
A bizarre and distressing medical case has emerged from Australia, where a 73-year-old man sought urgent medical assistance after inserting three button-style batteries into his penis. According to a study published in Urology Case Reports, the man had been engaging in self-harm for “sexual gratification” by intentionally placing foreign objects into his penile urethra.
The unidentified man admitted to a history of inserting various objects into his urethra, but this particular incident proved to be more problematic. The batteries became lodged further up his penile urethra, causing moderate pain, severe paraphimosis, and obstructive urinary symptoms.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, doctors swiftly moved to remove the batteries, knowing that their corrosiveness could lead to tissue necrosis within a matter of hours. The potential for Fournier’s gangrene, a rare but lethal infection, also loomed large.
Despite several attempts, the removal process proved challenging. Finally, with the use of forceps, doctors successfully extracted the batteries, noting that they were coated with a black, tar-like substance.
Unfortunately, the ordeal was far from over. The man returned to the hospital 10 days later, experiencing swelling and discharge. Further examination revealed extensive tissue damage, prompting doctors to operate once again. Part of the man’s urethra had to be removed due to the severity of the necrosis.
The complexity of the injury led doctors to conclude that formal penile urethral reconstruction would require a lengthy, three-stage repair process involving mucous membrane grafts. However, upon assessing the extent of the damage, they ultimately decided against further reconstruction.
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inserting foreign objects into the body for sexual gratification. It highlights the importance of seeking professional help and the potential consequences of engaging in such risky behavior.
Sources By Agencies