Penile Mondor’s disease – or PMD – is a rare, genetic (passed down in families through genes) condition that causes thrombophlebitis (inflammation that causes a blood clot) in the superficial dorsal vein of the penis. The superficial dorsal vein is located near the skin on the top of the penis, and runs the length of the organ.

Causes of PMD may include:

• Having very frequent or rough sex
• Trauma or injury to the penis
• Use of a penile vacuum (device used to help get and/or maintain an erection)

Signs and symptoms of PMD include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Edema (swelling of the penis)
• Pain along the top of the penis that typically worsens during an erection
• Vein on the top of the penis (superficial dorsal vein) that feels like a hard rope

PMD can affect males of any age who are sexually active. Males with PMD will often also have issues with their chest, abdominal wall, upper arm, or other areas of the body.

Tests

Physical Exam
Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical exam – including gathering a detailed health history – to diagnose PMD.

Ultrasound
Your urologist may order an ultrasound imaging test to aid in their diagnosis of this condition.

Treatments

Topical Cream
Your urologist may prescribe a prescription topical (applied directly to the skin) cream to help reduce the symptoms. These creams may include medicines such as heparin and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Abstinence
You may need to abstain from all sexual activity while undergoing treatment for PMD.

Surgery
When other treatment options are not effective, your specialist may recommend you undergo a surgical procedure to correct PMD.

Why Choose UHealth?

Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.

Advanced research in men’s health. Our urologists are dedicated to men’s health and conduct innovative research into many conditions. Our expert team has helped develop new minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures to treat cancers, incontinence, and more. We give you access to leading-edge treatments and clinical trials that aren’t widely available. In addition, we have established the eighth fellowship program in the nation dedicated solely to teaching physicians how to care for men’s health. 

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.