Penile fracture: breakage of tunica albuginea

Penile fracture refers to breakage of the tunica albuginea, which is the membrane covering the corpus cavernosum. This surrounds the two “organs,” which, when filled with blood, allows the erection. Usually, this kind of trauma is caused by the sudden flexion of the penis against its own axis. A forced and unnatural movement of the erect penis incorrectly stretches the connective tissue covering the corpus cavernosum causing it to break. For example, it could happen when strong pressure exerted on the penis by the woman’s pelvic or vaginal muscles during penetration.

It can occur during sexual intercourse or overly vigorous masturbation while not paying enough attention to the stresses undergone by the penis. This can constitute genuine trauma to the genital organ.
Usually noticeable with a specific sound similar to a clearly audible whiplash, the first symptom is intense pain. This is followed by immediate loss of the erection and a significant hematoma caused by the loss of blood from the corpus cavernosum into the surrounding tissues. Blood may also exit from the urethra in cases where the fracture also involves the corpus spongiosum.
Penile fracture must be treated as an emergency and requires reconstructive and reparative surgery to fix the “point” where the fracture occurred.