What Causes Swelling And Black Discoloration Of Penis During Intercourse?

Posted on Tue, 16 Dec 2014

Question: My husband took a medication known as sildenafil and during intercourse he became very engorged and began swelling and his penis became blackened he went to emergency room and was told to give it a few days we'll today is day 3 and the blackness resembling blood has grown in both directions up to his belly area and all the way back to the rectal area the area is cold as if there is no blood flow since it is a holiday weekend no doctors offices are opened until Monday we do not know whether to go back to hospital or wait until Monday some of the swelling has went away except his scrotum area is still very enlarged but the purple or black color is still growing what would your diagnoses be for this and do we need to go back to hospital or wait till mon. The dr. At the emergency room wed. Said he had never seen anything like that and assured us it would get better ..we do not know what to do

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
GO back to the hospital- insist on admission , tests and treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

Read the history and understood the problem your husband is having.
Yes this is very rare to occur.
I would like to know a few more things and also would like to see a clear picture / photography if you can please post attached to this query.

Does he have any fever, sweating, pain, nausea ?
Any investigations done ?

I would suggest you to take him to the hospital, not to wait at all.
He needs investigations and few simple tests anyone / nurse of a junior Doctor can perform.
Blood- CBC, bleeding time, clotting time, prothrombine time.
Ultrasonography and Color doppler of the penis, MRI of the penis and the area affected.
Test:
Pin-prick test, prick the area with a hypodermic sterile needle into the skin- to see for pain, bleeding. If not present than this is a serious matter.
Even the sensation with ice or warm water in a glass bottle can be done.

I think if warranted, multiple release incisions may be needed to release the pressure and to see if there is just a bleeding / necrosis of the skin / necrotising fascitis or what.
An opinion of a General Surgeon and / or Urologist is a necessary as soon as possible.

Should be started on IV broad spectrum antibiotics, IV fluids and supportive medicines .

First of all, get organized, get to the hospital, try for whatever tests and whichever specialist you can get.

Please give the feedback, and a photograph. Prick test is the simplest and to be done ASAP.

I hope this answer helps your husband to get an early diagnosis and treatment.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T