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Possible Trauma to Penis/Scrotum/Testicles?
Hi! I am a male in my early 40s in very good health. (My ast physical, blood test, etc. about 6 months ago - all of that went well.)
I have been sexually active with a female partner for quite some time, never with any problems in the urology department ... until about a week ago ... of course, otherwise I wouldn't be posting here, right? :)
While with my partner, I had an erection and, while still hard, I managed to move my hand over my scrotum and tug upwards on it a bit. This action is not unusual for me per se (be gentle, of course) ... but I guess I must have tugged a bit more than usual this go-round, because within a span of 5-10 seconds afterward, I felt a twinge of pain in my lower right side (where the leg meets up with the crotch area), followed by a very dramatic, first-time-ever loss of the existing erection. In seconds, the penis literally (yes, literally) softened and shrunk in my hand. This has NEVER happened before, ever. It was as if a power switch was shut off, and immediately I thought "Oh no, I just broke something!?!"
This scared me at first (who wouldn't be scared?), but I eventually collected my wits, because I do know that emotions can only compound sexual response issues. I explained to my partner that something might be wrong, and we calmly and rationally discussed our next move.
We decided to reduce sexual activity (on me) for a week, and start by observing the penis and scrotum over that time and just take really good notes. I wasn't in Emergency Room pain, after all, and perhaps this was temporary and would subside in a few days. Worst case, I would have good info to share with the urologist.
Here's what we learned.
The pinching sensation continued (now more pronounced at the lower right base of the penis as well as where the right leg meets up with the crotch area) for about a day or two. The pinch was more pronounced and continuously present while seated, so I stood from time to time to help alleviate some of the pain. (Advil and the like did nothing to help, incidentally.) Eventually, the pinching settled in to a dull pain/numb sensation, as it is now.
For the duration, the penis has been comparatively more flaccid in its resting state. Being the scientist types that we are, we decided to experiment a bit after all, just to see if we could bring about another erection as well as masturbate to orgasm ... but very carefully.
We noticed that getting an erection is, without a doubt, more difficult now than before the incident, though it is possible. However, it is not as strong as it was before, and - more interestingly - it does not maintain itself for very long now. Leave it alone and it goes completely away in, say, 20 seconds vs. over a span of 3 minutes without any stimulation of any kind. In fact, even with stimulation, it doesn't matter, it's tricky to maintain.
Despite this, I was able to eventually reach orgasm exactly twice since the incident. (I did not notice any difference in the ejaculate, except perhaps that there was less of it, but that could be coincidence - no idea.) All other times, it was simply not possible to compete - the erection would not stay in place and it would become a losing battle. Keep in mind, I was taking care not to be frustrated with myself or put pressure on myself. I just wanted to see what it would do "in otherwise normal circumstances".
Another, equally notable difference is in the testicles and scrotum. Normally, the scrotum is tightened more often than not, especially when in the open air. (Not that it is always super tight. Just that it is has been "tighter" when at rest in the past, across a range of temperatures.) This is no longer the case. In fact it is remarkably loose-hanging now compared to the way it was before. I've never seen the scrotum so loose before. It was peculiar, almost foreign. ("Is this me?" That sort of reaction.)
The testicles don't feel different on careful examination (no bumps, etc. that I can notice) but they can and do feel sore after a failed attempt at ejaculation (classic blue balls?). More curiously, something I only noticed this morning, light/careful tapping on the testicles only results in a faint/dull pain vs. a more pronounced/sharp pain. (Not that I do this normally. I don't! But I do know my body well enough to know they used to be more sensitive than they are now.)
So, all of the above now has me wondering if I did indeed injure something and, if so, what the possibilities are. With my week of observations done, I am going to bring all of this info to a urologist (starting with the high level info - I'm not a doctor, but I want to provide him with my observations nonetheless!).
I imagine he will examine me further, run tests, perhaps a scan, ask more questions, and hopefully we will get to the bottom of this rather sudden/vexing problem. I sure hope it is temporary or that whatever is traumatized (a muscle, nerve) can be set right.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share my findings here in case others have ever experienced something as similar/sudden/frightening. I also invite any medical professionals reading this to weigh in as they see fit.
Thanks for reading!
I have been sexually active with a female partner for quite some time, never with any problems in the urology department ... until about a week ago ... of course, otherwise I wouldn't be posting here, right? :)
While with my partner, I had an erection and, while still hard, I managed to move my hand over my scrotum and tug upwards on it a bit. This action is not unusual for me per se (be gentle, of course) ... but I guess I must have tugged a bit more than usual this go-round, because within a span of 5-10 seconds afterward, I felt a twinge of pain in my lower right side (where the leg meets up with the crotch area), followed by a very dramatic, first-time-ever loss of the existing erection. In seconds, the penis literally (yes, literally) softened and shrunk in my hand. This has NEVER happened before, ever. It was as if a power switch was shut off, and immediately I thought "Oh no, I just broke something!?!"
