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The case of the missing "Prince Albert"
Govardhan Das1, Nikita Rawal, Lesley M Bolton
1Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, England.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 3, 2005
Summary
A case of a missing Prince Albert penile piercing during intercourse highlights potential complications. Gynecologists should consider genital piercing practices and take thorough sexual histories.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Body piercing, including genital piercings, is becoming more common.
- Complications associated with body piercings are also on the rise.
- This case highlights a rare complication involving penile piercing.
Observation:
- A female presented with a suspected lost vaginal foreign body.
- Her partner had a Prince Albert penile piercing (a bead at the urethral opening) that was missing post-intercourse.
- Pelvic X-ray confirmed the presence of the metallic bead.
Findings:
- The missing penile piercing was located within the female partner's vaginal tract.
- A detailed sexual history was crucial in diagnosing the foreign body's location.
- This incident underscores the potential for unexpected consequences of genital piercings.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers, particularly gynecologists, should be aware of the prevalence of genital piercings.
- Thorough sexual history taking is essential for diagnosing and managing related complications.
- This case emphasizes the need for patient education regarding the risks associated with body modifications.