The penis and testes (testicles) can be affected by inflammation, scar tissue, infection (including sexually transmitted diseases), or injury. Skin cancer can also develop on the penis. Birth defects can cause difficulty in urinating and in engaging in sexual intercourse. Disorders of the penis and testes can be psychologically disturbing as well as physically damaging. Disorders that affect only the skin of the penis do not affect sexual function or fertility. Disorders that affect the testes or that damage deeper parts of the penis may affect both.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by Paul D. Lui, MD