Mondor’s disease of the penis or penile Mondor’s disease  (PMD), often referred to simply as Mondor’s disease, is a rare medical condition characterized by inflammation and thrombosis (formation of blood clots) in the superficial veins of the penis. This condition primarily affects the veins located on the dorsal (top) or lateral (side) surface of the penis. Named after the French surgeon Henri Mondor, who first described it in 1939, Mondor’s disease is typically benign and self-limiting, meaning it is not usually dangerous and tends to resolve on its own over time.

Commonly, Mondor’s disease of the penis presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and the presence of palpable, firm cords or raised veins in the genital area. These symptoms can be distressing and may lead individuals to seek medical attention.

The exact cause of Mondor’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to trauma or injury to the penile region. Activities such as vigorous sexual intercourse, aggressive masturbation, or minor injuries during sexual play are often associated with the development of this condition.

While Mondor’s disease can be uncomfortable and alarming due to its symptoms, it is generally considered a benign condition that resolves spontaneously without the need for specific medical treatment. Management typically involves pain relief, avoiding exacerbating factors, and allowing the body time to heal.

It is important for individuals who suspect they may have Mondor’s disease of the penis or experience symptoms in the genital area to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on management. This can help rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms and provide reassurance about the condition’s typically non-serious nature. In this article i will give information about PMD.

What is penile Mondor’s disease?

Mondor’s disease of the penis, also known as Penile Mondor’s disease or simply Mondor’s disease, is a rare medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the superficial veins in the penis. This condition typically presents as a painful, palpable cord-like structure on the dorsal (top) or lateral (side) surface of the penis. The affected veins become hard and swollen, and they may be visible or felt under the skin.

The exact cause of Mondor’s disease of the penis is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to trauma or injury to the penile area. Some potential triggers or contributing factors may include sexual activity, vigorous masturbation, or other forms of mechanical injury to the penis.

While Mondor’s disease of the penis can be uncomfortable and alarming due to the pain and the appearance of the affected veins, it is typically a benign and self-limiting condition. Most cases resolve on their own within a few weeks to a few months without the need for specific medical treatment. Pain management and reassurance are often the mainstays of care.

It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have Mondor’s disease or experience any unusual symptoms in the genital area to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate guidance on management and treatment.

What are the causes of penile Mondor’s disease?

The exact cause of Mondor’s disease of the penis is not definitively known, but it is believed to be related to trauma or injury to the penile area. Some potential causes or contributing factors include:

• Trauma or Injury: The most common trigger for Mondor’s disease of the penis is some form of physical trauma or injury to the penile region. This trauma can result from activities such as vigorous sexual intercourse, aggressive masturbation, or even minor injuries during sexual play.
• Surgery or Medical Procedures: In some cases, Mondor’s disease of the penis can develop as a complication of surgical procedures in the genital area. This may include procedures like circumcision or vasectomy.
• Infections: While less common, infections in the genital region can potentially lead to inflammation of the veins and contribute to the development of Mondor’s disease.
• Thrombosis: The condition involves the formation of thromboses or blood clots in the superficial veins of the penis. Trauma or irritation to the veins may cause them to become inflamed and develop clots.
• Sexual Activity: Intense or prolonged sexual activity, including excessive friction or pressure during intercourse or masturbation, can increase the risk of developing this condition.

It’s important to note that Mondor’s disease of the penis is generally considered a benign and self-limiting condition. While these potential causes are associated with its development, the condition often resolves on its own with time and does not typically lead to serious complications. If you suspect you have Mondor’s disease or experience symptoms in the genital area, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper evaluation and guidance on management.

What are the symptoms of Mondor disease of penis?

Mondor’s disease of the penis typically presents with several characteristic symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of Mondor’s disease of the penis include:

• Pain: Pain is often the most noticeable and bothersome symptom of Mondor’s disease. The pain is usually localized to the affected area, which is a palpable, firm, cord-like structure along the dorsal (top) or lateral (side) surface of the penis.
• Swelling: The veins affected by Mondor’s disease become swollen and may appear as raised, reddish or bluish lines under the skin. The swelling is usually limited to the affected veins.
• Palpable Cord: The inflamed veins can often be felt as a firm, cord-like structure beneath the skin. This cord is typically tender to touch.
• Visible Veins: In some cases, the swollen veins may be visible on the surface of the skin, giving the appearance of raised, prominent blood vessels.
• Discomfort: Apart from pain, individuals with Mondor’s disease may experience discomfort or a pulling sensation in the affected area.
• Limited Mobility: The symptoms can sometimes limit the flexibility and mobility of the penis, making it uncomfortable during sexual activity or erections.

