During the night from Monday to Tuesday, emergency services intervened in an apartment in Toulouse. They discovered a 55-year-old man, folded in half, with his hand clenched on his crotch. But also a 48-year-old woman, lying on the ground, unable to get up, her state of drunkenness was so advanced. The couple admitted to having consumed “a lot of vodka” before the situation got out of hand.
A drunken night that descends into horror
According to initial evidence, the woman violently grabbed her companion’s testicles and tried to tear them off. Under the influence of pain, the latter allegedly hit her in the face.
The rescuers then noticed an open wound, skin torn off the scrotum. The victim also describes his pain as “excruciating”. Emergency transported to Purpan University Hospital, the man required immediate sutures.
His partner, injured in the face, was taken to Rangueil University Hospital. No police custody was immediately possible due to their physical and alcoholic state. An investigation will now have to establish precisely how the facts unfolded.
Genital lesions which can be dramatic
Male genital trauma of this type is rare but feared by urologists, because it can lead to severe lesions.
“This type of injury can cause tears in the scrotum, testicular hematomas, rupture of a testicle or damage to the penis.” confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
“They very often require emergency surgery in order to preserve testicular function and avoid infectious complications.. Close urological monitoring is almost always essential following such trauma.
What are the risks, in the more or less long term?
The immediate risks are multiple. “Hemorrhage can occur instantly, as can local infection, abscess formation or tissue necrosis if vascularity is compromised.” notes the doctor.
“In the most serious cases, partial or total removal of the testicle – called an orchiectomy – may be necessary when the tissue is irreparably destroyed.”
This type of injury frequently requires prolonged hospitalization. It is also accompanied by the administration of antibiotics, powerful painkillers and strict medical supervision.
After-effects that can affect sexuality, fertility and quality of life
The long-term consequences of male genital trauma can be serious.
“Urinary incontinence can occur when the urethra or urethral sphincter has been damaged. Although rare, it remains a serious complication which sometimes requires lengthy pelvic rehabilitation, or even surgical intervention. adds our expert.
Furthermore, erectile dysfunction is among the most common after-effects. “It can result from vascular or nerve damage or be the consequence of a significant psychological shock.
If spontaneous recovery is possible, it sometimes remains partial. “Drug treatments such as PDE5 inhibitors, intracavernous injections or, as a last resort, penile prostheses can help regain a functional sex life.” explains Dr. Kierzek.
Finally, fertility can also be affected. “It all depends on the severity of the damage: destruction of the seminiferous tubules or removal of a testicle reduces sperm production. In the event of bilateral damage, total infertility may occur. the doctor further specifies.
A spermogram taken after healing allows the remaining fertility to be assessed, and medical options such as in vitro fertilization can be considered if sperm production is very low.
A physical but also psychological shock
Finally, beyond the bodily harm, this type of intimate assault represents major emotional trauma.
“Pain, fear of permanent after-effects or disruptions in one’s sexual life can lead to anxiety, loss of confidence or post-traumatic stress. lists Dr. Kierzek.
He concludes: “Psychological support is often essential to help the victim get through the physical and intimate consequences of such an event..