Penile Trauma

Offered at our convenient location in San Diego

Penile trauma is a range of injuries that can occur to the penis, causing physical damage and potential psychological distress. Various types of penile injuries can occur, including lacerations, abrasions, and contusions. These injuries may result from accidents, intercourse, sports-related incidents, or other traumatic events. Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential to minimize potential complications and ensure optimal healing.

Dr. Mo Bidair and his dedicated team at California Adult Circumcision are committed to providing compassionate care and exceptional results for patients experiencing penile trauma. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call our La Mesa office at (619) 486-5005 or fill out a short form for further details.

Entrapment

Penile zipper entrapment, also known as zipper-related trauma, is a distressing and painful genital injury that occurs when the delicate skin of the penis or scrotum becomes caught in a zipper mechanism. It is the most common form of penile trauma in uncircumcised boys. (1) This unfortunate mishap can lead to significant discomfort, swelling, bruising, and even damage to the urogenital region.

When it comes to painful genital zipper injuries, time is of the essence. Delaying proper medical attention can result in further complications and prolonged discomfort. That is why it is crucial to seek professional help promptly.

Dealing with Zipper Entrapment

In some instances, a careful and gentle maneuver may be employed to safely release the trapped skin from the zipper without causing further harm. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair any tissue damage and restore normal form and function.

What is Paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is a relatively common medical condition that affects the foreskin of the penis. It is a penile disorder that requires prompt attention, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In an uncircumcised penis, the foreskin normally covers the head of the penis, known as the glans, when the penis is flaccid. During sexual arousal or when the penis is erect, the foreskin retracts, exposing the glans. In cases of paraphimosis, the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot be easily pulled back into its normal position. This results in a constricting ring around the base of the glans, leading to swelling and discomfort.

What Causes Paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is often caused by improper retraction of the foreskin, such as forcefully pulling it back or leaving it retracted for an extended period. It can also occur as a result of trauma or injury to the penis. In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as infections or inflammation, may contribute to the development of paraphimosis.

Paraphimosis Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of paraphimosis is crucial in order to seek immediate medical attention. Common signs include:

  • A swollen penis 
  • Pain or tenderness 
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Tight ring of tissue around the base of the glans 

Paraphimosis is considered an emergency situation because it can lead to reduced blood flow to the glans, which can cause tissue damage or necrosis if not promptly addressed. (2)

Treatment for paraphimosis typically involves reducing the swelling and returning the foreskin to its normal position. This can be done through gentle manual manipulation or using certain techniques, depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be administered to alleviate pain and facilitate the reduction process. If conservative measures are unsuccessful, a surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the paraphimosis.

“Broken” Penis

A penile fracture, sometimes known as a “broken” penis, is a rare traumatic urological emergency that occurs when the erect penis sustains a forceful bending or snapping injury. This results in the rupture of the corpora cavernosa, which are the cylindrical structures responsible for engorgement and maintaining an erection. (3) While this condition may be rare, it can have significant physical and psychological consequences if not promptly and appropriately treated.

When a penile fracture occurs, it is often accompanied by:

  • A Popping Sound 
  • Immediate Loss of Erection 
  • Severe Pain
  • Swelling 
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty Urinating

How is Penile Fracture Treated?

During the surgical procedure, an incision is made along the length of the penis, allowing access to the damaged corpora cavernosa. The ruptured tissue is carefully repaired, ensuring proper alignment and stability. In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary to address any accompanying injuries or complications.

Post-surgery, a period of rest and recovery is essential to aid in the healing process.

Other Types of Penile Trauma

  • Urethral Injury – Urethral injuries involve damage to the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis. This type of injury can occur due to trauma, such as straddle injuries or pelvic fractures. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and pain. Treatment options depend on the severity of the injury and may range from conservative management to surgical repair.
  • Penile Burns – Thermal burns on the penis can result from exposure to hot liquids, chemicals, or heated objects. These burns can cause severe pain, blistering, and damage to the delicate penile tissue.
  • Penile Cuts – Lacerations on the penile skin can occur due to accidents or traumatic events. These cuts can be deep and may require careful suturing to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
  • Bruising of the Penile Tissue – Trauma to the penile region can result in bruising, causing discomfort and affecting the aesthetic appearance. 
  • Genital Piercing – Intentional piercing of the penis and scrotal area can result in wounds prone to infection and injury without diligent aftercare.

What is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous plaques or scar tissue within the penis. This can lead to curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is unknown, but it may be related to trauma or inflammation of the penis. Treatment options range from medication to surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms and patient preferences.

Choosing Adult Circumcision

Uncircumcised men can avoid paraphimosis and other penile injuries with adult circumcision. Men may consider getting circumcised for various reasons, including both personal and medical factors. While circumcision is a personal decision that should be carefully evaluated in consultation with a trusted healthcare professional, there are several potential benefits associated with this procedure.

  • Improved Hygiene: One of the primary reasons that adult men choose to undergo circumcision is for improved hygiene. The removal of the foreskin makes it easier to clean the genital area, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Reduced Risk of Urinary Tract Infections: Circumcision has been shown to lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in males. (4) UTIs can be painful and lead to more serious complications if left untreated. By removing the foreskin, the potential breeding ground for bacteria is significantly reduced.
  • Decreased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Studies have indicated that circumcision may offer some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. While it is not a foolproof method of prevention, circumcision has been associated with a lower risk of contracting STIs.
  • Improved Sexual Satisfaction: While the effects on sexual satisfaction vary among individuals, some men report an increase in sexual pleasure and sensitivity after undergoing circumcision. This can be attributed to changes in the exposed glans and reduced sensitivity of the penile skin.
  • Easier Maintenance of Genital Health: Without a foreskin, maintaining genital health becomes more straightforward. Regular cleaning and care are easier to achieve, leading to better overall hygiene and potentially reducing the risk of certain infections.
  • Cultural or Religious Reasons: Some men choose circumcision for cultural or religious reasons. It may be an important aspect of their heritage or faith, and they opt for the procedure to align with their beliefs or traditions.

Personal Consultation

Ultimately, the decision to undergo circumcision as an adult should be made after thorough consideration and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Dr. Bidair, a trusted specialist at California Adult Circumcision in San Diego, is available to provide expert guidance and personalized advice regarding this matter.

Cost of Adult Circumcision in San Diego

Please note that the exact cost of your treatment can only be determined after a thorough evaluation by a medical professional. If you would like to find out more about adult circumcision and its benefits, call California Adult Circumcision at (619) 486-5005 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bidair. 

Stay up to date with penis health by reading more on Dr. Bidair’s blog.

References

  1. Krishna Reddy SV, Shaik AB, Sreenivas K. Penile injuries: A 10-year experience. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2014;8(9-10):E626-E631. doi:https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.1821 
  2. Bragg BN, Leslie SW. Paraphimosis. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459233/ 
  3. Jack GS, Garraway I, Reznichek R, Rajfer J. Current treatment options for penile fractures. Reviews in urology. 2004;6(3):114-120. Accessed September 19, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472832/#:~:text=Main%20Points- 
  4. Singh-Grewal D. Circumcision for the prevention of urinary tract infection in boys: a systematic review of randomised trials and observational studies. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2005;90(8):853-958. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.049353