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Penile Mondor’s disease (PMD) is an uncommon disorder characterized by superficial thrombosis of the penis dorsum. Due to its relatively benign symptoms and spontaneous resolution, PMD may go undiagnosed or reported.
As PMD can resemble the symptoms associated with penile fracture, emergency department point-of-care ultrasound may assist in distinguishing between them.
Dorsal Vein Damage Symptoms
Dorsal vein damage, especially in Penile Mondor’s Disease (PMD), can lead to various symptoms. Here are the common ones:
- Difficulty urinating
- Swelling of the penis (Edema)
- Pain along the top of the penis
- Throbbing and aching pain
- Pain during erection
- Tissue swelling from fluid build-up (edema)
- Superficial skin inflammation (erythema)
- Palpable thick cord-like vein at the top of the penis
- Skin inflammation and swelling around the affected vein
- Reduced or absent blood flow through the affected vein.
The symptoms of dorsal vein damage may vary from person to person. It’s important to understand that not all individuals with this condition will experience every symptom mentioned above.
If you suspect dorsal vein damage or if you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek guidance from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes
Veins carry blood from the body to the heart, typically thicker than arteries and with one-way valves to prevent backflow of blood. But when vein walls or valves become compromised or damaged, blood may escape, potentially leading to clotting (thrombosis).
A blockage in blood flow could damage or destroy nearby tissue and necessitate surgical removal of any obstructions to blood flow that have formed within veins.
Vein injuries may result from mechanical trauma caused by prolonged, vigorous sexual intercourse or masturbation; or they can occur as the result of damage to an artery that supplies blood to a vein, or tumor growth.
This case report presents a patient suffering from superficial thrombophlebitis of the dorsal penile vein, more commonly referred to as Mondor’s disease.
This condition usually appears between 21 and 70 year old males within 24 hours after sexual activity and should be accurately diagnosed to allay fears of sexually transmitted disease or erectile dysfunction – point-of-care ultrasound can aid with this diagnosis process.
Treatment
An acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an immediate medical concern that requires urgent treatment. DVT may lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms or leg ulcers requiring special care and attention, so immediate action must be taken if symptoms appear.
PMD tends to resolve within four or six weeks on its own with medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical anticoagulants being taken orally to alleviate pain and inflammation, or abstaining from sexual activity until all symptoms have subsided.
For more serious cases, surgery may be required to resolve the issue. This may involve ligating affected veins or their valves, or surgical removal (venous stripping). Your doctor may also suggest using laser technology to collapse and seal damaged veins, while another procedure uses healthy veins from elsewhere in your body to reroute blood around damaged ones.

Prevention
Venous insufficiency can arise due to several different causes. Blood clots may form in the deep veins of either leg, most commonly in the calf or thigh region. Extended sitting or standing increases leg vein pressure and weakening valves resulting in swelling (phlebitis).
People with varicose veins are at heightened risk of venous insufficiency while mechanical trauma from prolonged, vigorous sexual activity such as masturbation can result in superficial dorsal pudendal vein clots as post-thrombotic syndrome. Mechanical trauma from prolonged sexual activity or masturbation may also result in post thrombotic syndrome.
What Is PMD and How Is It Related to Dorsal Vein Damage
Penile Mondor’s Disease (PMD) is a rare condition that leads to thrombophlebitis, the inflammation causing blood clots, in the superficial dorsal vein located on the top of the penis.
This vein plays a crucial role in draining blood from the skin and tissues of the penis. PMD is also referred to as dorsal penile vein thrombosis. Generally, this condition resolves within 4 to 6 weeks with self-limiting nature.
Dorsal vein damage is linked to a condition called PMD. PMD occurs when the superficial dorsal vein of the penis becomes inflamed due to thrombophlebitis. This inflammation can result in various symptoms, including pain, swelling, and reduced blood flow through the affected vein.
It’s important to note that not all instances of dorsal vein damage are caused by PMD; there may be other causes unrelated to PMD. If you suspect dorsal vein damage or experience any related symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Are the Causes of Thrombosis of the Dorsal Vein of the Penis

The causes of Penile Mondor’s Disease (PMD), which is the thrombosis of the dorsal vein of the penis, can vary. Let’s explore some potential factors that contribute to this condition:
- Trauma: Vigorous sexual activity or injury may lead to dorsal vein thrombosis.
- Neoplasms: Rarely, abnormal growths in the penile area can cause thrombosis.
- Coagulation disorders: Conditions affecting blood clot formation can increase the risk.
- Inflammatory processes: Inflammation in the penile area can contribute to thrombosis.
- COVID-19 infection: Rarely, COVID-19 has been linked to deep dorsal penile vein thrombosis.
It is worth noting that PMD, a rare condition, may not always have an identified exact cause. It is important to understand that not all cases of dorsal vein thrombosis are related to PMD either.
If you suspect thrombosis of the dorsal vein of the penis or experience any symptoms, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.