Patient's question:
Medical History: Doctor, I feel uncomfortable at the junction of the glans and corpus cavernosum, on the top of the penis. When I look inside, it's the connection between the foreskin and the corpus cavernosum. It doesn't hurt or itch, but it feels slightly hard and has a slightly lower temperature than other parts. I keep wanting to touch it with my hands. Is it a circulation issue? I'm 38 years old, married for 15 years, and have always used condoms. In the past couple of years, my erection hardness has slightly decreased. What should I do?Past Treatment and Effectiveness: No treatment has been administered.
Help Needed: How should I handle this?
Doctor's answer:
Penile fracture refers to a condition where the penis is subjected to strong external force during erection, leading to the rupture of the tunica albuginea surrounding the rigidly erect corpora cavernosa and the muscles within. The tunica albuginea is typically 2 millimeters thick at rest but only 0.25-0.5 millimeters thick during erection, making it prone to tearing. Once ruptured, blood gushes from the corpora cavernosa into the subcutaneous tissue of the penis, accompanied by severe pain. Immediate surgery is often required, as otherwise, the swelling can become quite severe. The initial steps involve stabilizing and elevating the penis, applying cold compresses to stop bleeding, and suturing the ruptured tunica albuginea. However, a residual curvature of the penis in the opposite direction of the fracture site often remains. The longer the delay, the harder it becomes to restore the original shape. A more severe consequence is that it may lead to the tragic inability to achieve an erection.