Penile fractures or Broken Penis Syndrome is an injury that directly affects the tunica albuginea, a membrane that envelopes and protects the corpora cavernous, the chamber that fills with blood during an erection, and which helps maintain the rigidity of the penis.

Penile fractures occur when the tunica albuginea is torn, resulting in bleeding or a hematoma in the affected area.

Causes and risk factors

Broken Penis Syndrome results from damage to the tunica albuginea as a result of severe accidental bending or trauma.

This condition normally occurs during assertive acts of sexual intercourse when the female partner is on top or the male’s thrusting is too vigorous. Aggressive masturbation can also result in a penile fracture.

In some cases, intense and dangerous activities and postures can also cause laceration to the tissue of the erected penis leading to a penile fracture.

Taqaandan, a practice used to detect the presence of an erection has been revealed to cause penile fractures.

In this practice, the head of the penis is bent while the shaft is erected. You will hear and feel a click, which is supposed to be painless and very much like the cracking of knuckles.

Genital skin loss, which results from a combination of traumatic and infectious processes, can also lead to penile fractures.

Additionally, other injuries at the genital area can increase the risk of penile fractures, including burns, human or animal bites, a gunshot wound, stab wounds and such.

Symptoms and health risks

Normally, a penile fracture is accompanied by a loud popping or cracking sound, followed by sudden, severe pain at the genitals.

Other signs include:

• Loss of erection, swelling, bruising
• A firm, stiff, and palpable hematoma when the blood leaks out and builds up in the tunica albuginea.
• Eggplant deformity when the broken penis takes the shape of an eggplant. The organ will look swollen, curved, bruised, and angled off to the side.
• Swelling and hematoma spreading to the scrotum, perineum, and suprapubic region.

If left untreated, the condition may lead to scarring of the tissue under the genital skin, and can in turn cause erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease, in which the penis becomes bent during erection.

This condition can cause severe discomfort during sex or make it completely impossible to penetrate.

In very serious cases, penile fractures may require corrective surgery as a form of treatment.

Prevention

• It is important to improve overall penis health and avoid injuries during daily activities.
• During sexual intercourse, do exercise caution when bending the penis at extreme angles or moving it from side to side.
• Keep the skin of the penis well-lubricated especially when the partner is on top.

The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.