Diphallia

Diphallia is a rare medical condition, also known as penile duplication (polyorchidism), in which a male is born with two penises. The condition is present from birth and is not a result of surgery or hormonal treatment. It is estimated to occur in 1 in 5.5 million live births.

Causes

The exact cause of diphallia is not known, but it is believed to occur during the embryonic development stage. It is thought to be the result of a disruption in the embryogenesis process during the first 30 days of gestation. This disruption can lead to the formation of two penises instead of one.

Types

There are three types of diphallia:

• Complete diphallia: This is when both penises are fully formed and functional. This type is extremely rare.
• Partial diphallia: This is when one penis is fully formed and the other is partially formed. The partially formed penis may not be functional.
• Bifid phallus: This is when a single penis is split into two. Each half may or may not be functional.

Associated conditions

Diphallia is often associated with other congenital anomalies such as spina bifida, hypospadias, and epispadias. It can also be associated with renal agenesis and anorectal malformations.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of diphallia is usually made at birth during the physical examination. However, it can also be detected prenatally through ultrasound imaging.

Treatment

The treatment for diphallia depends on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the additional penis. In other cases, no treatment may be necessary if the condition does not cause any health problems.

See also

• Polyorchidism
• Hypospadias
• Epispadias

References

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