PENIS PERILS: 8 AFFLICTIONS TO AVOID

Penis health is a topic that most men keep mum about but is vital in their everyday lives. It is not only about the ability to reproduce, ejaculate and maintain an erection; it goes beyond that. This article highlights the penis perils, including priapism, phimosis, and penile cancer. 

Issues with the penis may be an alarm that something in your body is amiss. Most men guard their 'crown jewels' with all their hearts because, according to society, real men have a penis that can reproduce. Therefore, if anything goes wrong with this precious organ, they may fall into a pit of unending depression. Penis disorders are common but, if left untreated, can cause serious self-esteem issues. Read below to find out the various penis disorders that men encounter and how to avoid each.

Penis Perils

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a penile disorder caused by constant injury to the fibrous scar tissue, resulting in painful and curved erections. This disorder can make engaging in sexual activities painful. Also, the patient finds it hard to maintain an erection. It can eventually lead to stress and, in worse cases, anxiety. Peyronie's disease is unlikely to go away on its own. In most scenarios, the symptoms may worsen or remain as they are. Early diagnosis of the disease may prevent it from ballooning into worse symptoms such as penis shortening or curvature. According to Pryor & Ralph  (2002), the common symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include scar tissue, curvature on the penis, and pain when an erection.

Priapism

Priapism is diagnosed when one’s penis undergoes prolonged erections that may span for hours. Sometimes, these erections may not be caused by erotic stimulation. Priapism is divided into two categories, non-ischemic and ischemic. The latter may need urgent medical attention because the blood flowing to the penis to maintain an erection gets trapped and does not flow out of the veins. This condition is prevalent in certain groups, like those with sickle cell disease, regardless of their age. However, it can also affect men in their 30s or older. 

Phimosis

This is a condition where one cannot pull back the foreskin of the penis over the glans. It is a common phenomenon in toddlers and newborns. However, in older boys, it may occur due to scarring. This disease is usually no cause for concern unless it is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty in passing out urine. According to Choe  (2000), uncircumcised boys are at a higher risk of phimosis because their foreskin does not retract. However, it is important to note that not all penises are the same, and some may take longer to detach from the glans.

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is a condition that is prevalent in uncircumcised males. It makes it hard for the foreskin to be pulled forward over the penis tip, resulting in a stuck and swollen foreskin and serious complications if untreated. Paraphimosis can occur after a physical medical examination when the examiner does not pull back the foreskin to its normal position. Due to the restricted blood flow, the penis may turn crimson or blue. Other causes of this condition include a tighter than normal foreskin, infections to the genitalia, exerting too much pressure when pulling back the foreskin, etc.

Penile Cancer

This condition occurs when cells in the penis grow out of proportion. It starts in the external part of the penis and, with time, finds its way inside. There are four types of penile cancer: squamous carcinoma, sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, all of which can be treated, especially if there is an early diagnosis. The good news is that you can self-diagnose penile cancer. For uncircumcised men, check your foreskin regularly and watch out for any changes on the glans and shaft.

Penile Fracture

Penile fracture is a mild scar on the tunica albuginea, the tissue below the skin of the penis which expands to give the penis space for a firm erection. This condition requires urgent medical attention to prevent it from birthing serious defects on the penis, such as urinary problems and permanent sexual defects. In severe cases, one may have to undergo surgery. Penile fracture can be caused by injury to an erect penis, traumatic masturbation, or a forced bend during vaginal intercourse. However, the most common cause of penile fracture in sexually active men is intercourse-related trauma.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction, ED, is the inability of a penis to maintain an erection, making it hard to engage in sexual intercourse. ED issues are common, especially in men who are going through stress. Long-term erectile dysfunction may signal an underlying health issue requiring urgent medical care. There are many reasons behind ED, from lifestyle changes to physical and emotional changes. A physical exam needs to be performed to determine if your symptoms stem from a health condition. Lue (2000) noted that erectile dysfunction could be managed through medications and striving to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Ejaculation Problems

Most men experience ejaculation disorders despite their age bracket. However, this condition is prevalent in older men. Ejaculation disorder is the inability of a man to ejaculate once they reach the pick of sexual arousal (climax). In most cases, ejaculatory issues are associated with male infertility. Ejaculation issues are grouped into premature, anejaculation, retrograde, and delayed. If not attended to by a healthcare practitioner, this condition may cause sexual dissatisfaction. You can take measures to prevent ejaculation problems, including using thick condoms, taking breaks during sex, and self arousal before sex.

The Bottom Line

Ensuring that your penis is in good condition is the first step in preventing anomalies. However, as stated in this article, you cannot prevent all penis problems because some occur due to underlying health conditions. Examine your penis every day while looking for any changes, no matter how mild they seem. Regular checkups may also be beneficial in ensuring that your problems are diagnosed earlier on. Topics on penis health may be hard to talk about, but do not let your shyness take charge of your sexual health.

References

Choe, J. M. (2000). Paraphimosis: Current Treatment Options. American Family physician, 62(12), 2623-2626.

Lue, T. F. (2000). Erectile Dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(24), 1802-1813.Pryor, J. P., & Ralph, D. J. (2002). Clinical Presentations of Peyronie's disease. International Journal of Impotence Research, 14(5), 414-417.