What are the symptoms of corpus cavernosum fracture?

Broken corpus cavernosum is mainly manifested by sudden severe pain, swelling and deformation of the penis, and subcutaneous congestion. It is usually caused by violent bending or external impact during sexual intercourse. The main symptoms include severe pain during erection, penile curvature and deformation, local swelling and congestion, difficulty urinating, and erectile dysfunction.

1. Severe erection pain:

When the tunica albuginea of ​​the corpus cavernosum of the penis ruptures, the patient will immediately feel sharp tearing pain, and the degree of pain is related to the severity of the injury. During an erection, the intracavernous pressure increases, and tearing of the tunica albuginea can cause extravasation of blood into surrounding tissues. The pain can last from hours to days, and is often accompanied by autonomic reflex cold sweat, nausea and other symptoms.

2. Penis deformation:

The corpus cavernosum on the injured side collapses due to extravasation of blood, while the uninjured side maintains an erect state, causing the penis to bend toward the affected side with a "banana-like" deformity. Obvious induration or depression can be found by touch, and about 80% of patients will have a bend of more than 30 degrees. This deformation may leave fibrotic scars after the swelling subsides.

3. Swelling and congestion:

After the tunica albuginea ruptures, blood seeps into the penile fascial space, forming butterfly-shaped congestion spots, mostly concentrated at the root of the penis and scrotum. Swelling usually reaches its peak within 2 hours after the injury, and the skin appears cyanotic. In severe cases, congestion can spread to the perineum, and you need to be alert to the risk of Buck's fascia rupture.

4. Urination disorders:

About 25% of patients suffer from pain during urination, thinning or bifurcation of urine stream due to hematoma compressing the urethra. In severe cases, acute urinary retention may occur. Initial hematuria may occur when accompanied by urethral injury, but simple breakage of the corpus cavernosum is less likely to directly damage the urethral mucosa.

5. Erectile dysfunction:

Failure to treat it in time may lead to cavernous fibrosis, and about 10%-15% of patients will develop persistent erectile dysfunction. Penile blood flow ultrasonography within 6 weeks after injury can evaluate whether the arterial blood supply and venous closure mechanism are damaged. Early surgical repair can significantly reduce long-term complications.

If the corpus cavernosum is broken, sexual activity must be stopped immediately and the affected area must be iced. See a doctor within 24 hours, and the rupture of the tunica albuginea can be surgically sutured. During the recovery period, you should avoid sexual stimulation for 4-6 weeks, wear tight underwear to reduce penile swing, and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to promote the repair of connective tissue. Regularly conduct Doppler monitoring of penile blood flow, and if necessary, combine with PDE5 inhibitors to prevent vascular erectile dysfunction. Pay attention to avoid excessive bending of the penis during daily sexual activities, use lubricants to reduce frictional resistance, and middle-aged and elderly patients need to check for potential penile vascular lesions.