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192055 tn?1263555537

Retracting penis problem...

Before I say anything... let me say that this isn't a problem that is just in my husband's head! I have had 2-3 woman say that they have seen their husbands/boyfriend  problem with their own eyes... and I have too!


Whenever my husband gets nervous, anxious, or his adrenaline starts to pump... his penis starts to retract into his body. When running or exercising, he is constantly having to 'pull' his penis to keep it from retracting. I have googled this and others have told me that this is called "Penis Panic" which is a disorder saying that it is all in a guys head.

I don't believe there has ever been any reports on a penis retracting and never coming out... but it makes my husband uncomfortable knowing its retracting and has to adjust himself.


Does anyone else have this problem or know someone who has? I posted this about a year ago and I received 6-7 messages saying that they or their husband/boyfriend has it and they haven't found any answers to it either.

My husband went to the doctor and of course the doctor didn't have any answers.
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Avatar universal
I just came across this thread and it doesn't look like the problem was adequately addressed so I'm bumping it to try and help anyone with this condition.

The condion is called "Hyperactive Penile Retraction Syndrome". Most doctors have never heard of it because it's not (or didn't used to be) considered a pathologic condition, just a hyperactive normal physiological response. I'll explain the physiology. The penis and scrotum are covered by what's called the Dartos fascia just under the skin. This is composed of connective tissue and muscle fibers that respond to adrenergic stimuli (adrenaline). When stimulated the muscle fibers contract. Sometimes the contraction can be so strong as to shrink the penis to the size of a button. In the past this was beneficial to protect the genitals during combat, getting chased by a tiger or being exposed to frigid temperatures. It's not really necessary today but the response remains. Any type of physical (exertion, cold temp) or mental stress (anxiety) can cause it. Also chemical factors such as stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, etc.). Why it becomes hyperactive in some men is unknown. How to treat it? Remove all sources of stress. Of course that's not possible. There are some drugs called alpha blockers that can help. One of these is Flomax that is used to treat weak urine flow caused by enlarged prostate. There is also an herb called ashwagandha that can decrease adrenaline release by decreasing cortisol levels. There has been at least one study using botox injections to the base of the penis which were successful with few side effects. Botox injections are expensive though and need to be repeated every 4-6 months. I don't know if there are many (or any) docs that do botox to the penis. Botox to the scrotum has become trendy lately to make the testicles hang lower. You could probably find a doc who does that and ask about penile injection.

Sorry for the long post but I felt the condition needed to be fully explained. Yes I'm an MD.
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2 Comments
You say you're an MD, but an MD isn't a scientist necessarily, most are clinicians who don't really have the theoretical knowledge a research scientist has.  This preamble is just to say, I'm not sure cortisol has anything to do with this.  It appears that noradrenaline, or norepinephrine, located in the spinal cord, plus nitric acid, are responsible for erections, though probably not necessarily always for the lack of one.  Cortisol, on the other hand, is thought to originate in the amygdyla.  Now, I'm not a scientist either, I was just interested and found in about five minutes an article from NIH and one from the journal Nature that would appear to contradict your explanation.  Therefore stress might be a factor in the complicated nature of human response, but cortisol isn't what controls erections.  I would add that from my own experience as an anxiety sufferer, which does involve cortisol, that it never ever ever affected that part of my anatomy, but depression and prostate surgery certainly have.  How would you explain the common method so many men use to combat stress, which is to have sex, if the penis can't function under stress?  Now, this makes me wonder, how does performance go with all those who take medications these days that affect noradrenaline?  Because the sexual dysfunction is usually attached to the effect on serotonin.  Further, a small penis isn't a penis that retracts into the body.  As for ashwagandha, while it has a small effect on cortisol, it's effect is quite complex, as it also is energizing while it's relaxing, whereas other adaptogens, such as holy basil, are much more effective at controlling cortisol (though medication works better with all its attendant downsides).  So just saying, I don't think the retractive penis problem as been accurately explained here.  
I would also add as a warning to readers, ashwagandha and holy basil and other adaptogens that have some effect on cortisol can make you tired when they wear off, as cortisol and the other elements produced by adrenaline are important to our energy.  When using natural medicine to help with erections, stimulating adaptogens are used, not relaxing ones, such as maca or ginseng.  
Avatar universal
so, im 39 now. the first time this happened to me was at age 33 while lifting weights,  and continues to do it every time i work out with decent weights, especially bending over to grab them. i wasnt on any meds or anything.   it doesnt happen often, but i take Adderall once in a while and it does it as soon as it kicks in for the entirety. i dont have any problems really besides having to fish it out to pee. sexually no problems. but it freaked me the hell out when it happened for like the first month, it still does because im always like "what if?", what if its shrinking, lol, but seriously.  anyways, it happens and havent had any real problems yet.  i just make sure to go in the bathroom before heading to bed to make sure that we are all good before she sees anything lol
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2 Comments
You might be only targeting a few muscles and not hormone increasing workouts such as a Squat Press. Here is a long suggested comment and suggested procedures I suggested to many on this thread.