It’s important to note that while these symptoms can be distressing, Mondor’s disease of the penis is generally considered a benign condition, and most cases resolve on their own without the need for specific medical treatment. However, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience these symptoms to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate guidance on management and pain relief.

Is Mondor disease of penis dangerous?

Mondor’s disease of the penis is typically considered a benign and self-limiting condition, meaning it is generally not dangerous and does not lead to serious health complications. While it can be uncomfortable and painful, it usually resolves on its own over time without the need for specific medical treatment. The symptoms, including pain and swelling of the superficial veins, tend to improve spontaneously within a few weeks to a few months.

However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have Mondor’s disease of the penis or experience symptoms in the genital area. This is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms. Additionally, a healthcare provider can provide guidance on pain management and offer reassurance about the condition.

In rare cases, if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation and tests may be conducted to rule out other, more serious conditions. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns about your health or if you experience unusual or persistent symptoms.

How to diagnose of Mondor disease of penis?

The diagnosis of Mondor’s disease of the penis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and medical history. Here’s how the condition is diagnosed:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider, such as a urologist or a general practitioner, will perform a physical examination of the genital area. They will assess the appearance of the penis, look for any palpable cords or swollen veins, and check for tenderness or pain upon touch.
• Medical History: The healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history to understand the onset of symptoms, any recent trauma or injuries to the penis, and other relevant factors that might contribute to the diagnosis.
• Differential Diagnosis: To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms, the healthcare provider may consider other conditions such as penile thrombophlebitis, Peyronie’s disease, or other penile infections. Diagnostic tests may be ordered if there is uncertainty.
• Imaging Studies: In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be used to visualize the affected veins and confirm the presence of thrombosis (blood clots). Ultrasound can help differentiate Mondor’s disease from other conditions.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed to rule out underlying medical conditions that could contribute to blood clot formation or inflammation.
• Biopsy (Rarely): In very rare and atypical cases where the diagnosis remains unclear, a biopsy of the affected area may be considered to rule out other more serious conditions.

Once the healthcare provider has gathered all relevant information through these diagnostic steps, they can make a diagnosis of Mondor’s disease of the penis. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have this condition or experience symptoms in the genital area to ensure an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate guidance on management and treatment.

Treatment of Mondor disease of penis?

Treatment for Mondor’s disease of the penis is generally conservative and focused on relieving symptoms. The condition is often self-limiting and tends to resolve on its own over time. Here are some common approaches to managing Mondor’s disease of the penis:

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Always follow the dosing instructions on the medication label and consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
• Avoiding Aggravating Factors: It’s advisable to temporarily avoid activities that might exacerbate the condition, such as vigorous sexual activity or masturbation, until the symptoms improve. Reducing friction and pressure on the affected area can help with healing.
• Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected area for short periods (10-15 minutes at a time) may help reduce pain and promote relaxation of the inflamed veins.
• Elevation: Elevating the pelvic area by lying down with your hips elevated may help reduce blood pooling in the affected veins and alleviate symptoms.
• Supportive Underwear: Wearing supportive underwear, such as briefs or compression shorts, may provide some relief by minimizing movement and pressure on the penis.
• Time and Patience: Mondor’s disease of the penis typically resolves spontaneously over several weeks to a few months. It’s important to be patient and allow the body time to heal.

• Anticoagulant and aspirin treatment: In most cases, Penile Mondor’s disease resolves within a few weeks with these conservative measures. Anticoagulant treatment is not typically necessary because the condition involves a superficial vein, and the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism is extremely low. However, in rare instances where there are signs of extension of the clot into deeper veins or if the patient has underlying conditions that increase the risk of clot formation, a healthcare provider may consider anticoagulant therapy. This decision would be made on a case-by-case basis and would require a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and risk factors.

In most cases, surgical intervention is not necessary for Mondor’s disease of the penis, as it is considered a self-limiting condition. However, if there are complications or if the condition is not improving as expected, a healthcare provider may consider other treatment options or interventions. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on managing the condition based on your specific situation.

Summary

Mondor’s disease of the penis is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and blood clot formation in the superficial veins of the penis, typically on the dorsal or lateral surface. Named after Henri Mondor, who described it in 1939, this condition is usually benign and self-limiting. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and palpable, firm cords or raised veins in the genital area. The exact cause is not fully understood but is often associated with trauma or injury to the penile region. Treatment is generally conservative and focuses on pain relief, avoiding exacerbating activities, and allowing time for spontaneous resolution. Consulting a Urologist is recommended for proper diagnosis and guidance on management. Mondor’s disease is typically not dangerous and tends to resolve on its own. In our experience, these patients benefited greatly from the treatment and recovered without any serious problems.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKEY