Understanding and Managing Adult Acquired Buried Penis: A Comprehensive Guide

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Adult Acquired Buried Penis ² (AABP) is a medical condition characterized by the penis becoming concealed or 'buried' in the surrounding skin and fat of the pubic area. This condition is acquired meaning it develops over time and is not present at birth as opposed to congenital buried penis.AABP poses significant physical and psychological challenges for affected individuals.

Despite this the significance of Adult Acquired Buried Penisis is increasingly recognized in the medical community. It poses potential problems such as difficulty in maintaining proper hygiene, urination and sexual function which in turn can greatly impact a person's quality of life.

Causes of Adult Acquired Buried Penis

• Obesity: Obesity is the most common cause of Adult Acquired Buried Penis. As excessive fat accumulates in the pubic region it can lead to a mechanical burying of the penis. 
• Aging: With aging the loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone can lead to changes in the penile and pubic area. 
• Chronic Diseases: Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease can contribute to the development of Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP). These conditions can lead to fluid retention and tissue inflammation causing swelling in the pubic region and burying of the penis. 
• Surgical Complications: Some individuals may develop AABP after genital or abdominal surgery due to post-operative  5 swelling or scarring, which can cause the penis to become buried. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of Adult Acquired Buried Penis vary based on severity and cause. Common signs include:

• Visual concealment of the penis in the pubic skin or fat

• Urination issues (dribbling or spraying)

• Discomfort or inability during sexual activities

• Irritation, inflammation, or infection

The Importance of Medical Evaluation

Due to the potential complications and the impact on quality of life, individuals noticing these symptoms should seek a medical evaluation. 

Diagnosis Procedures

Diagnosis Procedures for Adult Acquired Buried Penis include:

• Physical Examination
• Medical History
• Imaging Studies (Ultrasound or MRI)
• Blood Tests

Psychological and Physical Implications

Psychological Impacts of Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP):

• Body image concerns
• Feelings of shame
• Social isolation
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety

Functional Impacts of AABP:

• Urination difficulties (dribbling or spraying)
• Impaired sexual function
• Hygiene problems
• Risk of urinary infections
• Potential for painful skin infections

Management:

Effective care should address both physical and psychological aspects for comprehensive patient support.

Treatment Options for Adult Acquired Buried Penis

For individuals with obesity-related Adult Acquired Buried Penis, weight management through healthy eating, exercise, and possibly a supervised weight loss program can help reduce pubic fat and expose the penis. While no specific medications treat Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP) directly, managing underlying conditions like diabetes or heart disease with appropriate medications is important.

Surgical Interventions: Different Types and Their Effectiveness

If conservative measures fail or the condition is severe, surgery may be needed to remove excess skin and fat, and fix the penile skin to prevent retraction. Procedures include:

• Circumferential Excision and Split-thickness Skin Grafting ¹
• Escutcheonectomy  ⁷
• Suprapubic Lipectomy ³ 
• Panniculectomy

These surgeries can be effective but carry risks such as wound complications, recurrence, and dissatisfaction with results. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the benefits and risks.

Source: Freepik

Post-Treatment Management and Follow-up

• Recovery: Depends on overall health, severity of the condition, and type of treatment. Pain and discomfort can be managed with medication. Rest and avoiding strenuous activities or sexual activity are necessary.
• Follow-up: Crucial for monitoring healing, managing complications, and checking the penis’s function and appearance. These visits also address any psychological issues. Effective follow-up and long-term care improve physical function, psychological well-being, and quality of life.

• Long-term Care: Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Regular check-ups are needed to monitor for recurrence and manage related conditions like diabetes. Ongoing mental health support is important, and patients should report any new or recurring symptoms.

Preventive Measures and Healthy Practices

Preventing Adult Acquired Buried Penis involves managing the risk factors that can lead to the development of this condition. Given that obesity is a major risk factor, maintaining a healthy weight is of utmost importance. This can be achieved through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Physical exercise can help reduce body fat particularly in the pubic area and reduce the chances of AABP.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups can help detect and manage any potential risk factors for AABP such as diabetes, heart disease or lymphedema. It's important to have open discussions with healthcare providers about any concerns related to genital health and to seek medical advice promptly if any symptoms suggesting AABP arise.

Adopting a proactive approach towards overall health and well-being can significantly contribute to the prevention of conditions such as Adult Acquired Buried Penis. By addressing modifiable risk factors and maintaining regular medical follow-ups individuals can protect their health and potentially prevent the development of this challenging condition.

Conclusion

Awareness of Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP) is vital for timely treatment. Breaking the stigma around genital health can encourage open dialogue. 

Post-treatment care is essential, including managing pain, monitoring healing, and addressing any psychological effects. Regular follow-up appointments ensure proper recovery and prevent recurrence. Preventive measures involve maintaining a healthy weight and regular medical check-ups.

QuickChange Wrap offers practical support for managing urinary incontinence and hygiene challenges related to Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP). For effective solutions and support in managing Adult Acquired Buried Penis, explore the range of products available at QuickChange.com. ⁶

We also offer a guide for applying the wrap, and for a special offer on individual or family purchases of a 10 Count Trial Pack, click here. ⁷

Further Reading

For more information on Adult Acquired Buried Penis, the following resources offer further insights:

1.  Acquired Buried Penis in Adults: A Review of Surgical Management
2. Adult Acquired Buried Penis: A Hidden Problem in Obese Men
3. Revealing the Buried Penis in Adults
4. The Lived Experience of Patients with Adult Acquired Buried Penis

These resources are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

References:

1. Bladder, D., & Smith, R. (2004). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), page numbers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15006574/
2. Flynn, K. J., Vanni, A. J., Breyer, B. N., & Erickson, B. A. (2022). Adult-acquired buried penis classification and surgical management. Urologic Clinics of North America, 49(3), 479-493. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35931438/
3. Kim, J., & Kim, M. (2020). Adult acquired buried penis: A review of the literature and treatment options. Journal of Urology, 204(3), 487-494. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436850/
4. QuickChange. (n.d.). How to use QuickChange wraps. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://quickchange.com/pages/how-to-use#videos
5. QuickChange. (n.d.). Managing urinary incontinence in men after spinal cord injury: Helpful tips and resources. QuickChange. https://quickchange.com/blogs/news/managing-urinary-incontinence-in-men-after-spinal-cord-injury-helpful-tips-and-resources
6. QuickChange. (n.d.). QuickChange: Innovative solutions for urinary incontinence. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://quickchange.com/
7. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. (n.d.). Preparing for buried penis repair. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. https://uihc.org/educational-resources/preparing-buried-penis-repair

Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Adult Acquired Buried Penis (AABP). Learn how QuickChange Wrap helps manage AABP-related conditions !