Buried penis: part of the shaft is hidden by excess pubic fat or hair. In today’s article we explain the causes, how it can affect urinary and sexual function, and which treatments are available. 🧐
A buried penis is diagnosed when the organ cannot be fully seen because of excess abdominal skin, pubic fat or dense hair. Keep reading to understand every cause and discover current treatments.
What is a buried penis and how to recognise it?
The buried penis is a condition in which the genital shaft is covered by skin or fat. Excessive hair can also hide part of it, making the penis look smaller than it truly is.
Observation while the penis is flaccid usually suffices. If you cannot visualise the base or the full shaft, this may indicate a buried penis.
Difference between a small penis and a buried penis
They differ in cause and outward appearance. A small penis measures less than 7 cm when erect, whether in length or girth.
True micropenis often stems from fetal hormonal disorders, genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, or drug and toxin exposure during pregnancy.
Conditions like Peyronie’s disease or penile fracture can also reduce length via penile curvature.
By contrast, a buried penis is usually linked to obesity or loss of skin tone.
Top 8 causes of a buried penis
The most common factors include:
1. Excess skin
After major weight loss, loose skin on the abdomen or pubis can cover the penis, making it appear shorter.
2. High scrotal attachment
When the scrotum is set close to the penile base, added fat or skin further conceals the shaft.
3. Obesity
According to this study, excess skin is the leading cause of buried penis, and rising obesity rates may make the condition more frequent.
4. Dense pubic hair
A thick hair mass can obscure the shaft, altering the visual perception of size.
5. Prominent pubic fat pad
The “mons pubis” cushions the pubic bone. Extra fat—even in men with normal weight—can hide the penis.
6. Greater penile retraction
Cold water or anxiety may cause temporary retraction, affecting self-esteem.
7. Penile atrophy
Penile atrophy—a reduction in length or girth—can follow ageing, pubic fat build-up, urologic surgery or Peyronie’s disease. Lack of erections (penile disuse) may lower tissue oxygenation over time.
8. Peyronie’s disease
Fibrotic scars can bend and shorten the penis; combined with pubic fat this may result in a buried penis.
When does a buried penis affect sexual or urinary function?
Severe retraction or associated obesity can reduce vertical rigidity, sensitivity and penetration, and may increase:
- Sexual function: difficulty achieving stable penetration;
- Urinary function: higher risk of urinary infection, local skin irritation and trouble directing the stream.
Buried penis surgery: when is it indicated?
Corrective surgery may be considered when:
- There is urinary difficulty;
- Sexual function is compromised;
- Excess skin/fat persists despite exercise and diet;
- Retraction follows previous urologic surgery.
Seek evaluation from a specialist
If you suspect a buried penis, a urological assessment is essential to pinpoint the cause and define the best approach, which may include corrective surgery.
Start by filling out our pre-analysis form to receive initial guidance from our team.
Read also
- What is penile fracture?
- Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Risks and Recommendations
- Egydio’s Technique: Peyronie Disease Treatment
- Does the Egydio Technique Work for Every Penile Curvature?
- Implante de Prótese Peniana | Dr. Paulo Egydio
- Does Small Penis Exist? Check When Size Is a Concern
- 7 Simple Habits to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Can People with a Penile Prosthesis Play Sports?
- How to Enlarge the Penis: Understanding the Options
- 6 Causes of Penis Fissures: Treatments and Care Tips
