Hi Dr. Yvonne, My friends and I were wondering if a person's penis can get reattached? Are penis transplantations possible too? -Sean
Dear Sean, Penis reattachment can be done, though a male is likely to experience reduced success during sexual performance. Among the problems one may experience are numbness or only being partially erect during arousal. Some men may be bothered that their penis will be shorter. Infection is a probable consequence as well.
Penis transplantations have certainly been explored by surgeons. There are a number of problems with this type of procedure, however. First, the erectile tissue can react to trauma. It can grow tough, non-elastic, fibrous tissue, resulting in impotence. Second, a person's immune system may also attack the area, given this individual now has another's tissue in his body. And finally, the individual would have to take immunosuppressive drugs to protect the new penis, which would in turn leave him defenseless against cancer.
Dr. Yvonne KristAn Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of
She is the author of several books including, "Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots."
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