Penis break - causes and therapy

penile fracture

The penis fracture (penis fracture) is in fact no break at all. The right term for this is penile rupture, because the penis is not made of bone, but is a cavernous body. A rupture is a rupture and, in the present condition, the rough, fibrous connective tissue layer (tunica albuginea) surrounding the erectile tissue ruptures. As with a "right" break, this is noticeable by a crack. The penile fracture is extremely painful and requires immediate medical attention.

contents

• penile fracture
• causes
• symptoms
• First aid
• In the emergency room
• Complications / consequences
• Naturopathic emergency agent

causes

The causes of a penile fracture, or a penile rupture, are a violent kinking or excessive compression of the penis. This can happen (but extremely rare) in the erected state during sexual intercourse in conjunction with positions where the penis becomes overdepressed. Another cause is masturbating with unusual practices, such as using highly constricting, ring-shaped utensils. An overuse is as much a cause as a turning on the stomach during nocturnal erection during sleep.
A penile fracture is extremely painful for those affected and should be treated as soon as possible. (Image: GordonGrand / fotolia.com)

symptoms

Those affected hear a loud crack and feel a sharp pain. The penis swells, is crooked and discolored bluish. The color is similar to an eggplant. The symptoms may spread even further - possibly the testicles, urethra, epididymis or spermatic cords are affected. If the urethra is injured, blood escapes from it. The penis can swell to its triple extent. The pain is very strong.

First aid

A penile fracture belongs immediately in the emergency room. Until then, the penis should be pressed firmly and cooled. It is best to use a soft cooling pack, wrapped in a cloth. In case of emergency, a towel dipped in cold water is sufficient. Cooling slightly relieves the pain and counteracts the swelling.

Painkillers with a blood-thinning effect, such as aspirin, should not be taken. This could only increase the bruise more.

In the emergency room

A fast treatment in the emergency room is necessary. As soon as possible the penile fracture must be supplied. In most cases, it is sufficient to have a close eye diagnosis and a description of the patient to determine a penile rupture. In some cases, however, imaging techniques such as x-ray examinations with contrast media or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are used to confirm the diagnosis. You may also need an additional X-ray contrast recording of the urethra. Hereby the exact extent of the injury can be determined.

A penile fracture is usually treated surgically. The tear on the membrane of the erectile tissue is sewn. If the urethra is also affected, this rupture is also closed. If further injuries have occurred along with the penile fracture, they will be treated during the operation. A drainage is placed so that the wound secretion can drain. A sterile bandage is created. Urethral injury requires a bladder catheter to help the wound heal better. The patient gets pain-suppressing medication and an antibiotic.

Complications / consequences

In a penile fracture early and late sequelae are distinguished. The early consequences that may arise immediately after the injury include deformation of the penis with lateral bending, bleeding, blood in the urine, infection of the erectile tissue, and urinary problems and urinary retention.

Long-term consequences include narrowing or protrusion of the urethra, permanent penis inclination to one side, painful erection and erectile dysfunction, and even erectile dysfunction (impotence)..

If a penile fracture is treated quickly, the likelihood of further consequences is not very high. Complications such as erectile dysfunction are very rare.
Erectile dysfunction or even impotence can be the result of a penile fracture. (Image: stockWERK / fotolia.com)

Naturopathic emergency agent

As already mentioned, the suspicion of a broken penis belongs as soon as possible in the hands of a doctor. However, some relief can already be provided on the way there with the appropriate naturopathic remedies.

Arnica is a remedy that is the main remedy of choice for every trauma, every injury and thus belongs in every medicine chest. Arnica relieves the pain, nourishes blood and ensures faster healing. The hematoma also heals faster if arnica is taken immediately after the injury. For emergency use, the remedy is best given in a higher potency, for example in D30. Five globules just after the event and another quarter of an hour later five more.

Against the swelling Apis is the suitable homeopathic remedy, as well as in a higher potency. Those who have neither arnica nor Apis at home can also resort to Schüssler salts. The number 3 Ferrum phosphoricum can be given in place of arnica. The number 3 is administered several times in succession. The counterpart to Apis is the number 8 sodium chloratum in the Schüssler salts. Again, a repeated intake is important.

After surgery, arnica aids in general healing and pain relief, and Staphysagria for healing the suture. Who has a bad wound healing, can still take additionally Bellis perennis (daisies) in the form of drops or globules. Zinc and vitamin C should not be missing in the aftercare. (Sw)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)