Buried penis is a condition where the penis is concealed beneath excess fat or skin, making it appear hidden despite being of normal size.
Published Jul 27, 2023 | 9:35 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 27, 2023 | 11:56 AM
Buried penis can be congenital in some cases, but over 90% of cases are due to morbid obesity. (Creative Commons)
In a city bustling with life, a young couple’s newlywed bliss was clouded by an intimate revelation. Both in their early 20s, Tony and Rita (names changed) found themselves facing an unexpected challenge soon after their marriage.
The couple sought help from renowned urologist Dr Jason Philip at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai to address a deeply personal and delicate issue — Tony’s buried penis.
Rita narrated the tale with candor and vulnerability.
Born into a lower-middle-class family, she had agreed to an arranged marriage with Tony, the son of a well-to-do family. However, their wedding night brought a revelation that shattered Rita’s expectations of intimacy and left Tony feeling helpless and inadequate.
In an emotional meeting with Dr Philip, Rita revealed that despite being passionately interested in sex, she discovered Tony’s hidden condition during their wedding night’s intimate moments.
Driven by fear, confusion, and the deep emotional impact, Rita declared, “Doctor, my husband doesn’t have a penis!”
The couple walked into our place on a sweaty, warm, humid evening. The first thing I noticed about Tony was his immense obesity, contrasted by his young age( 24 yrs), and impeccable dress sense. After being seated, there was an awkward silence. The girl broke the ice.
— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) July 26, 2023
According to Dr Philip, her blunt frankness was uncharacteristic for her age, but it revealed the profound pain she carried.
As Tony entered the doctor’s office, he appeared composed but visibly anxious. “I was born with a penis, but for the past five years, I can’t see the ‘thing’, though I can pee, but with some straining. I didn’t mean to cheat her. I thought everything will be okay after marriage,” Tony told the doctor.
This problem made sexual activity and even urination challenging, causing strain and discomfort.
A thorough physical examination revealed Tony’s buried penis, a condition where the penis is concealed beneath an abundance of fat or skin, obscuring its visibility despite its normal size. Dr Philip explained that obesity was a typical cause of this condition and he recommended weight loss as the primary approach for Tony’s case.
“It was a ‘buried penis’ caused (in this case), entirely due to being overweight. The problem could usually be solved. Initially, I wanted him to lose weight and attempt penetration. I gave him the address of a weight loss clinic and requested him to meet me after six months,” tweeted Dr Philip.
Speaking to South First, Dr Philip said that excess weight or obesity can contribute to a buried penis by accumulating fat around the pubic area, which then covers or surrounds the base of the penis, making it less visible.
“Buried penis can be congenital in some cases, but in my experience, over 90 percent of cases are due to morbid obesity. Excessive fat deposits in the pubic region surround the penis, leaving only a small opening for urine passage,” Dr Philip explained.
Apart from sexual function, including erection and penetration, individuals with a buried penis may experience difficulties in keeping the penis exposed and visible, leading to difficulties with urination and hygiene.
Arousal may also be impacted in cases of a buried penis, especially if the condition leads to feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Addressing the underlying cause and improving the appearance and functionality of the penis through treatments can positively influence arousal and overall sexual satisfaction.
Dr Philip advised Tony and Rita to work together as a team, supporting each other through this journey. He recommended that Tony focus on rapid and motivated weight loss, highlighting that losing around 40 to 50 kg could significantly improve the visibility and functionality of his penis. Additionally, he encouraged Rita to be a source of motivation and support for Tony during this transformative process.
Six months later, Tony and Rita returned to Dr Philip’s clinic, visibly transformed. Tony had lost a considerable amount of weight; however they hadn’t yet achieved full penetration.
“The available treatment options for a buried penis include weight loss, which is often recommended as the initial approach, especially if obesity is a contributing factor. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to address the condition, particularly if weight loss alone does not resolve the issue,” explained Dr Philip.
Dr Philip re-examined Tony and though the weight loss had significantly improved the visibility of the penis, some challenges persisted due to excess pubic fat and minor adhesions. Understanding that the couple desired a fulfilling intimate life, Dr Philip recommended a surgical procedure.
In cases where surgery is required, the procedure typically involves removing excess fat and tissues from the pubic area to expose and release the buried penis.
“Surgical intervention is sometimes required to release ligaments that hold the penis to the pubic bone, allowing the penis to become more visible. This procedure is particularly beneficial for babies or congenital cases with short ligaments,” Dr Philip said.
He added that, for adults, surgery can be performed to release certain ligaments and, in some cases, additional work inside the urinary passage may be necessary. These surgeries are harmless when performed by qualified urologists.
A year-and-a-half later, the couple returned to Dr Philip’s clinic, their eyes gleaming with happiness. In their arms, they carried a box of sweets and, more importantly, their baby girl.
“We have a happy sex life now. I would have named our baby after you, but it is a girl,” the wife declared joyously, according to Dr Philip.
Dr Philip said that the buried penis can not only cause problems with erection, penetration, and urination, leading to physical discomfort, but it can also lead to psychological distress.
“Regarding the impact on fertility and sexual function, if left untreated, a buried penis can indeed lead to long-term sexual problems. Sexual satisfaction is crucial for both partners in a relationship and unresolved sexual issues can be a significant factor leading to divorces. It is essential to seek medical attention and appropriate treatment to improve sexual function and overall well-being,” said Dr Philip.
For individuals dealing with a buried penis, Dr Philip advocates adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent obesity and its related complications. He encourages individuals to maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 to 25, which is considered a healthy range for preventing morbid obesity.
“Preventing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight should be the primary preventive measure to reduce the risk of developing a buried penis. Maintaining a BMI between 18.5 to 25 is recommended to prevent morbid obesity and its associated complications,” said Dr Philip.
