Trifalia is a rare condition in which a man is born with three distinct penises. The causes are unknown, but there are theories supporting a genetic origin. Others claim it results from drug use or infections during pregnancy. Understand this condition and discover how many cases exist worldwide.
Trifalia is an extremely rare condition where a man has three penises. While one penis is located in the lower pelvic region, the two additional members may not be visible as they can be hidden in the scrotum. These cases of penile malformation are rare: they occur in 1 out of every 5-6 million births.
There is no consensus on the causes, but several theories exist. Learn more!
Understanding the case of a man with three penises
One of the few recorded cases of a man with three penises was discovered during a cadaver dissection by medical students at the University of Birmingham, UK.
The identity and health history were not disclosed due to local policies, but it is known that he was a white man, aged 78 and 1.80 meters tall.
According to the article on the case published on October 9, 2024, in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, it is believed that an anomaly in the receptors of a sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone led to the tripling of the genital tubercle, the precursor structure of the genital organs.
The publication stated that the main penis and the larger extra penis shared the same urethra, while the smaller extra penis did not have a urethra or a similar structure.
The two extra penises were hidden in the scrotum, so it is unknown if the man was aware of his condition.
The first case of trifalia was reported in 2021
Before the news went viral in 2024, the first case of trifalia was reported in 2021, in Iraq, after the family noticed swelling in the scrotum and structures resembling small penises in a baby.
The case published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports describes a baby born with three penises, registered as the first of its kind in the world. Until then, only cases of “diphalia” had been recorded, where a person is born with two penises, a condition that affects approximately one in every six million people.
Upon examination, doctors found that the baby had a fluid-filled sac around the testicle (hydrocele) and two additional penises, one located next to the main penis and the other below the scrotum.
The child underwent surgery to remove the extra organs and correct the hydrocele. Follow-up indicated good recovery after one year.
Experts suggested medical follow-up during puberty, as the condition may be related to genetic factors and influences during pregnancy, in addition to being associated with other congenital anomalies, such as digestive and urinary problems.
Read also: Understanding penis anatomy: learn about the organ, its functions, and how to identify problems
And what about diphalia?
Yes, diphalia, the condition where a person has two penises, exists and is equally rare. There are only 100 cases of diphalia in the world, and the first was reported in 1609 in Bologna, Italy.
The most recent case (the first since the 17th century) was identified in Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country. A 7-year-old boy was born with two penises, one being 1 centimeter larger than the other; each had two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum, and both members had functional urinary systems.
According to an article published in Science Direct in April 2023, the child was taken to the hospital shortly after birth. It was found that he did not have an anus, a malformation associated with diphalia.
This same analysis noted that the boy was born to consanguineous parents with no history of genetic problems. This is important because diphalia results from genetic sequencing abnormalities during embryonic development.
The boy underwent surgery at age 7. The left penis was removed, and he was able to urinate normally two months after the procedure.
Other cases of diphalia
An American truck driver identified as Tank claimed to have lived with two penises for 25 years. His story was shared on a YouTube channel called Soft White Underbelly, dedicated to telling surprising experiences of all kinds of people.
The man claimed both members were functional, and he lost his virginity at age 24.
In his statement, he added that today he only has one penis and is happy in his marriage. Interestingly, there are other cases of different penile anatomies in his family. According to Tank, his father had a large scrotum “similar to that of a buffalo,” and the size of his son’s penis is 25 cm.
Another man with two penises who gained media attention was a young man known as Double Dick Dude, or Triple D, a nickname given by the international press. His story became public in 2014 in the Ask Me Anything section of Reddit and was further explored in the book *My Life with Two Penises.*
The man, who identifies as bisexual, confessed to having had over a thousand sexual partners, including polyamorous experiences. In the book, he also shares sad stories, such as a relationship that ended before the couple’s first sexual encounter due to diphalia.
Triple D stated that the idea of the book was to give a voice to men in the same situation and that he had received many messages.
Although trifalia and diphalia are extremely rare conditions, it is crucial for men to stay attentive to their penile health and seek medical advice if they notice any changes or discomfort.
Having a urologist’s guidance is essential for the early identification of problems, which, if treated properly, may help prevent more serious complications and improve quality of life.
So, stay tuned to the Dr. Paulo Egydio’s blog and learn the best methods and practices to keep your health always on track. Taking care of penile health, as well as other aspects of male health, is essential for overall well-being and may help with the early detection of congenital and acquired conditions.
