A buried penis or hidden penis is a condition where the penis is normal size, however, its appearance is shorter. This is due to it being buried or hidden under the skin of the scrotum, abdomen, or thigh.
It is a rare condition that could affect boys or men. The most common cause of adult acquired buried penis is obesity, however, there are some other possible causes that can affect both adults and children.
Men with a buried penis may experience the following problems:
- Erectile dysfunction / sexual dysfunction
- Painful intercourse
- Low self-esteem or depression
- Urinary tract issues including urinary tract infections, skin infections, and skin breakdown
Causes Of A Buried Penis
A buried penis can be something that develops because of another health condition, or it could be something that you’re born with.
Some causes of adult-acquired buried penis include:
Excessive Pubic Fat
Obesity can sometimes lead to an excessively large fat pad in the area above the penis. Part of the penile shaft can get hidden inside this fat pad, making it look shorter than it is.
This condition can be resolved with weight loss or weight loss surgery.
Circumcision Issues
The removal of too much or too little foreskin can give the appearance of a buried penis. Too much and the penis can be pushed into the pubis. Too little and the penis might retract into the remaining foreskin.
Swollen Scrotum
Health conditions like lymphedema can cause lymph fluid to build up in the scrotum. The subsequent swelling can hide the penis.
Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans
Also known as lichen sclerosus, balanitis xerotica obliterans refers to chronic inflammation on the glans or foreskin. It can lead to the narrowing of the urethra, which can cause the head of the penis to tunnel under the penile skin.
Treatment usually begins with steroid cream, but surgery is often necessary as well to correct the condition.
Complications Of Penile Enlargement
Scarring caused by some penile enlargement techniques can cause the visible part of the penis to retract. For example, this can occur when the suspensory ligament is cut in order to increase length.
Some causes of a buried penis that you may have been born with include:
Dysgenic Dartos
This condition occurs when there is a lack of support from the connective tissue, called the dartos fascia, to the penis. If the connective tissue does not have a good attachment to the suspensory ligament, the penis can telescope into the scrotum.
Webbed Penis
Webbed penis is a deformity in which the penile shaft is buried in the scrotum or tethered to the scrotal midline by a fold or web of skin.
Treatment Options
Children with a suspected buried penis can be diagnosed with a visual exam. In addition, a skin graft can be used if too much skin was removed during circumcision. Surgery can also be used to tighten the ligaments between the penis and the scrotum.
Adults who suspect they have a buried penis should talk with the expert urologists at UGATL. Obese men with a buried penis may see their condition resolve with weight loss. If necessary, several surgical options are available.
If you are unhappy with your previous circumcision, the team at Urology of Greater Atlanta may be able to provide a circumcision revision to improve the skin on your penis. Apart from a buried penis, our doctors also correct the following concerns:
- A curved penis or chordee of the head of the penis (in an upward or downward position)
- A thickening of the foreskin (skin bridge)
- A narrowing of the opening at the end of the penis (meatal stenosis)
Call or book online to speak with our urologists. Our urologist team operates out of seven offices and a surgical center to serve the needs of all Northern Georgia residents, including Blue Ridge, GA.