Skin connects your scrotum to the bottom of your penile shaft. Sometimes, the skin connects too high on the bottom of your penis. This creates a weblike appearance. Webbed penis isn’t common. It’s usually present at birth. But sometimes, it happens when a healthcare provider removes too much skin during circumcision. Surgery can treat it.
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Webbed penis is when skin from your scrotum attaches too high on the bottom of your penis. This creates a weblike appearance when you pull your penis away from your scrotum.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
It’s usually not harmful to your health. But it can cause pain when you get an erection. It can also make sexual intercourse challenging. Many people choose to treat webbed penis to relieve any discomfort or pain. They may also get treatment so their penis looks more typical.
There isn’t a lot of research about how common it is. One 2010 study in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) documented that it affects about 4% of male babies.
Other names for webbed penis include:
There are two types of webbed penis:
Webbed penis usually doesn’t have any symptoms. Most people don’t have pain. But in some cases, it may cause pain when you have an erection and the skin stretches.
Experts don’t know what causes congenital webbed penis. It’s something that just happens. It typically forms when the penis develops — around 10 to 12 weeks. There’s nothing you did wrong to cause it.
Acquired webbed penis usually happens when a healthcare provider removes too much skin during circumcision, and scar tissue develops. Circumcision is when a provider surgically removes the foreskin. This usually happens shortly after birth.
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Webbed penis can affect your self-image. It may make you worry a lot about how your penis looks. This may prevent you from putting yourself in situations where others may see your penis, like changing in a locker room or having sexual intercourse. Possible complications include:
Talk to a healthcare provider if webbed penis affects your emotional or mental health.
Your healthcare provider will:
Webbed penis is often simple for providers to diagnose with a physical exam. You likely won’t need any other testing.
A scrotoplasty is the most common webbed penis treatment. It’s the standard treatment for both congenital and acquired cases. During the surgery, your provider cuts the skin that connects your scrotum to your penis. Then, they use sutures (stitches) to reconnect the skin in the proper position.
Scrotoplasty creates a typical penis/scrotum angle. This usually allows you to get an erection without feeling discomfort or pain. It also creates a more typical appearance. If you have penoscrotal webbing but it doesn’t cause any problems, you don’t need surgery.
It takes several weeks to make a full recovery after scrotoplasty. You’ll have discomfort or mild pain for up to five days after the procedure. You may also have scrotal swelling. Avoid sexual activity, including masturbation, for about six weeks. This allows the area to completely heal and reduces your chance of infection.
It’s important to remember that your body is unique. Your recovery time may be different. But you can help ensure a healthy recovery by taking care of your incisions. It’s also a good idea to wear a jock strap or brief-style underwear. These help support your genitals and reduce movement.
Reach out to your primary care provider if you think you have webbed penis, especially if it causes symptoms. During your appointment, you may wish to ask:
The outlook for webbed penis is good. Scrotoplasty is a routine procedure with a high success rate. Many people who get a scrotoplasty have an increased quality of life. If webbed penis doesn’t cause discomfort, pain or any other symptoms, you don’t need treatment.
If you’re concerned about webbed penis, you can inspect the area. Gently pull your penis toward the ceiling and the skin of your scrotum toward the floor. Webbed penis looks like the skin between your thumb and pointer finger.
If you see skin with a webbed appearance, you may have webbed penis. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for an official diagnosis and treatment.
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It can be a shock to notice that part of your body is different than what’s typical — especially when it involves your genitals. Webbed penis isn’t a common condition, so your immediate thoughts might be overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that treatment is very effective. If you have any questions about webbed penis, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
When something’s wrong with your penis, you’ll want to get care right away. Cleveland Clinic’s experienced urology providers are here for you.
