Under the covers, accidents can happen. One of them, unusual, has a rather evocative twist: captive penis syndrome.
A penis that would remain “blocked” in the vagina
Although it is a relatively rare phenomenon, the “captive penis” is a syndrome that should not be neglected. During penetration, the male reproductive organ would indeed find itself “stuck” in the vagina. It could only come out when the erection was over and the woman relaxed her vaginal muscles. A mishap that is enough to frighten…
However, it would not be officially recognized by the medical profession.
“If the penis goes in, it inevitably comes out! I have been in the field of gynecology for twenty years, and I have never been confronted with this. Of course, there can be a penetration
when the penis is not very excited, then it then swells, but from there it remains stuck… If this happens, if there is indeed a spasm at the vaginal level, by waiting a little bit, it should pass and unblock itself (…)”, Dr Felicia Joinau-Zoulovits, obstetrician-gynecologist, told us in a previous interview.
According to many experts, captive penis syndrome is actually more widespread in animals than in humans, and can be explained, in our four-legged companions, by the turgor of the penis.
Captive penis syndrome and vaginismus: two different disorders
If captive penis syndrome can be reminiscent of vaginismus, these two sexual conditions must be differentiated.
“Captive penis syndrome and vaginismus are two distinct sexual problems related to vaginal muscle contraction, but with important differences“, confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
Thus, captive penis syndrome:
- Remains a rare and poorly documented medically phenomenon (it is not officially recognized);
- Occurs during sexual intercourse;
- Refers to an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles preventing withdrawal of the penis;
- Presents a variable duration, from a few seconds to several minutes. ;
- Has mainly psychological causes (fear, anxiety).
As for vaginismus, it can be defined as a sexual disorder that prevents vaginal penetration.
- It occurs before or at the beginning of penetration;
- It refers to an involuntary and prolonged contraction of the pelvic floor muscles;
- It prevents any vaginal penetration;
- It has mainly psychological causes (fear of pain, trauma);
- It can have physiological causes (malformations, hormonal disorders).
“In short, vaginismus is a real condition often requiring treatment, while captive penis syndrome remains largely considered a myth or extremely rare phenomenon.“, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.