About Priapism

The official name for this particular penile disorder, priapism, is derived from the Greek god Priapus who was depicted in folklore as having an extremely large and permanent erection. In reality, priapism is a potentially harmful and painful medical condition in which the erect penis does not return to its flaccid state within 4 hours. This state of permanent erection, which can occur even without the presence of physical or psychological stimulation, is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Why Priapism Is Dangerous

Before you can truly grasp why priapism is so dangerous, it's important to first understand how a healthy and normal erection occurs. Under normal circumstances a man will get an erection when his nervous system triggers a dilation within the arteries that feed into the corpora cavernosa (the internal spongy tissues located on either side of the penis). These tissues become engorged with blood and harden which constricts the veins within the penis. This constriction prevents blood from leaving and the penis becomes rigid, resulting in what is commonly called an "erection." After a man ejaculates the process is usually then reversed – blood flows out of the penis and back into circulation and the penis becomes soft again.

In the case of priapism, something interferes with the normal process of blood flow within the penis. This problem can be generally grouped into one of two types, non-ischemic and ischemic.

Non-Ischemic Priapism
Non-ischemic priapism is usually the result of an injury. If an artery that feeds into the corpora cavernosa is ruptured, a risk exists that the blood might then spill into the erectile tissues. Even though the blood can still flow inwards and outwards, the outward flow is not sufficient enough to shrink the erection. As a result, a man suffering with non-ischemic priapism will generally experience a semi-hard erection that lasts for several hours.

In the case of non-ischemic priapism, the blood circulation is not completely obstructed so it generally doesn't cause pain and often clears itself up without causing any long-term damage. The extent of treatment for this type of priapism usually consists of applying ice to the penis.

Ischemic Priapism
In the case of ischemic priapism, blood flows into the penis but does not flow back out. The resulting loss in blood circulation deprives the corpora cavernosa of oxygen and causes a painful, rigid erection. This loss of oxygen can damage erectile tissues, cause the formation of scar tissue, cause blood clots to form within the penis and even lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated. In the most severe cases, priapism can even lead to gangrene which might then require penis amputation.

The Causes of Priapism

Although priapism can sometimes occur without an obvious cause, most instances do have a clear medical explanation. As previously mentioned, some drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction disorders can lead to priapism. This is especially true if more of the drug is used than is recommended. Other medications used for psychiatric treatment, such as anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, can also lead to priapism.

There are also medical conditions that can cause priapism, in particular those that directly affect the blood such as sickle-cell anemia and leukemia. Any bodily ailment that causes blood thickening or causes red blood cells to stagnate can lead to painful and prolonged erections. Spinal cord injuries are also commonly associated with priapism.

Treatment for Priapism

If not treated in a timely manner (usually a period of within four to six hours), priapism can scar the penis and lead to impotence. Some men are able to treat priapism through medications which constrict blood vessels to decrease the amount of blood in the penis. Another common treatment is called aspiration which involves having the penis drained of excess blood. Both of these treatment options help relieve the immediate pain experienced with priapism. For those men suffering from priapism as a result of a ruptured penile artery due to trauma, such as a spinal cord injury or paralyzation, surgery is also an option that allows normal penile functioning to be restored.

The bottom line is that if you're a man who is experiencing an erection that lasts for four or more hours and it isn't going away, seek medical attention right away! Priapism is a medical emergency that needs to be treated as soon as possible by a qualified physician. Early treatment can spell the difference between a full recovery and long-term permanent damage.

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Post tags: corpus cavernosa, erection, priapism

What Is A Varicocele?

All men have within them a structure called a "spermatic cord" which contains various arteries, veins, nerves and tubes. This cord functions to circulate blood to and from the testicles. Located within the veins are valves that regulate blood flow to ensure it goes in the right direction and doesn't flow backwards.

Unfortunately these valves can sometimes fail which allows some of the blood to flow in reverse. When this happens the backed up blood can start to pool in the veins causing them to swell and stretch. This is what is known as a varicocele.

The size of the varicocele can vary from being very large and easily visible to those that are not noticeable at all and can only be felt by touch. In many cases the varicoceles will seem to disappear as you lie down because the blood drains away from the veins. Once you stand back up however, gravity will then force the blood to pool again and the varicocele will reappear.

