Buried penis is a medical condition in which the penis becomes hidden under excess genital or abdominal fat tissues. Though the penis may otherwise be normal in terms of size and function, its buried state makes it internal rather than external, presenting a number of sexual and overall health problems for the individual who is affected.

While buried penis may be present in some men at birth due to abnormalities in the ligaments and structures that attach the penis to the body, it can also develop later in life. The primary cause of buried penis that develops later in life is obesity. Excess fat around the abdomen and genital area can begin to envelop the shaft of the penis, making it appear shorter than it is. In some cases, this situation can eventually lead to buried penis. Buried penis may also be associated with lichen sclerosis, genital lymphedema, or hidradenitis suppurativa.

There are several complications associated with buried penis. Sometimes, in addition to the fat tissues that are enclosing the penis, a tight band of scar tissue called a cicatrix can form around the penis, further trapping it under the surrounding skin. This can contribute to sexual issues, problems with urination, hygiene issues, and pain/discomfort.

Some men with buried penis are unable to achieve an erection or find that their erections are quite painful. Others may be able to achieve a normal erection, but since it occurs under a layer of tissues, they may find that these tissues simply rise and the penis does not protrude beyond them. Regardless of the circumstances, a man with a buried penis may be unable to have an erection suitable for penetrative sex, which can have negative psychological consequences as well.

Urination can also present a problem for those with buried penis. Men with buried penis may be unable to urinate standing up or sitting down without getting urine on their scrotum, thighs, or elsewhere. If the urine becomes trapped beneath the excess skin around the penis, this can lead to hygiene issues, possible inflammation, and/or bacterial or fungal infections. These infections can cause a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment for men, and they may require additional medical treatment. Patients with buried penis may also develop meatal stenosis or urethral strictures.

While weight loss is certainly recommended for buried penis and may help improve later surgical outcomes, it might not be enough to completely solve the problem. In particular, if a cicatrix has formed around the penis, surgical intervention is required to extract the penis from this ring of scar tissue. Patients should seek a urological or plastic surgeon who has experience with buried penis. Surgeries for buried penis can involve removing excess fat and scar tissue as well as skin grafting and buried penis repair by attaching internal structures to the base of the penis.

References:

• Ho, T. S., & Gelman, J. (2018). Evaluation and management of adult acquired buried penis. Translational andrology and urology, 7(4), 618–627. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2018.05.06
  
  
• Shaeer, O., & Shaeer, K. (2009). Revealing the buried penis in adults. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(3), 876-885. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01162.x