As with any other part of the body, there are a range of conditions that can affect the penis. Social stigma, as well as plain old embarrassment can cause delays in seeking help, and turn what could be an easy treatment into something far more serious.
Children are born with foreskin that is stuck to the glans penis and cannot be retracted. This is entirely normal and parents should not try to forcibly retract it. Foreskin gradually separates by the time they are around 5 -10 years of age. Tight foreskin that cannot be retracted easily is called phimosis. If it is very tight, it can prevent flow of urine, balloon and cause infection and pain. In adults it can split during intercourse and lead to further scarring. It can also give rise to recurrent infections due to accumulation of smegma and urine around the glans, under the foreskin. It is important to maintain penile hygiene by retracting the foreskin daily and wash with soap & water. If conservative measures fail, it can be cured by circumcision.
The narrow band that runs from back of the foreskin to the opening of urethra can be short and give rise to pain on erection and splitting. This can be treated by Frenuloplasty.
It is a condition of unknown cause which starts pain in the penis on erection and development of a lump, usually on the upper aspect of the penis. It can be very distressing to the patient but is totally harmless condition which may take up to a year to stabilise. It may leave curvature of the penis and cause erectile dysfunction and difficulty penetrating. Various treatment options are available including injection therapy, shockwave therapy, surgical correction of the curvature.
The consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual performance.
You are not alone! It is estimated that there are 2.5 Million men in UK, 18 Million men in USA (between ages 40-70) who suffer from the problem. Nearly 2% Population @ 40 years, 25% Population @ 65 years, 35 -50% of Diabetics are in the same boat.
There is no single cause. Usually a mixture of factors contributes to the problem. These may include:
Of course, there are several remedies to overcome the problem. You will need a detailed clinical examination and sometimes special tests to rule out diabetes, low testosterone etc.
Erectile dysfunction medication – Viagra, Levitra & Cialis
Do speak to your GP or practice nurse, who may be able to assess and initiate therapy if suitable. You may be referred to Erectile Dysfunction clinic for further assessment and management. We all appreciate that it does take a lot of courage to speak to people about sensitive issues like these.
Dr Gopinathi is a Consultant Anaethetist practicing for nearly 22 years. Dr Gopinathi’s NHS base is Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex. Within the private medical sector Dr Gopinathi has practice privileges at various hospitals in the Essex and Hertford areas.
The profile for Dr. Venkat Shenoy is currently being updated. We thank you for being patient in this time.
All your services will be personally provided by Mr Potluri and his dedicated team.
Mr Bernard Potluri qualified with a MB BS in 1977. He then obtained masters in general surgery in 1981 and was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1989. Mr Potluri gained a diploma in urology from the Institute of Urology and University College, London in 1991.
