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In this Article

• What disorders affect the penis?
• What is priapism?
• What causes priapism?
• How is priapism treated?
• What is Peyronie's disease?
• What causes Peyronie's disease?
• How is Peyronie's disease treated?
• What is balanitis?
• What causes balanitis?
• How is balanitis treated?
• What is phimosis?
• What causes phimosis?
• How is phimosis treated?
• What is paraphimosis?
• What causes paraphimosis?
• How is paraphimosis treated?
• What is penile cancer?
• What causes penile cancer?
• What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
• What treatments are given for penile cancer?
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Penis Disorders Index

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin, once retracted, cannot return to its original location. It is a medical emergency that can cause serious complications if not treated.

Paraphimosis may occur after an erection or sexual activity, or as the result of injury to the head of the penis. With paraphimosis, the foreskin becomes stuck behind the ridge of the head of the penis. If this condition is prolonged, it can cause pain and swelling, and impair blood flow to the penis. In extreme cases, the lack of blood flow can result in the death of tissue (gangrene), and amputation of the penis may be necessary.

Treatment of paraphimosis focuses on reducing the swelling of the glans and foreskin. Applying ice may help reduce swelling, as may applying pressure to the glans to force out blood and fluid. If these measures fail to reduce swelling and allow the foreskin to return to its normal position, an injection of medication to help drain the penis may be necessary. In severe cases, a surgeon may make small cuts in the foreskin to release it. Circumcision also may be used as a treatment for paraphimosis.

Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the penis divide and grow uncontrolled. Certain benign (non-cancerous) tumors may progress and become cancer.

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