Penis size is a concern for many men and, in fact, only half of men are happy with their member.
But for some chaps, there’s a condition affecting how long their penis looks, even if it’s of average size.
While it’s not common, there have been calls for help on forums from guys who are struggling with a condition called Buried Penis.
Otherwise known as hidden penis or retractile penis, Metro enlisted the help of Dr Hana Patel, NHS GP, to explain the symptoms, causes and treatments that are involved with this condition.
What is a buried penis and what are the symptoms?
Dr Patel tells Metro.co.uk: ‘This term is used for a normal sized penis that might be covered by either skin, subcutaneous tissue, and/or fat in the prepubic area.’
While it’s uncommon – one study found it was present in less than 4% of newborn boys in Japan – Dr Patel explains the condition ‘tends to be congenital’.
‘This means it’s present when a baby is born,’ she says. ‘If adults get it when they are older, it tends to be related to obesity.’
When it comes to the side-effects or symptoms of having a buried penis, Dr Patel explains that their sex lives can be affected.
She explains: ‘Some men with buried penis are unable to achieve an erection or find that their erections are quite painful.
‘Some men who are able to achieve a normal erection, may find that due to the layers of tissues above it, that the tissue might rise but the penis may not protrude beyond them.’
Apart from sexual dysfunction, the doctor also adds that going for a wee may be difficult, as might be keeping the penis clean.
What is the difference between a buried penis and a micropenis?
A buried penis is a condition in which a man’s penis becomes hidden inside folds of skin or fat,’ Dr Patel reiterates.
‘Some men might have a micropenis and this is a different condition.
‘A micropenis is an unusually small penis normally diagnosed at birth. The penis itself is otherwise normal as is the scrotum and perineum.
‘If someone is born with this, it may be due to abnormalities in the ligaments and structures that attach the penis to the body, it can also develop later in life.’
Micropenises are rare – they occur in just 0.6% of men worldwide, although this is still a significant amount of people.
The official definition of a micropenis is a penis which is a maximum of 2.75 inches when fully erect.
What causes a buried penis?
Dr Patel admits that obesity can cause a buried penis but it’s not the only cause.
‘There may be penile skin deficiency associated with circumcision or trauma, Fournier’s gangrene, or complications of penile enlargement surgery,’ she explains.
‘Some men may also have severe scrotal lymphedema that causes a buried penis too.’
According to the NHS, Fournier’s gangrene is an extremely rare but life-threatening bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin that surrounds muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels around the testicles, penis, and the perineum which is the area between the scrotum and anus for a man.
This is a rare serious infection, called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Necrosis meaning: body tissue is dead or is dying because of a lack of blood flow or a bacterial infection.
Scrotal lymphedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues – in this case the scrotum.
It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid.
What impact can a buried penis have on a man’s health?
‘People are often unhappy with their appearance and length of their penis, as it is not so easy to see it, and the functional length might seem smaller to the individual,’ Dr Patel explains.
There is also usually a negative impact on the person’s mental health, understandably.
Dr Patel says: ‘A buried penis may cause emotional and mental health issues, especially if the condition is a due to morbid obesity.
‘Both obesity and a buried penis can greatly affect a man’s self-esteem. Men with a buried penis may suffer from depression and anxiety and if they are concerned about this they should speak to their GP about this.’
The condition is also associated with men being unhappy about the appearance of their penis.
What treatment is available for a buried penis?
‘If being overweight is the cause, then weight loss may improve some symptoms for those who have a buried penis,’ Dr Patel says.
But, depending on the cause, treatment options will be different for everyone.
Dr Patel adds: ‘To improve the way a buried penis looks, surgeons can remove excess skin, fat, or scar tissue to free the penis.
‘When combined with postoperative weight loss, surgical repair of buried penis can greatly benefit patients by improving urinary and sexual function in addition to their mental and psychological well-being.’
In a situation where a man is struggling to have an ‘erection suitable for penetrative sex’, this could have ‘negative psychological consequences’.
Dr Patel advises: ‘Psychological counselling may be needed in individuals who are depressed or stressed about this treatable condition.’
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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