Although this condition is usually painless, some percentage of men do report discomfort or will notice an aching or heavy feeling from within the testicles. It can present more of a problem if it appears in men over the age of 40 (it's most common in men between the age of 15 and 25). In older men it may signal a larger problem such as a possible blockage of a larger vein in the abdomen or compression of the vein by a nearby structure. For a complete and accurate diagnosis of this condition, a full evaluation should be performed by a licensed medical professional.

Surgical Correction

Varicocele can often be corrected through minor out-patient surgery in a procedure that involves tying off the veins that are enlarged. Usually this is only performed if the condition is causing significant discomfort or, in the case of adolescents, the testes are not developing properly because of the varicocele.

While largely successful, this surgery is not always a permanent solution since some men will develop new varicoceles months or even years later. This is often because the remaining veins become enlarged due to the additional blood flow they are left to carry. Recent surgical advances such as laparoscopic varicocelectomy have helped greatly improve the overall effectiveness of this type of procedure.

Infertility and Sperm Production

The results of some studies suggest a direct connection between higher male infertility rates and the presence of a varicocele. When the veins become dilated because blood is unable to drain properly, the extra blood that pools in the scrotum can be detrimental to overall sperm production. The pooled blood is believed to generate slightly higher than normal temperatures in the scrotum. This elevated temperature may reduce the number and quality of sperm made by the testes which effectively decreases fertility.

"Recent studies have shown that varicocele, a bilateral disease, causes hypoxia in the testicular microcirculation. Destruction of one-way valves in the internal spermatic veins (ISV) elevates hydrostatic pressure in the testicular venules, exceeding the pressure in the arteriolar system. The positive pressure gradient between arterial and venous system is reversed, causing hypoxia in the sperm production site. Sperm production deteriorates gradually, progressing to azoospermia."

Source:Andrologia / DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2010.01047.x

"Azoospermia" is a medical condition in which a male lacks a measurable level of sperm in his semen. This condition is associated with very low levels of fertility or even sterility and is thought to affect approximately 1% of the male population.

Although the presence of a varicocele can affect male fertility, it's important to note that this may not always be the case. For instance, while up to 40% of infertile men are believed to have a varicocele, another 15% of healthy men also have the condition but it does not have an impact on their fertility whatsoever. It's important to keep in mind that there are many infertility treatments and it's always best to contact a qualified physician for advice and counseling.

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Post tags: azoospermia, male fertility, sperm production, testicles, varicocele

"Recommended Treatment"

Upon discovering that he suffered from Peyronie's disease, the author of the article, Bill, did what most men would do – he immediately scheduled an appointment with his doctor. He was then referred to a urologist said to specialize in Peyronie's disease. The medical treatment options laid out for him included the following:

Verapamil Injections
A technique of injecting a drug called verapamil directly into the penis shaft. This is meant to break down the accumulation of plaque responsible for the unusual curvature of the penis.

Downside: Results are spotty at best and the injections are very painful.

Corporal Plication
A surgical operation in which two permanent sutures are embedded in the lining of the penis. These sutures are placed opposite to the curvature as a way of straightening the penile shaft.

Downside: Can result in a shortening of the penis.

Patch Corporoplasty
This procedure involves cutting the plaque into two sections by making an incision through the thickest part of the buildup. Once the curved section is divided, the incision is then patched together with a skin graft.

Downside: A chance of developing erectile dysfunction if the nerves or tissues are damaged during the surgery.

Bill elected to use the first method involving verapamil injections. After this treatment failed he then proceeded to the surgical option involving corporal plication. After 5 hours of surgery and a month of recovery, Bill's penis was once again free from curvature.

Natural Penile Traction

I found it a bit curious that a non-surgical and non-invasive method such as penis traction was not referenced. This particular method has not only demonstrated favorable results in numerous clinical studies, it's also been shown to increase the size of the penis, a more than favorable result in itself.

So why was this technique not mentioned as an alternative to these risky and often unsuccessful methods? Is it not a physician's obligation to his patient to reveal every manner of available treatment?

Maybe it's because a treatment that doesn't require medical intervention (or expensive health insurance) is somehow frowned upon by doctors. God-forbid there might be a solution to Peyronie's disease that doesn't involve cutting open a man's penis or injecting painful needles!

Perhaps it's because society as a whole has come to rely on the medical community as the most convenient response to health issues. We want our problems fixed immediately, regardless of the potential dangers involved. For those seeking immediate gratification, solutions such as penile traction which might take several months for results are simply too "troublesome."

