$Unique_ID{BRK00967}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Is it Possible to Fracture One's Sexual Member?}
$Subject{fracture penis}
$Volume{J-15}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible to Fracture One's Sexual Member?


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QUESTION:  Here is a good one for you.  At a recent business convention, a
colleague who I have met at these things over the years, confessed to me that
a recent hospitalization was for a fracture of his sexual member.  I know that
there is no bone there to break, and so find his story difficult to believe.
What do you think really happened to him?  I've got to know.

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ANSWER:  Control your curiosity, and become a believer.  The penis contains
two sponge like tubes, the "corpora cavernosa" surrounded by a very strong
fibrous tissue sheath, the "tunica albuginea".  When blood fills and expands
the corpora during sexual arousal, this sheath becomes thinner and more prone
to injury.  If some type of forceful trauma occurs during an erection, either
during intercourse, or an accidental fall or unexpected blow direct to the
erect penis, the tissues of the tunica and corpora can be torn.  This
condition is known as a fractured penis, and there are many articles in the
medical literature describing it.  Considered a medical emergency, it is
extremely painful, as you might well imagine.  The treatment of choice is
surgical, which is necessary to find the area of the tear, remove the
accumulated clotted blood and to repair the tear.  When these tasks are
accomplished in a timely fashion, the function of the organ is preserved.
Hospitalization of two weeks is average and good results are achieved in about
75 percent of cases treated this way.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
