What is a fractured penis?
Medically Reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan
Last updated on 07.12.2023
Although the penis doesn’t have a bone in it, it can be fractured! A fractured penis occurs when the spongy tissue that swells during an erection is broken. It is incredibly rare- only occurring between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 men.
How does a fractured penis happen?
A fractured penis cannot happen when the penis is flaccid, because the tissue is soft & flexible. However, when the spongy tissue in the penis is firm during an erection, it is less flexible and more at risk of being injured. A fractured penis is most likely to happen during sex when it can be suddenly traumatised and bent unnaturally.
What are the most common causes of a fractured penis?
The position most likely to cause a penis fracture is when your partner is on top of you and exerting force downwards on your penis. Other less common causes of a fractured penis include vigorous masturbation, self-inflicted trauma or rolling over in bed. When it fractures, there may be a crack or a pop and the erection will quickly disappear. This is associated with pain and the penis looks bent, swollen and bruised.
What should you do if you think you have a fractured penis?
It is important to seek medical assistance urgently. A fractured penis is considered a medical emergency and it is recommended you go to a hospital promptly. The earlier you seek help, the better the long term outcomes and the less likely you are to have complications such as erectile dysfunction and/or a bent penis.
Treatment for a fractured penis
In the hospital, an ultrasound or MRI of the penis will usually be performed. Surgery is done to stitch up the fracture and assess the urethra (pee hole) for injuries. Studies show that over 90% of patients treated with surgery get good outcomes. A catheter may be inserted to help with urination for a few days after the surgery, as well as treatment for pain relief, antibiotics and dressings for the wound. It is recommended not to have sex for at least 6 weeks after the surgery.
What is the prognosis?
It is common to have stress and anxiety after a fractured penis, as well as fear about a fracture occurring again during sex, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, after surgery, the penis may have a curve in it or erections may be painful. However most men regain function of their erections after surgery. Oral medications can be prescribed to manage ongoing erectile dysfunction.
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