How to judge whether the corpus cavernosum is damaged

Damage to the corpus cavernosum can be judged by symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, abnormal curvature, local pain, swelling and congestion, and abnormal urination. The main symptoms include insufficient erection hardness, penile curvature and deformation, sexual intercourse pain, subcutaneous hematoma, urinary bifurcation, etc.

1. Erectile dysfunction:

Damage to the corpus cavernosum most typically manifests as a decrease in erection hardness or the inability to maintain an erection. If the injury affects the arterial blood supply or venous closure function of the penis, it will lead to insufficient congestion during erection. Mild injuries may manifest only as a shortened erection, while severe injuries may result in complete impotence. Nocturnal erection testing and ultrasound of penile blood flow can aid in diagnosis.

2. Abnormal curvature of the penis:

Rupture or fibrosis of the tunica cavernosa can cause the penis to bend toward the affected side during erection. Acute injuries are often accompanied by sudden, severe pain and "popping" sounds, while chronic Peyronie's disease presents with progressive curvature. A bending angle of more than 30 degrees may affect sexual life, and the location of the fibrous plaque needs to be confirmed by palpation and ultrasound.

3. Local pain symptoms:

Acute injuries may cause sharp or distended pain, which is especially aggravated by an erection. Chronic inflammation may appear as dull pain or tenderness. The pain is mostly concentrated in the middle or root of the penis and may radiate to the perineum. It needs to be differentiated from diseases such as prostatitis and urethritis.

4. Swelling and congestion:

Traumatic injuries commonly cause penile subcutaneous hematoma or skin bruising, and in severe cases, the "eggplant sign" deformity may form. Bleeding within the corpus cavernosum can cause abnormal enlargement of the penis and a fluctuating sensation on palpation. Be aware that continued swelling may compress the urethra and make urination difficult.

3. Abnormal urination:

Severe injuries may be complicated by urethral tears, which may manifest as hematuria, painful urination, or a thin urine stream. Increased pain during urination or urinary retention require emergency treatment. Urethrography and cystoscopy can confirm whether there is associated urethral injury.

It is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention from a urology department when the above symptoms occur, and evaluate the degree of damage through penile color ultrasound, MRI, and other examinations. In the acute stage, cold compresses are needed to stop bleeding and avoid erection. In the chronic stage, low-intensity shock wave therapy can be tried. Daily strenuous sexual behavior and trauma should be avoided, basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be controlled, and appropriate supplementation of zinc and vitamin E can help with tissue repair. Use lubricant to reduce friction during sexual activity. If you find priapism lasting more than 4 hours, seek medical attention immediately.