What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bifid Penis
• Double Penis
• Penile Duplication

What is Diphallia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Diphallia is a congenital disorder, where a male child is born with two penises
• The disorder may also be associated with accompanying abnormalities of the scrotum, urinary bladder, kidney, heart and skeletal structures

Who gets Diphallia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Diphallia is an extremely rare congenital disorder affecting males, with presentation of symptoms at birth
• Since the first record of this condition, only about 100 cases of Diphallia have been reported worldwide in the medical literature
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Diphallia? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been clearly identified for Diphallia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Diphallia? (Etiology)

The exact underlying cause of Diphallia is currently unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diphallia?

The signs and symptoms of Diphallia vary, but may include the following:

Very frequently present symptoms in 80-99% of the cases:

• Bifid penis
• Bifid scrotum

Frequently present symptoms in 30-79% of the cases:

• Anal atresia
• Distal urethral duplication
• Ectopic scrotum
• Hypospadias
• Penoscrotal transposition

Occasionally present symptoms in 5-29% of the cases:

• Abnormal spermatogenesis
• Abnormality of the pubic bone
• Atrial septal defect
• Bladder exstrophy
• Cloacal exstrophy
• Cryptorchidism
• Epispadias
• Horseshoe kidney
• Inguinal hernia
• Renal duplication
• Renal malrotation
• Ureteral duplication

Very rarely present symptoms, in 1-4% of cases

• Absent thumb
• Butterfly vertebrae
• Duplicated colon
• Hemivertebrae
• Rectoperineal fistula
• Scoliosis

(Source: Diphallia; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How is Diphallia Diagnosed?

Diphallia is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Diphallia?

The complications of Diphallia may include:

• Involuntary Urine leakage (urinary incontinence)
• Abnormalities in kidney function
• Arrhythmias due to structural defects in heart

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Diphallia Treated?

Currently, there is no cure for Diphallia. The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms and any complication that develops.

How can Diphallia be Prevented?

• Currently, Diphallia may not be preventable, since the cause of this disorder is unknown
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Diphallia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Diphallia is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Diphallia:

Diphallia is also known by the following names: 

• Diphallia Terrata
• Diphallus
• Supernumerary Penis

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/