I am not a licensed physician or consultant. I am a person with great intellect and insight. After reading accounts and common problems without any definitive resolves I have come up with this short list of recommendations.
Ask a doctor for erection pills to aid in remedy of this condition. In morning bring yourself to erection with self-stimulation by whatever LEGAL MEANS. When engaged in ejaculation do not build to a swift and short time of discharge and orgasm. Tantric masturbation of 30 minutes in morning coming to near climax then shortly before climax stopping allowing your penis to become almost completely rested but not completely soft. Then as Tantric build up to a near climax again only to back off or 'Edge' as the porn industry refers to it. Repeat this process once or twice a day. If you have the company and support of an intimate partner explain the process to them and possibly request their assistance. The penis is a muscle and has a nature not askew from Body Building. Exercise or in this case self stimulation will give the muscle endurance allowing for longer periods not retracted. Secondly the erection state will stimulate penile blood flow which is crucial to a healthy condition and size of any typical muscle. In body building blood flow stimulates muscular retention of stimulates the isolated muscle of size and further growth. Other physical stimulation such as warm soaks in bath or hot tubs can stimulate blood flow, no so much directly to your penis but whole body. Another thing to help all health is mental belief in self. Don't lose confidence based on modern stature often in association to activity of frequent sex or a large penis or even this retracted state of body extension. Perhaps your condition is due to build up of cholesterol within arteries and veins. If that is the case do above procedures and implement a 20 out of 30 day regiment of blood thinners. Avoid prolonged use of stimulates for they can in time cause a vascular constriction. Seek a dietician of cholesterol lowering supplements of foods. Ask your basic medical doctor for cholesterol level tests or accompanying pills based on test results. Also engage in full-body exercises. I would also suggest to entirely shave the pubis. This will intensify stimulus from human touch or pubic stimulation from mere contact with clothes and undergarments.  Also remain proactive of one or combo or all of these procedures I've suggested.
First, realize you are responding to a post that is 13 years old.  Second, everything in your post is completely bogus, starting with the inaccurate statement that the penis is a muscle, which it isn't.  Tantra isn't really about masturbation, it was created a very long time ago and refers to sex with a partner.  No form of weightlifting has more import on hormones than any other.  So you know, if you seriously want to help people, study up on what you're talking about so that those suggestions you make that might make sense can be read and the ones that don't, won't be.  And you know, obviously, your great intellect and insight is being wasted because you're not doing your homework.
Avatar universal
I woke up one morning with a hydrocele my right testicle was size of an orange and my penis was retracting when I stood like I was uncircumcised it was very uncomfortable eventually had surgery and it stopped after a few months after surgery for the most part even though 4 years later my testicule is hard as a rock and now it’s starting to retract again trying to hold off a year until I can get health insurance again to see urologist
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1 Comments
If your testicle is hard, you should really see a doctor. Most doctors will see you on a self-pay plan, often with a serious discount. At least get to an urgent care to rule out anything serious. This shouldn't wait a year.
Avatar universal
Yes this can happen, this is real! He should start meditating and doing yoga.  He should not do things that get his adrenaline going.   Adrenaline can cause muscle contraction, and when the penis is too contracted it can affect erections too as blood cannot fill into the chamber as his muscles are not sponge like, and he would need to have them relax.  Adrenaline causes muscle contraction.

If his problem is severe he could take Terazosin 1mg or 2mg.  This is an anti-adrenaline and allows his muscles to release, as adrenaline causes muscles to contract.  It is often prescribed for BPH.  I recently started this medicine and it made a world of difference on contraction from adrenaline.  Who would have thought this medicine could help with this problem so much.  

This is different than anxiety and not to be confused if one is anxious than that is just anxiety.  A lot of people are anxious about penis issues.  If he is actually very contracted, blood cannot fill into the penis correctly too, (bad spongylike tissue in the penis), and this medicine will fight the contractedness of the penis, and allow the muscles to relax.  I started it and it made a world of difference.  Best wishes.  It is best to not use this medicine long term but manage symptoms through yoga, and meditation etc. to control adrenaline.
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Avatar universal
I was worried about my condition too. I've just gotten use to it. It does appear that yours is pretty sever though. Have you been back to the VA? I know they're a pain, but with your 0% rating you can at least keep them busy until they get off there butts and try to help. (I hate how they always throw "weight" into their clinical analysis. It feels like they just want to find an answer they can write down so they can get to the next patient)
Are you still married?
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Avatar universal
I'm 37 years old, a Disabled Vet of the US Army, and I can tell you that this penile retraction thing ended my military career. I was n peak physical condition, not fat pad, no jelly roll, none of the BS that doctors claim to cause this condition. I've been to the M. clinic, and about a dozen urologists. None of them have any idea how it is caused.

