Get ready for a cringe-worthy story about a 40-year-old man who experienced a rare and painful injury—a vertical penis fracture. Yes, you read that correctly, and as most might not even know, a penis fracture can indeed happen when the penis is erect.
So, for those unfamiliar with the concept, let’s delve a bit deeper. When someone with a penis becomes erect, the spongy tissue inside the penis fills with blood and hardens. This erected state makes the surrounding tissue vulnerable to injuries, known colloquially as ‘fractures’. It’s important to clarify that this isn’t like breaking a bone; it’s the actual tissue that tears, which can be excruciating and lead to complications like erectile dysfunction if not promptly addressed.
Typically, penis fractures occur horizontally, accompanied by an audible ‘pop’, similar to snapping a twig in half. However, the incident we’re discussing took an unusual turn, with the fracture occurring vertically. Picture more of a log being split down its length—a highly unusual and undoubtedly painful scenario.
According to a report in the British Medical Journal, the injury happened quite abruptly when the man’s penis ‘buckled against his partner’s perineum’ during intercourse. The perineum, being the area between the genitals and anus, is less forgiving, underlain by bone rather than soft tissue.
Without delving too much into the specifics of the incident, let’s just say the circumstances were as unexpected as the injury itself.
An MRI scan later confirmed that the fracture ran along the length of the penis, a type of injury possibly unprecedented in medical literature. Thankfully, quick medical intervention and surgery allowed the man to fully recover. After six months, he resumed sexual activities, reporting no significant aesthetic changes or difference in erectile function from before the incident.
The study highlighted that about 88.5 percent of all penis fractures occur during sexual intercourse, leaving one to ponder the scenarios leading to the remaining 11.5 percent. Common positions during which these injuries occur include missionary and doggy style.
While a fracture of the penis is rare, affecting approximately 1 in 175,000 men annually, the successful recovery of this man serves as a reminder: if you find yourself in such a rare and unfortunate situation, don’t hesitate—get to a hospital immediately. The quick response can make all the difference in recovery.