Signs of erectile tissue damage

Injuries to the penis can be extremely painful, as any man who’s ever been kicked there can confirm. However, you may not realise that it is possible to damage the penile tissue.

As if the physical pain wasn’t enough, ischemic penile tissue damage can sometimes become permanent, affecting not only sexual activity but also your overall life quality. There are options available to heal penile tissue damage and keep erectile tissue healthy and protected long-term.

Below, we explain how to recognise the signs of penis tissue damage and its causes and consequences. We also discuss the questions: Is penile tissue damage permanent, or can it heal? Finally, we share the best prevention care for erectile health.

Signs of erectile tissue damage

Erectile tissue damage is a serious concern that can affect a man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

Recognising the symptoms of penis tissue damage

Typically, the following symptoms appear either during or just after sexual activity:

Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection: One of the most obvious signs is erectile dysfunction (ED), which refers to the difficulty to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Reduced sensation in the penis: Nerve damage that might occur with erectile tissue damage can lead to a decrease in penile sensitivity (less feeling in the penis).

Painful erections: Experiencing pain during an erection can be a sign of underlying tissue damage. This pain might be due to physical trauma, inflammation, or other medical conditions like Peyronie's disease.

Changes in penis shape or size: A noticeable curve or bend in the penis, especially if it has developed suddenly, can indicate the presence of scar tissue. Additionally, a decrease in the length or girth (width) of the penis can also suggest tissue damage.

Erectile function fluctuations: Inconsistent erectile performance, where the ability to maintain an erection varies widely, can be a symptom of underlying issues with erectile tissue health. It is important to differentiate physical from mental symptoms.

Indeed, erectile dysfunction can also be a result of psychological issues, and it may not indicate any need for erectile tissue damage repair.

Where is the damaged penile tissue?

There is more than one type of damage to penis tissue:

• Corpus spongiosum is the long tissue which starts at the base of the penis and extends to the tip, forming the head.
• Corpus spongiosum damage symptoms include painful erection, erectile dysfunction, swelling and bruising, penile curvature, blood in urine and semen, reduced sensitivity (feeling), and the presence of lumps.
• Corpora cavernosa are the two cylindrical masses of erectile tissue running along the top of the penis. Damage to this tissue can lead to pain, change of shape, and ED.
• Connective tissue, the tunica albugina, can be damaged in a penile fracture or as part of Peyronie’s disease.
• Ischemic penile tissue damage, which causes uncontrolled blood flow to the penis, leading to prolonged erection of several hours.

Causes of erectile tissue damage

Before asking whether damaged penile tissue can heal, it’s useful to understand how the damage happened in the first place:

Physical trauma: Injury to the pelvic area or direct trauma to the penis can result in erectile tissue damage. This might be due to accidents, sports injuries, or surgical procedures.

Untreated erectile dysfunction: ED might increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease, which can gradually lead to scar tissue buildup. 1

Medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure can impair blood flow and nerve function, leading to erectile tissue damage. 2

Lifestyle factors: Poor lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to erectile tissue damage.

Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, antihypertensives, and cancer treatments, can have side effects that impact erectile tissue health.

Ageing: The natural ageing process can lead to a decline in erectile function due to reduced blood flow, hormonal changes, and the cumulative impact of other health conditions.

Psychological and relational effects

The impact of erectile tissue damage extends beyond physical health, affecting psychological well-being and relationships:

Anxiety and depression: Men experiencing erectile dysfunction often struggle with anxiety and depression. The stress of not being able to perform sexually can lead to a significant emotional burden, exacerbating the problem.

Reduced self-esteem: Erectile dysfunction can affect a man's confidence and self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment.

Strain on relationship: Sexual health is an integral part of intimate relationships. Erectile dysfunction can cause frustration, resentment, and a decrease in sexual intimacy, straining the relationship between partners.

Avoidance of sexual activity: The fear of failure can lead men to avoid sexual encounters altogether, further impacting their relationships and mental health.

Can erectile tissue heal on its own?

Can damaged penile tissue heal? Yes, penile tissue damage healing is something that can happen.

In some cases where the damage is minimal and caused by temporary issues like stress or minor trauma, the erectile tissue may recover on its own with proper rest and care. It is best to monitor the condition, focusing on colour and sensitivity changes and firmness levels.

