Penis fracture Is it possible? Mayo Clinic
Penis fracture: Is it possible? - Mayo Clinic
verify here. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Healthy LifestyleSexual health
Products and servicesIs it possible to fracture your penis
Answer From Matthew (Matt) J. Ziegelmann, M.D. Yes. Although rare, a penis fracture can occur when there is trauma to an erect penis. A penis fracture differs from other fractures in the body because the penis has no bones. During an erection, the penis is engorged with blood that fills two cylinders (corpora cavernosa). If an engorged penis is bent suddenly or forcefully, the trauma can rupture the outer lining of one of the two cylinders (tunica albuginea). This can result in a penis fracture. The trauma is most often caused by sexual intercourse, such as when the penis slips out of the vagina and is accidentally thrust against the pelvis. But a penis fracture can also occur due to aggressive masturbation or taqaandan, a cultural practice in which the top of an erect penis is forcefully bent to relax an erection. A penis fracture often results in a penis that bulges and appears purple, looking somewhat like an eggplant. Signs and symptoms of a penis fracture include: Immediate penile pain A popping or cracking sound Rapid loss of erection Swelling in the penile shaft Discoloration of the penile shaft due to bleeding underneath the skin Sometimes the tube that drains urine from the body (urethra) is damaged as well, and blood might be visible at the urinary opening of the penis. A penis fracture requires urgent medical attention. The injury can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam, but additional testing such as an ultrasound may be needed. Prompt surgical repair is typically recommended. Left untreated, a penis fracture might result in a curved penis or the permanent inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex (erectile dysfunction). With Matthew (Matt) J. Ziegelmann, M.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe!Thank you for subscribing
You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.Sorry something went wrong with your subscription
Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?Pre-ejaculation fluid and pregnancy ShareTweet July 29, 2022 Show references Kati B, et al. Penile fracture and investigation of early surgical repair effects on erectile dysfunction. Urologia Journal. 2019; doi:10.1177/0391560319844657. Walls RM, et al., eds. Genitourinary system. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 18, 2020. Hanno PM, et al. Urinary and genital trauma. In: Penn Clinical Manual of Urology. 2nd ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2014. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 18, 2020. Runyon MS. Blunt genitourinary trauma: Initial evaluation and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 18, 2020. Zargooshi J. Sexual function and tunica albuginea wound healing following penile fracture: An 18-year follow-up study of 352 patients from Kermanshah, Iran. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2009; doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01117.x. See more Expert AnswersProducts and Services
Available Men's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic StoreBook: Man Overboard!See also
Pre-ejaculation fluid and pregnancyBirth control optionsDiscolored semen: What does it mean?Erectile dysfunction and diabetesFrequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?Health issues for gay menHealthy sperm: Improving your fertilityLoss of sex drive in men: Natural with aging?Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?Penis healthPenis enlargementProstatitis and sexPsoriasis and intimacyTestosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you ageYeast infection in men: How can I tell if I have one?Show more related contentAdvertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad ChoicesMayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE bookOther Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20058154 Healthy Lifestyle Sexual health Expert Answers Penis fracture Is it possibleMayo Clinic Footer
Request AppointmentSymptom CheckerGive NowContact UsAbout Mayo ClinicEmployeesSite MapAbout This SiteLegal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage CookiesReprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.HON
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:verify here. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.