Penile “Fracture”: Intense Sex Leaves Husband’s Genitals Swollen Like an “Eggplant” — Embarrassed, He Toughs It Out for Hours Before Seeking Help

Couples should be careful not to get too rough during sex, or it can end in injury and a ruined night. A hospital in Hangzhou recently released a case of a man who suffered serious trauma to his genitals during intercourse with his wife. His penis swelled up like an eggplant. At first he was too embarrassed to seek help and toughed it out for several hours at home. Only when the swelling became severe did he finally go to the emergency room.

Sudden, Severe Pain

According to reports, at around 2 a.m., 49-year-old Mr. Ji (pseudonym) was helped into the emergency department by his wife. His face was pale and he was sweating. A few hours earlier, during sex, there was a sudden dull sound. Mr. Ji felt intense, tearing pain, and his penis immediately began to swell and turn red.

The couple felt embarrassed and ashamed. They stayed at home for several hours, hoping the problem would improve on its own. But when they saw the penis had swollen into a purple, eggplant-like shape, they rushed to the hospital.

Like an Overinflated Tire

Emergency doctors examined him and found obvious swelling of the penis with extensive subcutaneous bruising. The initial diagnosis was injury to the corpora cavernosa — commonly known as a “penile fracture.” Further examination confirmed a localized tear in the tunica albuginea of the right corpus cavernosum, accompanied by a subcutaneous hematoma.

Doctors performed emergency repair surgery: they cleared the accumulated blood under the skin and repaired the torn section of the tunica albuginea.

The doctor explained the mechanism: when the penis is erect, the vascular spaces inside the corpora cavernosa fill with a large amount of blood. At this time the tunica albuginea is stretched tight and becomes thinner. If strong external force is applied at that moment, the membrane can rupture — similar to a tire that has been overinflated and then bursts.

What to Do in This Situation

Doctors advise that if a similar emergency occurs:

• Do not apply heat
• Do not massage the area
• Seek medical help as quickly as possible within 24 hours

Delaying treatment can make the injury more complicated and increase the risk of long-term problems with erectile function.