You must get medical advice if you notice bruising, change in shape or loss of sensitivity.

Healing on its own is less likely to repair damage resulting from chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The aim of improving erectile health is to manage the underlying condition.

Medical treatment is often necessary to address the underlying cause and promote healing. Consulting a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and penile tissue damage medicine can be a game-changer.

Penile tissue damage treatment

Ideally, you want to figure out how to repair damaged penile tissue with the right treatment. Different treatments are available, depending entirely on your health and needs.

How do you know when the treatment is working? The successful signs of erectile tissue damage treatment are always an improvement of the condition, which means:

• No pain or gradual pain decrease during the healing period
• The ability to get or maintain an erection
• Reduction of swelling and bruising
• Return of sensitivity, or better sensitivity

The healing process doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with your body, allowing it to heal fully.

For penis tissue damage caused by physical erectile dysfunction, you may want to look for medications prescribed to enhance blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and maintaining an erection, especially in the event of damaged nerves or tissues.

But when it comes to psychological ED, psychological counselling or sex therapy can help address the emotional and relational aspects of erectile dysfunction, particularly if stress or anxiety is a contributing factor. 3

When chronic conditions, like diabetes or issues linked to smoking, come into play, a lifestyle change may be necessary to help heal damaged penile tissue.

For example, adopting a healthier lifestyle by exercising, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can significantly improve erectile healing function.

In severe cases where there is significant structural damage or Peyronie’s disease, surgical interventions, such as penile implants or corrective surgery, may need to be considered. You should see your GP or local sexual health clinic if this is the case.

Penis pumps or vacuum erection devices can also help achieve an erection by creating a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the erectile tissue. This is designed to address issues linked to blood flow. This can also be used to help retrain the penis after an injury.

Penis tissue damage prevention

Once erectile tissue is damaged, it tends to be more vulnerable to further injury. Taking proactive measures may protect the penis from activities that could exacerbate the damage.

Use protective gear: During sports or vigorous physical activities, wearing protective cups and cushioning can shield the penis from direct impacts or excessive bending. This padding helps prevent the delicate tissue from being subjected to undue pressure.

Manage medical conditions: Managing medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease will prevent further harm to fragile erectile tissues. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also support these delicate blood vessels, keeping them healthy and functioning properly.

Reduce stress: High levels of stress can disrupt tissue healing, making it important to adopt stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or regular exercise. A relaxed mind supports the body's natural repair processes.

Gentle handling and overall health: Being gentle with the penis and prioritising overall health can give damaged areas the best chance of recovery.

Avoiding re-injury: Take precautions to prevent re-injury. Minor scarring can become more severe and lead to permanent damage if not properly managed.

Damaged penile tissue - FAQs

How do you keep erectile tissue healthy?

Keeping erectile tissue healthy involves maintaining good overall health. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and managing stress. Regular medical check-ups can help detect and manage underlying conditions that might affect erectile health.

How can I test myself for erectile dysfunction?

Self-assessment for erectile dysfunction can involve monitoring your ability to achieve and maintain erections, noting any changes in penile sensation or shape, and recognising any psychological factors affecting your sexual performance. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary if you are concerned.

What causes erectile tissue to become stiff?

Sometimes, if you sustain erectile tissue damage that tries to heal by itself, the body produces collagen, a tough tissue, as part of the healing process. In some cases, the collagen becomes too stiff (scar tissue), making it difficult to achieve an erection.

What happens if Peyronie’s is left untreated?

If left untreated, Peyronie’s disease can lead to chronic pain, significant penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction.

References

1. Hussein AA, Alwaal A, Lue TF. All about peyronie’s disease. Asian J Urol [Internet]. 2015 Apr 1 [cited 2024 Jul];2(2):70–8.
2. Leslie SW, Sooriyamoorthy T. Erectile Dysfunction. 2024 Jan [cited 2024 Jul]
3.  MS, Wood AM, Sheffield D. The psychology of erectile dysfunction. Curr Dir Psychol Sci [Internet]. 2023 Dec 8 [cited 2024 Jul];32(6):487–93.