Amputation of the penis, also known scientifically as penectomy or phallectomy, occurs when the male sexual organ is removed completely, known as total, or when only a portion is removed, known as partial.
Although this type of surgery is more common in cases of penile cancer, it may also be necessary after accidents, traumas and serious injuries, such as suffering a strong blow to the intimate area or being a victim of mutilation, for example.
In the case of men who intend to have a sex change, the removal of the penis is not called amputation, since plastic surgery is performed to recreate the female sexual organ, which is then called neophalloplasty. See how sex change surgery is performed.
1. Is it possible to have sexual relations?
The way penis amputation affects intimate contact varies depending on the amount of penis removed. Thus, men who have suffered a total amputation may not have enough sexual organs to have normal vaginal intercourse, however, there are different sex toys that can be used as a replacement.
In the case of a partial amputation, it is usually possible to have sex again in about 2 months, as soon as the region is well healed. In many of these cases, the man has a prosthesis, which was inserted into the penis during surgery, or what remains of his penis is still enough to maintain the couple’s pleasure and satisfaction.
2. Is there a way to reconstruct the penis?
In cases of cancer, during surgery, the urologist normally tries to preserve as much of the penis as possible so that it is possible to reconstruct what remains through neophalloplasty, using skin from the arm or thigh and prostheses, for example. Find out more about how penile prostheses work.
In cases of amputation, in the vast majority of cases, the penis can be reconnected to the body, as long as it is done in less than 4 hours, to avoid the death of all penile tissue and ensure higher success rates. Furthermore, the final appearance and success of the surgery may also depend on the type of cut, which is best when it is a smooth and clean cut.
3. Does amputation cause a lot of pain?
In addition to the very intense pain that can arise in cases of amputation without anesthesia, as happens in cases of mutilation, and which can even cause fainting, after recovery many men can feel a phantom pain in the place where the penis was. This type of pain is very common in amputees, as the mind takes a long time to adapt to the loss of a limb, ending up creating discomfort during day-to-day life such as tingling in the amputated area or pain, for example.
4. Does the libido stay the same?
Sexual appetite in men is regulated through the production of the hormone testosterone, which occurs mainly in the testicles. Thus, men who undergo amputation without removing the testicles can continue to feel the same libido as before.
Although it may seem like a positive point, in the case of men who have suffered a total amputation and who cannot have their penis reconstructed, this situation can cause great frustration, as they have greater difficulty responding to their sexual desire. Therefore, in these cases, the urologist may recommend removing the testicles as well.
5. Is it possible to have an orgasm?
In most cases, men who have had their penis amputated can have an orgasm, however, it can be more difficult to achieve, as the vast majority of nerve endings are found in the head of the penis, which is normally removed.
However, stimulation of the mind and touching the skin around the intimate region may also be capable of producing an orgasm.
6. How do you use the bathroom?
After removing the penis, the surgeon tries to reconstruct the urethra, so that urine continues to come out in the same way as before, without causing changes in the man’s life. However, in cases where it is necessary to remove the entire penis, the urethral orifice can be replaced beneath the testicles and, in these cases, it is necessary to eliminate urine while sitting on the toilet, for example.
