F***, I think I broke my D***

This is definitely NOT what you want to hear in the bedroom. 

I sometimes see many patients after episodes of vigorous sex with concern for a penile fracture or broken penis. Although there is no bone in the human penis (there is a bone in the penises of certain primates, rodents, and bats), you can actually get a penile fracture. The term penile fracture describes a rupture in the outer sheath of the erectile body after a strong blow to the erect penis. 

The story is pretty classic and is usually enough to make a diagnosis. Typically, guys will hear a loud popping sound during an erection, leading to severe pain and immediate loss of the erection. Fairly quickly afterward, you can develop severe bruising of the penis, scrotum, and groins as blood leaks out of the erectile body. The penis can resemble an eggplant in shape and color. Most commonly this is associated with certain sexual positions such as doggy style or missionary, where the penis slips out of the vagina or anus during intercourse and is forcibly thrust against their partner’s body.   

This is an emergency and you should immediately seek medical attention. You may need emergency surgery to repair the fracture. In some cases, penile imaging (MRI) can be performed prior to surgery to better identify the exact size and location of the fracture. An untreated penile fracture can lead to long-term erectile dysfunction and scar tissue that can contribute to penile curvature. Unfortunately, I see many guys either months or years after a similar story, dealing with ED or penile curvature. This is an injury that you should never just “walk off.”   

-Dr. Patel