Cautious Decision Making

I've always thought of surgery as a last resort, something to be considered only after all other resources have been exhausted. This same principal holds true for penis enlargement surgery. The inherent risks involved with surgical penis augmentation, not to mention the enormous costs, makes this the least desirable option.

I personally subscribe to a philosophy of safety first. Whether your goal is to fix a bent penis or increase your length and girth, choosing a method that doesn't put your health in danger should be foremost in your decision making. Penis traction devices may not provide immediate results but they do get the job done. And in the end, finishing the race first isn't nearly as important as finishing safely.

For more information about the condition known as bent penis see About Penile Curvature/Peyronie's Disease.

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Post tags: bent penis, penile traction, penis curvature, peyronies disease

About Botox

Botox is the trademarked name for Botulinum Toxin A, a neurotoxin associated with Botulism (a form of food poisoning). This neurotoxin functions by attaching to nerve endings and blocking the signals that normally tell muscles to contract. In other words, it causes paralysis.

It is this immobility that makes Botox an effective method for erasing frown lines from the face and crow's-feet from around the eyes. If a part of the body cannot move, it cannot wrinkle. The paralyzing effect is also a property which leads some researchers to believe that Botox might make an effective treatment for men concerned with having a short flaccid penis.

Hyperactive Retraction Reflex

A normal man's flaccid penis will tend to retract (shrink) under certain conditions such as cold weather or while exercising. For some this involuntary shrinkage can occur at the most embarrassing times such as prior to intercourse or when exposed in showers or locker-rooms. This is a condition known as hyperactive retraction reflex.

The retraction itself is caused by a contraction of the dartos muscle — the layer of smooth muscular fiber located beneath the skin of the scrotum. So while a man may normally have an average sized erect penis, retraction can lead to the appearance of a much smaller penis in the flaccid state.

Short Penis Study

In a clinical study, researchers injected Botox into the dartos in an attempt to prevent this retraction and induce muscle relaxation. The aim of this study was to propose an alternative to penis surgery and penile extenders for alleviating penile retraction.

The experiment was somewhat successful: 7 out of 10 men reported improvement in length. It should be noted however that the effects were temporary and improvement faded after only 6 months. While no side effects were reported, it's important to understand the inherent risks of introducing a neurotoxin into the body. A complete abstract of the study can be found here:

Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) for Relieving Penile Retraction
DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01434.x

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Post tags: Botox, Botox injections, hyperactive retraction reflex, neurotoxin, penile retraction, short penis

What Is Penile Fracture?

Although the term 'fracture' is most often used in association with some sort of crack or break in a material (like bone or cartilage), in the case of penis fracture it is a bit of a misnomer. As you're probably already aware, the penis does not contain bone. The process by which it becomes 'hard' is entirely regulated by blood flow and pressure. When blood flows inside the chambers of the penis pressure begins to build and this is what creates an erection. It is during the erect state when an injury of this type can occur.

Penile fracture is defined as a blunt trauma to the fully erect or semi-erect penis. Scientifically speaking, the injury occurs when the tissue of the tunica albuginea (which is as thin as .25-.50 mm during erection as compared with 2 mm during flaccidity) is over-stretched by a sudden increase in intracorporal pressure. Most often the resultant injury is a rupture of the tunica albuginea and one of the corpora cavernosa, although instances that involve both corpora, corpus spongiosum and urethra have also been reported.

How Does It Occur?

The most common cause of penis fracture is sexual intercourse. If a man thrusts too hard and fast during sex he may accidentally slam his penis into his partner's pubic bone which could result in an extreme bending of the erection. It could also happen in a sex position where the woman is moving around wildly while on top of the man.

Other possible scenarios that are not quite as common include masturbation, rolling over onto an erect penis during sleep or any other sort of blunt trauma such as a fall onto the erect or semi-erect penis. When the injury occurs, an audible 'pop' or 'snap' can usually be heard, the penis will turn black and blue and the pain will be excruciating.

How often this trauma occurs among men is still not clear. While most agree that it is not a common injury, some researchers doubt the value of previous diagnostic investigations and conclude that "penile fracture is not rare". Either way, it remains a very real and present danger to all men.

Conservative and Surgical Treatment

When this type of injury is sustained, men are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Without proper treatment, patients could be exposed to persistent haematoma (localized swelling of blood), infections, deformity of the penis, long-term erectile dysfunction and more. Which method of treatment to undergo is still somewhat of a controversy.

