A penile fracture is an injury caused by the rupture of the male corpus cavernosum. It is an uncommon injury, most often caused by a blunt force trauma to an erect penis. A popping or cracking sound and significant pain are commonly associated with the event. Penile fracture is generally considered a medical emergency, and emergency medical surgical repair is the usual treatment. Delay in seeking treatment increases the complication rate. Non-surgical approaches result in 10%-50% complication rates including permanent penile curvature, damage to the urethra, problems urinating and pain during sexual intercourse.

In the western hemisphere the most common cause, accounting for about 30% of cases, is intercourse. Of those, woman-on-top positions resulting in impact against the female pelvis or perineum and bending laterally are most common. It has also been known to occur when a woman falls backwards in certain positions.

In Middle Eastern countries the common cause is physical manipulation of the penis to remove an erection.

Other reported causes are intercourse on a desk with the penis hitting the desk, excessive bending forces during masturbation, industrial accidents, gunshot wounds and other mechanical traumas including turning over in bed, direct blows, forced bending and hasty donning of clothes over an erect penis.

External links

• Diagnosis and emergency treatment