My condition started during a 10 mile run on a Military post "fun run". I doubled over in pain, and couldn't pull it back out. That was in 2007. Needless to say it got worse the more physical exercise I did. It seemed that the better shape I got in, the worse it was. I was med boarded in 2008.

I couldn't run, swim, bike, or lift/carry anything over 20 lbs for more than 30 seconds without it happening. Today, I am now 50 lbs heavier due to the lack of exercise. Now the doctors are back to telling me that it has to do with my weight.

Because the Army didn't have any clue what or how it was, I got a 0% disability rating for it. My life has been negatively impacted in ways I cannot even begin to tell. Sex life, marriage, stress, anxiety, and depression. My physical life is all but over. I can't do anything like I used to.

I'm glad that finally, there is a group of people who experience the same thing. Up till 2009, I thought I was the only one in the world with this condition.

Let's pray for a fix - before I'm too old to do what I already miss.
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Avatar universal
Hi, I googled penis retraction and found this thread, this started happening to me probably about 8 yrs ago. I am 51, While most of the time its just a neausance...but it has stopped me from doing some things in life that i enjoy doing...Did Dr.Lue have anything else to say about it? Its easy to say just dont think about it.....just wondering if theres anything else to do...? thanks
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Avatar universal
Hi, I googled penis retraction and found this thread, this started happening to me probably about 8 yrs ago. I am 51, While most of the time its just a neausance...but it has stopped me from doing some things in life that i enjoy doing...Did Dr.Lue have anything else to say about it? Its easy to say just dont think about it.....just wondering if theres anything else to do...? thanks
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Avatar universal
I have had this problem since childhood. My **** doesn't seem to enjoy being "outdoors".  This ****** is very happy being inside me more than I care to say. And I don't have the slightest idea of what to do about it.
Until I got here, I thought that it was just "me", or "that's normal".  Kinda like George on Seinfeld...
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Avatar universal
Thanks in advance for listening.  I know how you feel.  I too have shrinking penis.  I am 62 and overweight.  Have lost 14 lbs so far. Hypertension cholesterol, sleeping issues etc. I finally got tired of popping all those pills twice a day.  Went to an accupuncturist/herbalist and decided to try the herbal approach to weight loss figuring that losing the weight to a proper weight will help if not completely rectify the shrinking penis and ED. I picked up the herbal on Friday and it is now Tuesday and lost 4 pounds.  Also got rid of all carbonated drinks (goodby Diet Coke) and all processed foods.
I used to have a respectable size of 6" many years ago.  Now I am lucky to get 2 3/4 inches erect.  but soon as I penetrate I lose the erection. Seem erection is a lot about blood flow.  Also have Pyronies (bent penis) in a spot.
Here is what I do.
Place a heating pad over the genitals for 5 or more minutes.  Then give myself a Lingham Massage (used in Tantra) using quite a bit of Essential Oil of Japanese Mint mixed into the grapeseed oil.  Look up Tantra and Lingham Massage (male genital massage) on the internet and give him one. The goal of Lingham massage is to relax the penis and increase blood flow.  The goal is not to orgasm and ejaculate but if it happens that is fine too. Then you can ask your hubby to give you a Yoni massage (female genital massage) and you can have a fun intimate time together.
My wife doesn't really get motivated to help so I do it myself.  You could do it for him.
Here is my herb mixture:
Dandelion 7 grams
Codonopsis 7 grams
Astragalus (root) 7 grams
Piora Five herb formula
These are put in gelcaps take 3 pills - 3 times a day about 3 hours before or after food.
I have the penis that retracts into the body and the foreskin covers it.  I too need to adjust. When i go to the bathroom I need to remember to pull the penis out and stretch so head is past foreskin so I don't go all over the place.
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Avatar universal
I experience this as well.  I can go from 6"flacid one moment to 1" the next.  It is very uncomfortable when small and requires frequent adjusting.   Over the years I have tried strech exercises I have read about online but they never worked.  The only solution I have found for this is to use a silicone **** ring around my testicles which pulls some of the flacid penis material down and keeps my penis is from retracting to an uncomfortable size.  

