Penis pain

Penis pain refers to any discomfort, ache, or painful sensation experienced in the penis. It can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from infections and inflammation to physical injury or psychological conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Causes

Penis pain can be caused by several factors, including:

• Infections: Such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes simplex virus.
• Inflammation: Conditions like balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis) and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).
• Physical Injury: Trauma to the penis, including fractures, cuts, or bruises.
• Peyronie's Disease: A condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing curved, painful erections.
• Priapism: A prolonged, often painful erection not related to sexual arousal.
• Kidney stones: Though not directly causing penis pain, the passage of stones can cause referred pain to the penile area.

Symptoms

Symptoms accompanying penis pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:

• Swelling or redness
• Presence of a rash or sores
• Pain during urination or ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis
• Difficulty urinating
• Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of penis pain involves a thorough medical history and physical examination by a healthcare provider. Additional tests may include:

• Urinalysis and urine culture to check for infections
• Blood tests to screen for STIs
• Ultrasound or MRI to assess physical injuries or abnormalities
• Uroflowmetry to evaluate urinary flow

Treatment

Treatment for penis pain depends on the identified cause and may involve:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medication for viral infections
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Topical creams for skin conditions or infections
• Surgery in cases of physical injury or conditions like Peyronie's disease

Prevention

Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding injury to the area, and regular medical check-ups to manage health conditions that could contribute to penis pain.

See Also

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Prostate Health