After the popular American hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy depicted this condition in its last episode, I’ve received numerous questions as to whether this can, in fact, occur – and the answer is yes, albeit extremely rarely. Because the penis does not actually contain bones it can’t be “fractured” like bones. Rather, the very strong fibrous tissue that envelopes the corpus cavernosum, the part of the penis that engorges with blood during an erection, can rupture due to blunt trauma. This usually causes a great deal of pain, swelling, bruising and loss of erection. Treatment usually requires surgery to repair the tear.
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Tags: fracture, Grey's Anatomy, penis, rupture, television, trauma, tv
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I have a condition my Dr calls peyronies and he says their is no treatment for it. Is this true??
January 27th, 2009 at 9:04 am
I KNOW THIS ISN’T IN REGARD TO A PENIAL FRACTURE BUT MY HUSBAND IS A TYPEII DIABETIC AND UNABLE TO OBTAIN AN ERECTION. WE PURCHASED A PUMP BUT IT IS PAINFUL FOR HIM AND HIS PENIS CURVES TO ONE SIDE [THE RIGHT SIDE I THINK]. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS? HE THINKS THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO REAM OUT THE BLOOD VIEN LIKE THEY DO WHEN A VEIN TO THE HEART IS CLOGGED AN THEY PUT IN A STINT. ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WOULD BE WELCOMED.
THANK YOU!
January 27th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
david
that is and is not true. peyronies disease can sometimes be corrected with surgery, but there’s not a lot of literature out there on the procedure, and this can only be assessed on a case by case basis. also, with the procedure you run a risk of damaging the nerves in the penis and preventing yourself from ever enjoying sexual stimulation again.
judy,
erectile dysfunction is not usually caused by a clogged artery like what you’re referring to in the heart, so a stent would not help and to my knowledge is not a common practice. there are however several other viable options that you and your husband can discuss with your doctor, including oral drug treatment (PDE5 inhibitors – Viagra and Cialis) as well as urethral suppositories and intracavernosal injections (into the penis) and more. The penis pump can be painful indeed and it often doesn’t work for patients. It is important to remember however that these treatments are not for everyone, and you should be assessed by your doctor to see what is appropriate for you.
i warn you (or him i should say) not to use any medications you find over the counter at your local sex shop as they are rarely regulated, often have no evidence that they work, and can contain ingredients (sometimes dangerous) not listed on the bottle. “HERO
tabs” tend to be popular in my area, don’t touch it. it’s an expensive placebo.
Sometimes erectile dysfunction is purely psychological, and you can often help him get an erection. it is important to relax and not pressure him, because if he’s nervous or anxious he will not get an erection anyway! try to remove all other distraction, allow plenty of time to dedicate to sex, and don’t get frustrated when it takes a while. Try again the next night after a good night’s rest, since exhaustion will get in the way of good sex. Sex is also emotionally triggered so it’s important to let him know you love him and how much you appreciate him (yes men like to hear that too), and most men like to know they’re NEEDED.
He should also mention to curving of his penis to his doctor. if this happens all the time (even without the pump) then it may be a medical condition like peyronies.
sorry for the long post
michael
January 29th, 2009 at 6:21 am
nice comment, interesting too.
February 1st, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Can you provide more details on this?
March 25th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Does anyone else have any experience with this?