In the past a conservative approach was more often employed which involved "urethral catheterization, compression bandages and consistent cooling, combined with anti-inflammatory, anti-erectile, antibiotic and analgesic therapy". However, "retrospective analysis of this conservative treatment showed severe immediate and late complications, in addition to prolonged hospitalization of the patient."

Nowadays most professionals recommend an immediate surgical treatment of the penile trauma to reduce complications and restore function more rapidly. Early surgery has been shown to result in "shorter hospitalization, less morbidity and an early return to full sexual activity." Furthermore, this type of treatment is currently endorsed by the World Health Organization; "On the basis of the high success rates with surgical treatment, the WHO recommends that all acute injuries to the tunica albuginea be repaired immediately by surgical intervention."

Source: British Journal of Surgery
(DOI) 10.1046/j.1464-410X.2003.04347.x

Steps To Preventing Fracture

In some instances such as those that occur during sleep, the injury may be unavoidable. Fortunately those sort of injuries don't happen as frequently. I also imagine that most men aren't at risk of falling on an erection unless they are predisposed to running around while naked and "excited."

Sex on the other hand is an all too real danger. You should always be careful and mindful of your love making. It's easy to get carried away in the passion of the moment and lose control. You need to stay aware of where your penis is during the act and be ready to stop or make adjustments if you sense any discomfort or pain. And slow down for Pete's sake (Peter's sake!)… you've only got one penis in this life so make sure you take good care of it!

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Post tags: broken penis, penile fracture, penile trauma, penis fracture, tunica albuginea

A Congenital Abnormality

This irregularity is present at birth and may be caused for the following reasons:

• Some men are born with excessive fat in the lower abdomen region. This congenital pad of fat located directly above the penis serves to effectively hide it.
• In some cases the penile skin is not adequately attached to the base or shaft of the penis. When this happens, the penis is not fixed in its normal position outside of the body.
• Sometimes the penis is trapped in the tight foreskin covering the head of the penis and becomes partially hidden. This condition is known as phimosis.

Concealed penis is often diagnosed early with physical examination. When abdominal fat is the root cause, this condition may improve within the first few years after birth as the lower abdomen loses fat and the penis increases in size.

Aging and Obesity

Since the skin of the lower abdomen starts to lose elasticity and sag as we grow older, the severity of the condition can worsen with age. Excess skin and fat due to obesity also tends to increase concealment of the penis. Sometimes the lower abdomen can become so large that it hangs over and completely covers the penis.

The penis may also appear to shrink with age because of decreased muscle tone in the lower abdominal muscles and increased fat in the lower abdomen. Fortunately such cases can be corrected with weight loss and strengthening of the abdominal muscles. In other cases however, treatment may require surgery.

Surgical Repair

There are various procedures available to make the penis more visible if the penile shaft is buried below the surface of the skin. For example, excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen and pubis can be removed which elevates the pubic region and gives the penis a more normal appearance.

If only fat is present then a liposuction procedure can be performed. This usually includes suturing the skin of the pubis to the underlying abdominal tissue to prevent the penis from hiding in the pubic area. Additionally, the skin located at the base of the penis and scrotum is sutured to the erectile bodies which prevents the penis from retracting into fat or into the scrotum.

The extent of these types of operations depends on the severity of the condition. As always, it is important to first consult with a medical professional if you are considering any kind of treatment.

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Post tags: concealed penis, congenital fat pad, erectile bodies, hidden penis, liposuction, penile skin, phimosis, scrotum, tight foreskin

Even though the cause may be a mystery, research does show that some men are more likely than others to develop cancerous testicles. Possible risk factors include the following:

• Age – Testicular cancer most often occurs in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
• Race and ethnicity – The rate of testicular cancer is higher in Caucasians than in other populations.
• Occupational hazards – Miners, those who work with gas, food and beverage processing workers, utility workers and others are at increased risk.
• Cryptorchidism – Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum.
• HIV infection.
• Men whose mother used a hormone called DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.
• Family history of testicular cancer.
• Personal history of cancer in one testicle.

Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. For instance, some people with one or more risk factors never develop the disease, while others do and yet have exhibited no known risk factors. Nevertheless, knowing these risk factors can help to guide you into the appropriate actions like changing harmful behavior and being clinically monitored for the disease.

