The penis is a fairly resilient appendage: it has to be, since it is normally well used over the course of a lifetime. But even though it is designed to take rough treatment, at least to an extent, it is possible to cause more permanent damage to the penis. When something isn’t quite right, it’s important to know the difference between minor bruising and more serious injury, as well as the right steps to take to safeguard overall penis health.

Bruised penis

Vigorous masturbation or intercourse can lead to contusions below the surface of the skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin - most people will recognize the bluish or purplish discoloring as a typical bruise. A bruise occurs when the fine blood vessels under the outer dermal layer are torn due to pressure, such as aggressive squeezing of the penis during masturbation.

A penis bruise generally heals on its own, over a period of two to four weeks and may take on a greenish or yellowish appearance before finally disappearing. Abstaining from masturbation or sex may help to speed healing. In addition, penis nutrients such as vitamin C, which is needed for the formation of vascular tissue (blood vessels) may promote healing and help to restore a healthy appearance to the penis skin. Using a lubricant during sexual activity and keeping the skin properly moisturized can help to reduce the effects of friction and pressure.

While bruises may be tender to the touch initially, they should not cause a great deal of discomfort or pain. Penis bruises that are painful or do not heal after 3 to 4 weeks should be treated by a doctor. If bruises are accompanied by other symptoms, such as painful urination, it is important to consult with an urologist or general practitioner for an accurate diagnosis of the problem.

Bent penis

Many men have a penis that is not perfectly straight; a small degree of bending or curvature in one direction or another is perfectly normal. However, a penis that develops a pronounced bend or curve, especially following an injury, could be at risk for Peyronie’s disease, an uncomfortable and potentially disfiguring condition.

The erectile tissue inside the penis - the corpora cavernosa - consists of a spongy material that fills with blood on stimulation, allowing an erection to occur. When the penis is injured, whether due to sudden trauma or chronic rough handling, scar tissue or plaques may form around the corpora cavernosa. These plaques can prevent the tissue underneath it from expanding causing something like a bowstring effect. As the unaffected tissue expands during an erection, this causes a bend in the penis that may be pronounced, in which case Peyronie’s disease may be diagnosed. A penis that is unnaturally bent or curved in this manner can cause a great deal of discomfort and in some cases it may make penetration difficult or impossible. In some instances, impotence may result.

Men who are diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease often resort to surgery to correct the condition, which involves removing the scar tissue and replacing it with a tissue graft, a process which sometimes leads to penile dysfunction.

While it is not always possible to avoid injury or to prevent the occurrence of Peyronie’s disease, men can take steps to promote overall penis health and to reduce the risk of injury through proper nutrition and hydration of the penis.

Promoting a healthy penis

Like the rest of the body, the penis needs proper nutrition to keep the nerves, skin and blood vessels in working order. Applying a specialized formula containing penis vitamin (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) such as vitamins A and C can help to keep the skin and underlying connective tissue healthy and supple. In addition, natural moisturizers such as shea butter and vitamin E can help to prevent injury by keeping the effects of friction to a minimum.