or improper masturbation, trying to put on clothes while the penis is erect, or rolling onto the penis during sleep during a spontaneous erection.
In addition, penile fracture may also happen when the penis is forcefully bent to make it return to a flaccid state after an erection.
Treatment options
Treatment for penile fracture is done with surgery to repair the torn tissues. It should be performed within 6 hours after the fracture, because the earlier it is done, the better the recovery and the lower the risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction or penile curvature.
According to the American Urological Association, patients with acute signs and symptoms of penile fracture should undergo prompt surgical exploration and repair. Hospitalization usually lasts 2 to 3 days.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and antibiotics to relieve pain and discomfort and help prevent infections after surgery.
During recovery, it is also recommended to apply ice to the area, take medications to suppress involuntary nighttime erections, and avoid sexual activity for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Possible complications
The most common complications of penile fracture are curvature of the erect penis and erectile dysfunction, because scar tissue can prevent the penis from becoming erect normally.
However, these complications usually happen only when hospital treatment is not received or when there is a delay in seeking medical care.