Researchers Discover Rare Triphallia in 78-Year-Old Cadaver

A unique case of triphallia, a rare congenital condition resulting in the presence of three penises, was uncovered during the examination of a 78-year-old cadaver in England. This discovery marks only the second documented instance of this anomaly in medical history. Researchers believe the man may have lived his entire life unaware of the two additional penises concealed within his scrotal sac.

During the dissection in early 2024, scientists noted that the man exhibited a form of polyphallia, a condition that affects approximately one in 5 to 6 million live births. The presence of three penises, or triphallia, adds complexity to this already rare condition. The only other documented case of triphallia dates back to between 1606 and 2023, involving a 3-month-old infant whose supernumerary penises were surgically removed without complications.

In the case of the 78-year-old, the additional structures were not externally visible, suggesting he and his healthcare providers likely remained unaware of their existence. The anatomy appeared normal from the outside, and it was only upon his donation of the body to science that researchers made this unusual finding.

The development of polyphallia occurs in utero, influenced by the sex hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which plays a crucial role in the formation of the prostate and penis. Researchers theorize that during development, the genital tubercle—an early precursor to the penis—may have triplicated, resulting in one primary penis and two smaller counterparts.

According to the study, “The urethra originally developed in the secondary penis. However, when this penis failed to develop, the urethra diverted its course and developed in the primary penis instead. The tertiary penis is a remnant of the triplicated genital tubercle.” This anatomical anomaly raises questions about the prevalence of similar cases, as the concealed nature of the additional penises might indicate that triphallia could be more common than previously documented.

Intersex conditions, which involve individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of male or female, are somewhat better understood. It is estimated that one in 100 people may be intersex, according to Planned Parenthood. This contrasts with the relatively limited understanding and documentation of polyphallia.

Medical practices regarding intersex individuals have faced scrutiny, particularly concerning the ethics of performing non-consensual surgeries on minors. In the case of the triphallic man, all three penises remained intact until his death. Local regulations restrict the publication of personal details about the cadaver, aside from his height of around 6 feet and his “medium-large build.”

Despite the absence of visible external abnormalities, researchers speculate that the individual may have experienced complications related to his condition during his lifetime. These could include urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, or fertility issues. There were indications he had undergone a surgical procedure for an inguinal hernia, which might have involved catheterization. Given the presence of triphallia, passing a catheter through the urethra would have presented significant challenges and could have potentially alerted his medical team to his condition.

The findings from this rare case contribute to the ongoing exploration of congenital anomalies, particularly those involving sexual development. As research continues, they may offer insights into the complexities of human anatomy and the variations that exist within it.