Corpus Cavernosum

What is a corpus cavernosum?

The corpus cavernosum (pronounced “KAWR-puhs” “KAV-er-NO-sem”) is one of two tubelike structures, or chambers, that run the length of the top of your penis.

Along with the corpus spongiosum (pronounced “KAWR-puhs” “SPUHN-jee-OH-sum”), the corpus cavernosum is the erectile tissue of your penis that fills with blood to create an erection. These spongy, tubelike bodies contain blood vessels and sinuses (hollow spaces) that make your penis hard when they fill with blood. They also have nerves that help with these changes.

What is the main function of the corpus cavernosum?

The main function of the corpus cavernosa (plural form of corpus cavernosum), along with the corpus spongiosum (spongy tissue surrounding the urethra), is to help make an erection.

Sensory stimulations (like something you see, touch or hear) and mental stimulations (like something you imagine or remember) cause your brain to send messages to the blood vessels in your corpus cavernosa. Your arteries relax, which allows more blood to flow into your penis. As the corpora cavernosa fill with blood, they push the veins closed so the blood stays trapped.

Where is the corpus cavernosum located?

The corpus cavernosa is in the shaft of your penis, extending from your pubic bone to the head (glans) of your penis.

There’s a corpus cavernosum on either side of your urethra. This is the tube through which urine (pee) leaves your body when you use the bathroom and semen leaves your body when you ejaculate.

What is it made of?

The corpus cavernosum mostly consists of connective tissue, including elastin, collagen and smooth muscle. It also has intracavernosal struts (or pillars), which are structures that healthcare providers believe to be important in keeping erectile tissue in place.

Epithelial cells also line hollow spaces in the corpus cavernosa, and endothelial cells line the blood vessels. These cells may be a factor in erectile dysfunction. When an erection occurs, this space fills with blood and becomes rigid.

What are some common conditions and disorders that affect the corpus cavernosum?

Some conditions that affect the corpus cavernosum include:

• Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection that can affect your penis skin and penile tissues.
• Ejaculation disorders: These include delayed ejaculation and premature ejaculation.
• Erectile dysfunction: This is difficulty getting or keeping an erection strong enough to have sexual intercourse.
• Penile cancer: Cancer cells multiply out of control in your penis.
• Penile fracture: This is a medical emergency in which the thick walls of the corpora cavernosa that surround the spongy and hollow parts break. This usually happens after forcefully bending your erect penis.
• Peyronie’s disease: Scar tissue causes your penis to curve and possibly get shorter. You may feel a lump from the scarring.
• Priapism: You have an erection that lasts too long and becomes painful.
• Thrombosis: A blood clot blocks the flow of blood in your penis.

Signs or symptoms that something isn’t working right

Some signs or symptoms that a condition is affecting your penis and related parts include:

• Fluid that comes out of your urethra that isn’t pee, pre-ejaculate (precum) or semen (penile discharge)
• Inability to get or maintain an erection
• Inflammation or concerning skin changes on your penis
• Pain in your penis or the area between your scrotum and anus (perineum)
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain while peeing (dysuria)

What are common tests to check the health of the corpus cavernosum?

A healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical evaluation. They may also recommend tests, including:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, including a CT scan, MRI, penile ultrasound and X-ray
• Pee test (urinalysis)
• Swab test of your urethra (urethral swab or urethral discharge test)

In some cases, they may recommend removing some tissue (biopsy).

Can corpora cavernosa conditions be treated?

Yes. Depending on the condition, different treatments are available. You may need oral, injectable or surgical treatment. A healthcare provider will explain all of the treatment options available to you for your specific condition.

What kinds of things can I do to keep my corpus cavernosum healthy?

Keeping your penis and corpus cavernosum healthy relates to your overall health. It’s important to manage long-term conditions that can affect blood flow and circulation throughout your body, like diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Healthy blood vessels help create good blood flow, which is essential for creating an erection.

Other tips to promote a healthy penis include:

• Getting an STI test before you have sexual intercourse with a new partner.
• Using a condom whenever you have sexual intercourse with a new partner.
• Limiting your sexual partners.
• Avoiding the use of sex toys or devices that squeeze your penis, like tension rings (cock rings).
• Keeping your penis clean by gently washing it every day with mild soap and water.
• Quitting smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink to promote healthy blood vessels.
• Avoiding recreational drugs, including marijuana, which can affect your erections and sexual function.
• Performing regular self-exams of your penis to check its appearance and feel, and letting a provider know about any changes.
• Wearing a protective cup during contact sports, like baseball, hockey or football.

What is the corpus cavernosum in a female?

Females have two spongy areas of erectile tissue in the clitoris. These are the corpus cavernosa of the clitoris. Sensory and mental stimulations cause the corpus cavernosa of the clitoris to fill with blood and expand, similar to a penile erection.