Self-implanted subcutaneous penile balls--a new phenomenon in Western Europe.

The subcutaneous self-implantation of spherical objects in the penis is a well-known practice among members of the Yakuza in Japan but this phenomenon has not previously been described in the Western world. However, recently there were two cases in Berlin of young Eastern Europe men in whom implanted penile balls as in the Yakuza were found at autopsy. Investigations in Russia revealed that this phenomenon is typically encountered there among prisoners and in certain army units. In addition to the feeling of belonging to a specific group, increased sexual confidence is one major reason for these implantations that are usually performed under primitive conditions.