Penile and Testicular Injury
Several types of injuries can affect the penis. Catching the penis in a pants zipper is common, but the resulting cut usually heals quickly. Cuts and irritations heal quickly without treatment but may need antibiotics if they become infected. Injuries to the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis) may require other specific treatment, usually provided by a urologist (a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary disorders).
Fracture of the penis can occur from excessive bending of an erect penis. Pain and swelling from damage to the structures that control the erection and difficulty with intercourse or urination follow. Fractures of the penis usually occur during vigorous sexual intercourse. Emergency surgery is usually necessary to repair such a fracture to prevent abnormal curvature of the penis or permanent erectile dysfunction (impotence). The penis can also be partially or fully severed. Reattachment of a severed penis is sometimes possible, but full sensation and function are rarely recovered.
The location of the scrotum makes it susceptible to injury. Blunt forces (for example, a kick or crushing blow) cause most injuries. However, occasionally gunshot or stab wounds penetrate the scrotum or testes. Rarely, the scrotum is torn off the testes. Testicular injury causes sudden, severe pain, usually with nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound may show whether the testes have ruptured. Ice packs, a jockstrap, and drugs for pain and nausea usually effectively treat internal bleeding in or around the testes. Ruptured testes require surgical repair. When the scrotum is torn off, the testes can die or lose their capacity for hormone or sperm production. Surgery to bury them under the skin of the thigh or abdomen may save the testes.
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