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Post tags: cancer, cancer risk factors, cancerous testicles, cryptorchidism, diethylstilbestrol, testes, testicular cancer

• Delay sexual relationships for as long as possible. The younger a person is when they first begin to have sex, the more susceptible they become to developing an STD.
• Make sure to correctly and consistently use a condom.
• Participate in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.
• Only use sterile needles if injecting intravenous drugs.
• Prevent and control other STDs to decrease susceptibility to HIV infections.
• Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation.
• Avoid anal intercourse or use a condom if you practice it.
• Learn the symptoms of STDs and seek medical help immediately if any symptoms develop.
• Get regular checkups for STDs.

If you are diagnosed with an STD, don't panic. Make sure to begin treatment immediately, take the full course of medications, and follow your physician's advice. It is also recommended to contact all recent sexual partners and advise them to get tested as soon as possible.

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Post tags: condom, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted infections, STDs, STIs

Penile Oedema

One of the more common disorders of the penis, called Oedema, is characterized by a swelling of the foreskin. Penile Oedema is often caused by excessive sexual activity, including masturbation. This is usually not a severe condition as long as the foreskin remains in it's normal position and blood flow is not obstructed. If swelling persists, however, a doctor should be consulted as this may point to chronic heart disease.

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis (also called capistration) is a condition in which the prepuce, after having been retracted behind the glans penis, is constricted and does not return to it's forward position. This disorder generally occurs due to fluid trapped in the foreskin and can be the result of intense sexual activity. It is often temporary but if it persists for several hours a physician should be contacted.

Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease is a disorder that is characterized by a curvature of the penis caused by the build up of fibrous scar tissue. While surgery may be necessary to correct this condition, in some cases the use of special traction devices has been shown to be effective in straightening the penis. Read "Peyronie's Disease: Is surgery the only option?" for more information.

Pudendal Nerve Damage

The pudendal nerve, as it relates to the external genital organs, is sometimes subject to damage due to accidents or even from sitting on hard bicycle seats for extended periods of time. It is characterized by pain while sitting and a numbing of the genitals. This condition should not be confused with the loss of sensation caused by permanent nerve damage associated with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.

Priapism

Priapism is a painful medical condition characterized by a persistent erection of the penis which is not related to sexual arousal. Complications from priapism can include ischaemia, thrombosis and impotence. Although less common, severe cases of this condition can result in gangrene which would make amputation of the penis necessary.

Impotence

Now commonly called "erectile dysfunction", impotence is probably the best known of all penis disorders. Impotence is the inability to reach or maintain an erection and is increasingly common in men over the age of 40. While not a life-threatening condition, impotence does effect sexual performance and can have serious psychological implications.

The penis disorders listed above are just a few of the medical conditions related to the male genitalia. As always, consult your physician if you think you might be experiencing any problem associated with your penis.

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Post tags: capistration, erectile dysfunction, foreskin swelling, impotence, paraphimosis, penile oedema, penis medical disorders, Peyronies, priapism, pudendal nerve

While a small percentage of men exhibit extreme curvature which may possibly require surgery, the great majority can use non-medical techniques to naturally straighten erections.

Unless you happen to be suffering from Peyronie's Disease, a severe medical condition covered in several previous posts, having a visible curve in your penis is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, penis curvature is a natural process that occurs when the two chambers within the penis develop at different rates during aging. As one chamber grows faster, the penis inevitably begins to bend towards the slower developing chamber.

This is a perfectly normal development that can be neither predicted nor prevented. It may even deliver a few perks. For instance, some women experience greater pleasure during intercourse as a result of a curved penis rubbing areas usually left untouched.

On the other hand, many men might feel embarrassed by it's peculiar shape which could lead to depression and intercourse avoidance. In this case, natural penis techniques can be employed to help straighten the penis and reduce curving.

The fully natural way of straightening the penis is to use penis exercises. Many penis workout programs include techniques that are designed to specifically accomplish this. The Jelq, for example, is one such exercise that has been shown to be extremely effective in correcting curvature of the penis.

Another more advanced method of dealing with a curved penis is through the use of a traction device. These devices, worn directly on the penis, effectively stretch the penis and over time result in natural straightening.

Some commercially available systems, such as the one from SizeGenetics, combine both methods in natural synergy to produce greater results. You can learn more about their program from their website section on curved penis straightening.

Keep in mind that natural penile curvature correction is not a speedy process. It took some time for your penis to develop into it's present shape and there's no miracle over-night cures. However, with patience and persistence, it is possible to reduce and even remove the bend in your penis over time.

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Post tags: curved penis, jelq, penile curvature, penis curvature, penis straightening, straighten erections