Penis Problems and Conditions

Here are five penis conditions that you should know about if you own a penis or if you care about one!

Men with penis problems usually only seek medical attention because of painful erections and or difficulty with intercourse.

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s Disease is acquired in adult life rather than at birth (like hypospadias). It is caused by the formation of hard plaque on one on the upper or lower side of the penis in layers containing erectile tissue. The local inflammation eventually develops into a full scar. This scar tissue is hard and inflexible, and causes the penis to bend when erect. The effects of this bend are far less noticeable when the penis is in a flaccid state.

This affliction leaves the penis bent distinctly in some direction. Often, the angle is in excess of 45 degrees and results in serious pain during erection and the impossibility of normal sexual intercourse. If your straight path, but your gentle curve is not necessarily Peyronie’s Disease.

There is no need to worry about a curved penis unless the curve suddenly appeared and/or you’re penis has experienced some sort of trauma.

Unfortunately, symptoms of the disease may develop methodically or overnight. Overnight appearances are usually due to some sort of serious penile trauma, but not always. If you think that you have Peyronie’s Disease, then I highly recommend that you see your health care provider who may refer you to a urologist.

• For more see: Peyronie’s Disease

Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a congenital disorder of the penis, an abnormality that may affect up to 1 out of every 400 – 500 male infants. Instead of having a urethral opening at the end of the penis, boys born with hypospadias have an opening on the underside of the shaft of their penis. If this causes a problem with urination, the condition can be surgically corrected. About 10% of boys born with this defect may also have undescended testicles.

Surgery is most often performed before the child reaches school age. The surgery involves creating a tube to extend the urethra to the end of the penis. The original hole is most often left as it is since the urethra now bypasses it. Although the penis has two holes, only one is functional. Otherwise it should be a normal functioning penis.

Priapism

Priapism Is an involuntary prolonged or painful erection that can persist for hours, days and is not associated with sexual arousal. It can occur at any age and is a true emergency with risks of subsequent impotency. Primary priapism is the result of trauma or infection. Secondary causes include sickle cell disease, spinal cord injury and stroke. Various medications can also contribute to this condition.

Phimosis

Phimosis refers to a tightening of the skin of the foreskin that prevents retraction over the glans. There are two typical forms of this tightness, an infant phimosis and the phimotic ring or band.

An infant phimosis has an easily recognizable tubular form, this is common and healthy in infants but occasionally will continue into adulthood. The adult phimosis is a thin contour of skin tissue located towards the front of the inner foreskin and it narrows the opening of the foreskin. A phimotic ring can make retraction of the foreskin over and behind the glans impossible, painful, or difficult, the foreskin may even get stuck behind the glans. This condition is often treated by circumcision, however, there are less invasive procedures depending upon the degree of phimosis, see several urologists for opinions if you have this condition.

For ‘simple’ phimosis stretching of the foreskin may be a method for treatment, or a method that may work. Steroids and surgery are other options.

Large Penis Veins

It’s normal for men to have prominent veins on their penis. For some men, sometimes the appearance of veins is a result of poorly functioning valves in their testicles. If you see your veins changing in size or color, see a urologist.

Circumcision Problems – see circumcision problems and circumcision for more.

Urethritis – See Urethritis

The Penis Book – An Owner’s Manual for Use, Maintenance, and Repair – Designed to help men understand more about sex, and to provide practical information about the male body — how it works and what to do if things go wrong. The book will help to allay common fears, correct misconceptions, and lead to a more physically and emotionally satisfying life. B&W line drawings throughout.