A psychological rather than physiological complaint

xThe obese young man was distraught. He felt his penis was shrinking, and told the doctor he feared it might disappear altogether one day. His complaint is not unique or unusual, but is psychological rather than physical. It is called Koro Syndrome, taking its origin from a Malay word meaning ‘Head of a turtle.’ This condition is also known as Genital Retraction Syndrome (GRS), Penis Panic etc. In China (Cantonese) it is known as ‘Suo–Yang’ meaning ‘Shrinking Penis.’

GRS is characterized by the belief that

· The penis is shrinking

· It will eventually be absorbed into the body and disappear

· It will cause death

The GRS was first mentioned in the ancient Chinese text ‘The Yellow Emperor’s classic of Internal Medicine’ dating back to

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