Man with three penises discovered by the University of Birmingham’s Medical School

While assessing a body donated for research, students at the University of Birmingham Medical School were certainly surprised to discover that the man they were examining had not one, not two, but three penises.

Only around one in six million male infants are born with the rare medical condition known as diphallia, the existence of two penile shafts.

The existence of three penile shafts, a condition known as triphallia, is even rarer. In fact, the discovery is only the second recorded case of triphallia in history.

The 78-year-old man was most likely completely unaware of his condition as, externally, his genitalia appeared entirely normal. Researchers found the two other penises only upon closer inspection, leading them to believe that this condition may be more common than previously thought.

“Without dissection,” report the researchers, “ this anatomical variation would have remained undiscovered, suggesting the prevalence of polyphallia may be greater than expected.

Despite the normal appearance of external genitalia on examination, the dissection of the [man] revealed a remarkable anatomical variation: Two small supernumerary penises.”

According to Manchester Evening News, researchers have pointed out that those with this condition can also be asymptomatic, leading to unreported cases: “Without any symptoms and additional medical needs, concealed internal penises may not present themselves, preventing diagnosis. Hence, polyphallia may be more prevalent than currently understood.”

Despite this, scientists do warn that polyphallia can potentially lead to certain medical conditions, and without proper research the condition will continue to affect men, perhaps unknowingly.  

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“These penile morphological abnormalities may not have been identified during his life. However, he may have lived with functional deficits due to the abnormal anatomy of the region, which may include urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, or fertility issues,” they explained.

Because of these potential medical afflictions, researchers are utilising this surprising discovery to further understand the condition. With proper analysis and research, there is hope of polyphallia becoming not only easier to identify in patients but more treatable as well.