Man Unknowingly Lived with Three Penises for 78 Years
Introduction
In an extraordinary medical discovery, researchers from the University of Birmingham uncovered a rare condition known as triphallia—a man lived his entire 78 years without knowing he had three penises. This unusual case came to light only after the man who passed away donated his body for scientific research.
Discovery Made After Post-Mortem Examination
The 78-year-old man, whose external genitals appeared normal throughout his life, had unknowingly lived with two additional, hidden penises beneath the skin of his groin area. These extra organs were revealed during a dissection conducted by researchers, who were surprised to find that the man had been living with this remarkable anomaly, medically called triphallia. This is only the second documented case in history.
The Condition: What Is Triphallia?
Triphallia is an extremely rare condition, affecting approximately 1 in 5 to 6 million people. It involves the presence of three penises. The more common version, diphallia, involves having two penises. In this case, the man’s main external penis appeared functional and normal, while the other two smaller, internal penises went unnoticed. These extra organs were situated below the primary penis, with one of them partially sharing a urethra, the tube through which urine and semen pass.
No Symptoms Throughout Life
Although individuals with multiple penises may face complications such as urinary infections, erectile dysfunction, or fertility problems, the man never reported any symptoms or discomfort. Researchers believe the hidden nature of his condition contributed to its asymptomatic presentation, meaning the man likely lived without knowing the extent of his unique anatomy.
What Researchers Found
The medical team conducting the dissection found that each of the smaller, supernumerary penises had its structure—one even had a glans or head of the penis, and a spongy tissue capable of filling with blood, like a fully developed penis. The shared urethra, however, redirected to the primary penis, which may have allowed normal urination and sexual function.
A Rare Case with Broader Implications
The discovery of this man’s condition has raised awareness of how internal congenital anomalies can go unnoticed throughout life. The researchers are now calling for better ways to classify and understand these conditions, as they may have implications for surgeries and medical procedures like catheterization. This rare case highlights that such congenital differences, even if uncommon, may be present in more individuals than previously thought, particularly when the additional organs are concealed inside the body.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