This scared me at first (who wouldn't be scared?), but I eventually collected my wits, because I do know that emotions can only compound sexual response issues. I explained to my partner that something might be wrong, and we calmly and rationally discussed our next move.
We decided to reduce sexual activity (on me) for a week, and start by observing the penis and scrotum over that time and just take really good notes. I wasn't in Emergency Room pain, after all, and perhaps this was temporary and would subside in a few days. Worst case, I would have good info to share with the urologist.
Here's what we learned.
The pinching sensation continued (now more pronounced at the lower right base of the penis as well as where the right leg meets up with the crotch area) for about a day or two. The pinch was more pronounced and continuously present while seated, so I stood from time to time to help alleviate some of the pain. (Advil and the like did nothing to help, incidentally.) Eventually, the pinching settled in to a dull pain/numb sensation, as it is now.
For the duration, the penis has been comparatively more flaccid in its resting state. Being the scientist types that we are, we decided to experiment a bit after all, just to see if we could bring about another erection as well as masturbate to orgasm ... but very carefully.
We noticed that getting an erection is, without a doubt, more difficult now than before the incident, though it is possible. However, it is not as strong as it was before, and - more interestingly - it does not maintain itself for very long now. Leave it alone and it goes completely away in, say, 20 seconds vs. over a span of 3 minutes without any stimulation of any kind. In fact, even with stimulation, it doesn't matter, it's tricky to maintain.
Despite this, I was able to eventually reach orgasm exactly twice since the incident. (I did not notice any difference in the ejaculate, except perhaps that there was less of it, but that could be coincidence - no idea.) All other times, it was simply not possible to compete - the erection would not stay in place and it would become a losing battle. Keep in mind, I was taking care not to be frustrated with myself or put pressure on myself. I just wanted to see what it would do "in otherwise normal circumstances".
Another, equally notable difference is in the testicles and scrotum. Normally, the scrotum is tightened more often than not, especially when in the open air. (Not that it is always super tight. Just that it is has been "tighter" when at rest in the past, across a range of temperatures.) This is no longer the case. In fact it is remarkably loose-hanging now compared to the way it was before. I've never seen the scrotum so loose before. It was peculiar, almost foreign. ("Is this me?" That sort of reaction.)
The testicles don't feel different on careful examination (no bumps, etc. that I can notice) but they can and do feel sore after a failed attempt at ejaculation (classic blue balls?). More curiously, something I only noticed this morning, light/careful tapping on the testicles only results in a faint/dull pain vs. a more pronounced/sharp pain. (Not that I do this normally. I don't! But I do know my body well enough to know they used to be more sensitive than they are now.)
So, all of the above now has me wondering if I did indeed injure something and, if so, what the possibilities are. With my week of observations done, I am going to bring all of this info to a urologist (starting with the high level info - I'm not a doctor, but I want to provide him with my observations nonetheless!).
I imagine he will examine me further, run tests, perhaps a scan, ask more questions, and hopefully we will get to the bottom of this rather sudden/vexing problem. I sure hope it is temporary or that whatever is traumatized (a muscle, nerve) can be set right.
Meanwhile, I wanted to share my findings here in case others have ever experienced something as similar/sudden/frightening. I also invite any medical professionals reading this to weigh in as they see fit.
Thanks for reading!
Back from the urologist. He dictated the full report in front of me, but here's the bottom line: From my description, it sounds "as if" I could have suffered a penile fracture, but it certainly doesn't LOOK that way (of course). Also, I'm back at what I would call 80% capacity, as it were ... but still not 100%. The main thing he suspects is the Ilioinguinal nerve on the right side, plus he noted that the muscles in the right groin area are not as tight as on the left (so some muscle pulling, and all of this seems consistent with how I felt last Monday). He felt that a doppler was overkill at this time and that, given everything I presented, I should keep the area relaxed for a good 3-4 weeks, no extra activity in that region, try not to sit too much (unless I absolutely must, and then I should get up and stand/walk every hour or so), and see how things heal. After one month, we will regroup and reassess.
... and another one. The penis tip is a bit dulled in sensation and tumescence (if that word applies here at all). This seems consistent though. It's as if everything's working, but not as full-force as usual. Meanwhile, I have my appointment set!
... and one more new observation: overall, when I manage to be erect, I dare say the left side is somewhat more tumescent (?) than the right. Not a ton, but I sense a slight difference "on the way back down" more than up. Maybe it's in my mind? The righ side of the pubic area also seems a tad sore and/or swollen, but only very slightly - no visible discoloration. Just a sore and pinched feeling. Curiouser and curiouser. (Can you tell I'm impatient to see the urologist on Monday? Hopefully Monday, anyway.)
More info: no visible swelling, no discoloration in urine, no sign of internal bleeding, no trouble urinating (though it is certainly weaker at the tail end), just dull pinching pain on the lower right side of the penile shaft and near the scrotal area (right side). Very puzzling. Can't wait to see the urologist and figure this out, that's for sure. (Monday.)
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