The "Frightened Turtle" syndrome . . .

[Andy425]

This never really happened during the first 61 years of my life, but in recent weeks it has been: my circumcised dick retracts inside of itself; this can happen when I'm watching TV, surfing, working, etc. -- it doesn't seem to be tied to any particular activity or bodily position.

It doesn't hurt or anything like that, but I can feel that it has happened. It is annoying because I don't know why it is happening or if it means anything.

What changed in my life:

-- RP 10 months ago

-- started using VED everyday and taking Cialis daily in January

-- started Trimix 3 weeks ago, but so far I have only done 4 injections. Quit Cialis about 2 weeks ago.

Anybody else? Or any ideas?

[dtwarren1942]

I can not explain the unexpected onset of the turtle effect. Could be a reaction to the RP. I have been living with the turtle effect for as long as I have been aware of my penis. Temperature seems to be the primary determining factor.

Pumping over time should help. Jelqing and stretching exercises have helped to reduce my turteling tendencies.

[Andy425]

I can not explain the unexpected onset of the turtle effect. Could be a reaction to the RP. I have been living with the turtle effect for as long as I have been aware of my penis. Temperature seems to be the primary determining factor.

Pumping over time should help. Jelqing and stretching exercises have helped to reduce my turteling tendencies.

I'm not talking about the normal retraction due to cold temperatures.

This is something new, and it retracts much farther than from any cold water I ever swam in -- in this situation we are not really aware of it. But with mine I can actually feel it.

[Dave48003]

Andy:

Don't panic, it will come back! LOL. I had the same problem, and I still have my prostate. You have lost a piece of your urethra when your prostate was removed and you quit your Cialis so the residual effects of that aren't there any more, everything is as relaxed as it can get. I could feel mine when it retracted also. Had a heck of a time getting the little guy to appear for a trip to the toilet sometimes. Now with the implant, that is a thing of the past.

To summarize, I think it is somewhat normal, but your situation has made it all the more noticeable.

[Artist]

I occasionally experience this issue. I am in in my early sixties; had RP 10 years ago and have put on a few extra pounds these past few years. I attribute this issue to loss of length from the RP and the additional body fat at the base of my member.

[billylee]

I think you will be fine in time. Like Daave, I have lived with "turtle" penis all my life. Always thought I had a problem, but just "skirted around" certain revealing situations and got on with my life, then in just recent years I discoved I was just one of many who had a "turtle". Guess "showers" just show more saw that is what I thought I was suppose to look like. I have been using VED since late July anticipating IPP in coming months (see surgeon Monday) and I think it has helped me gain size, however I still "turtle up" as always. Nothing to show until time is right, and I guess that is all that matters.
billy

[Eugene]

I've experienced this 'turtle' effect (an accurately named description) after having an RP in 2005. It has not improved after years of pumping or Edex use. From my experience it is a permanent result of my battle with cancer.

[Artist]

I commented on this post a while ago. My weight is increasing and the turtle is more common. I am certain that I weigh 15 pounds more than when I had the surgery to remove the prostate. I realized yesterday that my belly has increased in size and I can no longer see my dick without bending over, ugh! I am certain that the fat at the base of my dick has increased, a partial cause of the turtle. I started an increase in walking this morning and will cut back on my eating.

[Donnie1954]

I had a 'turtle' or 'button dick' until I pulled on it and stretched it out (3 inch flaccid). Now with my implant it's a good fat impressive 5 inches. I love my new dick! Goodbye turtle.
Donnie

[Andy425]

Eh, thanks (I think) Artist for reviving this three year-old thread.

I am 4½ years out from my RP. FWIW, the "Frightened Turtle Syndrome" (phrase borrowed from a Seinfeld episode) has improved a bit for me. It's still there, but at least I don't really feel it anymore.

I weigh around 175 and have for years. I'm 66, 100% impotent from the RP, and don't care about it anymore.