After doing this for a year and a half I rarely find it retracting to a painfully small size but it does retract.  I use the ring now only when needed and found I could only wear it for a short time in the beginning as it was painful after a short time period until my body because accustomed to the ring.

This condition continues to happen if I am anxious, angry, cold or enter water.  However it rarely is a big issue anymore, other than cold water.  I have found that the retraction has no effect on the size of the erect penis but can be embarrasing when flacid.  Hopefully my experience will help.
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Avatar universal
It has been happening to me since I was a skinny 18 year old kid, and it only used to happen when I was lifting. But now it happens constantly (I am 40) when I am lifting, running, etc. and especially when I am stressed.  

After so many years, I have concluded that it has to do with different factors; overall penis length being the single biggest factor. This problem probably won't happen to a guy with a 7-8" ****. But my **** is like 3" soft, not to mention that I am 50 pounds overweight, so it practically disappears into the abyss of belly fat. Which I guess I just have to live with it.

My sex drive is **** these days but I can still perform and have an organism, and I have 2 children. But walking around it's basically a turtle's head 1/2 the time.

I can't say it hasn't affected my self esteem. I'd be lying if I said it didn't.
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Avatar universal
Shazel1989's comment makes me wonder how many of the folks with retracted penises are circumcised.  I am and I read an anti-circumcision post on Facebook that claimed that retracted penis is unique to circumcised males, but it sounds like Shazel1989's husband is uncircumcised.
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Avatar universal
I never had this problem till I contracted prostate cancer about a decade ago.  It has left me impotent and I've noticed that my penis seems very small.  It's never been huge, but since the prostectomy, it seems tiny.  When I wear very tight underwear, the penis retracts and my testicles seem to go into my body as well.  When I look at my crotch, it could pass for a woman's crotch and it even feels like a woman's crotch (through the cloth of the underwear).  Is this something I have to worry about?  Should I get it out right away each time it retracts, or is it OK to wait for a convenient time.  The tight underwear is something I seem to enjoy.
I was surprised to discover that Even though I haven't had an erection for a decade, I can still have an orgasm, but there is no ejaculation.
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Avatar universal
I am so glad I found this board, my husband has complained about this problem for the past year and half while he exercised and more recently he says it's now more often. He feels like his penis is poking forward because it becomes swallowed by his foreskin And rests on the top of his testicles.  I was trying to just Google for underwear that will keep him down so he doesn't have anxiety over it. He just told me today that he felt like he was left too much foreskin as a child and he thought that was the cause of the issue. He has no erection problems or changes.
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Avatar universal
Have your testosterone checked. I had to stop because of thickening of my blood when it started for me also I'm very over weight in the belly this could be a contributing factor. I'm also just below average in length
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Avatar universal
I am an ex-GI. I have the same thing and it is caused by anxiety which causes the muscles in the pelvic floor to tighten up. I have been going to pelvic floor physical therapy for a month and a half and see improvement. Mine started 2 years ago with my pelvic tightening problem. If I have a panic attack it really affects this. Deep abdominal breathing seems to help because it relaxes all that anatomy down in the pelvic floor. Something for stress or PTSD may also help..
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Retracting Penis Problem was started.
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Avatar universal
I did this same thing with the **** ring as well
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Avatar universal
"Vasoconstriction" - the constriction of blood vessels.
Medications that cause vasoconstriction include: antihistamines, decongestants, and stimulants.

Looks to be the cause of my problem? which seems to have started after going onto stimulant meds for ADD.

One remedy that sounds promising is a shot of alcohol :)

Good luck yall.
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Avatar universal
Oh, and I have had depression and am currently taking Lexapro and Alprazolam(Xanax).
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Avatar universal
I have lived with the all of my life.  It seems as though it happens when I'm hot and sweaty in that area, and when I am feeling anxiety.  Stress situations and also tobacco use.  Nicotine contributes to this and at least for me causes anxiety.  The only thing that seems to help is a little Goldbond powder or even baby powder.  

This disorder is uncomfortable and yes embarrassing.  I am constantly adjusting my junk and hate it.  I believe it is part psychological and part chemical.  Well it is good to know that others have this.
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Avatar universal
I
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Avatar universal
I am now 40, and did not have this problem until just recently.  I have had shrinkage while exercising, etc, but never experienced my penis collapsing in on itself until a couple months ago.  I am depressed, on a new medication (just started taking something for the depression, but this was going on before that med), take multiple supplements and eat a wide variety of good and bad foods.  I have several stomach/intestinal maladies, and was wondering if that had something to do with it.  One very common trait I've read about on here is depression... how many guys were depressed BEFORE this started?  (I'm presumming all are afterwards!)  I'd very much like a resolution to this uncomfortable and embarrassing condition!
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