Partial Penile Swelling

[CLC25]

Almost ten years ago (when I was around 20) my girlfriend and I were having "dry sex" (simulated sex with our clothes on) and it may or may not have graduated to the real thing (can't remember) but the act of pressing my body into hers apparently put a lot of pressure on my penis.  After this episode, I noticed that there was a lump or a large swollen area on the left side of my penis.  Once I lost my erection and some time (a day) had gone by the lump/swollen area seemed to disappear.  Since then, if I maintain an erection for a long period of time or do anything that approximates this dry sex thing it reoccurs.  Generally, the longer the erection or the more pressure on the penis that occurs the more pronounced this swelling is.  I get the idea that blood is getting loose and is being trapped in that area of my penis when it shouldn't be.  It's not painful, and it hasn't really presented any problems for me, but nonetheless it would be nice to know what it is.  I have not mentioned this to a doctor simply because it's not generating any real problems.  That said, for all I know I don't have an optimum erection due to this.  It's been ten years so I assume it can't be anything that horrible but please let me know your opinion.  Thanks in advance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is possible that you may have sustained some penile trauma.  During an erection, arterial blood flow causes the penis to be come rigid thus placing it at higher risk for injury. The pain from trauma may last for a short time or it may continue. The penis develops a collection of blood under the skin called a hematoma, which can distort the appearance of the penis (eggplant deformity).

Imaging techniques might include an ultrasound of the penis, MRI or a special test called a cavernosogram. In the latter test, a thin hypodermic needle is inserted into one area of the penis before a radio contrast solution is injected and X-rays taken.

The treatment of choice will probably be for the individual to undergo surgery since it has the best long-term results by lowering complication rates often linked to non-surgical approaches.

I would suggest a referral to a urologist.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[cole22]

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[park12]

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