Penile Fracture and causes

Among the phrases that men dread to speak, "I broke my penis," is likely near the top of the list. Fortunately, penile fractures are a relatively rare occurrence. They mostly occur in young men, and they mostly occur during intercourse. However, they can occur at other times. For example, a penile fracture can be the result of a fall or other trauma to the erect penis.

In some ways, the term penile fracture is a confusing one. Most people associate the world fracture with the breaking of a bone. The penis is not a bone, but technically a fracture is a break in any hard material. Penile fractures usually occur when the penis is erect, for reasons that will be explained below.

How Does a Penile Fracture Happen?

The erectile structures of the penis work similarly to an inflatable pump. The penis contains two large tubular structures known as the corpus cavernosum. These are surrounded by a strong, thick membrane known as the tunica albuginea, or tunica. When the penis becomes erect, the corpus cavernosa fill with blood and become rigid, like balloons filling with water. There is also a third tube, the corpus spongiosum, that surrounds the urethra. The broad tip of that tube is the penile glans. However, this tube is much smaller than the corpous cavernosa and holds only a small fraction of the blood present in the penis during an erection.

The tunica albuginea is an incredibly strong membrane. It has to be, in order to contain the blood that holds the penis erect. However, it can still be broken or ruptured. A ruptured tunica albuginea is also known as a penile fracture.1 Penile fractures happen more frequently during erections because, just as with a balloon being inflated, the tunica stretches and thins as the penis becomes erect. This makes it more vulnerable to a penile fracture.

Causes

Penile fractures most often occur during vigorous intercourse. It is generally believed that the most common position where these fractures occur is in the woman on top position, although there is no good data to support this. However, penile fractures can also occur during intercourse in other positions. In addition, penile fractures can occur during vigorous manipulation of the penis, such as forceful masturbation. They can also be caused by trauma, including from aggressive bending of the erect penis or by rolling over onto the erect penis.

At the time a penile fracture occurs, there is usually a cracking sound. It is sometimes described as similar to breaking glass. Then the penis quickly loses its rigidity. This detumescence is quickly followed by swelling and bruising, leading to the classic eggplant deformity.Other injuries to the arteries and veins of the penis can lead to similar symptoms.