Painful Prominent Vein on Penis During Erection: Causes and Concerns

There is a prominent blood vessel on the left side of the penis extending from the base to the midshaft, and there is pain during masturbation when erect?

Hello doctor, recently I noticed that during masturbation, there is a prominent and hard blood vessel on the left side of my penis, extending from the base to the mid-front.
This hardened blood vessel causes pain when I engage in masturbation, but I do not experience spontaneous pain otherwise.
It is difficult to feel when not erect, and even when I can feel it in a flaccid state, it does not hurt.
I have not experienced this condition before.
Could this be due to excessive masturbation, or could there be another underlying condition that requires a doctor's visit? I am a bit worried! Thank you!

Xiao Yin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/07

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

Based on your description, it seems there is some fibrosis.
I cannot provide specific advice, but if you have concerns, it is recommended that you see a urologist for an examination and discuss it with your physician.

Reply Date: 2016/05/07

More Info

When it comes to the concern of a painful, prominent vein on the penis during an erection, there are several potential causes and considerations that need to be addressed. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the anatomy of the penis includes a network of blood vessels that can become more pronounced during an erection due to increased blood flow. However, if you are experiencing pain in conjunction with this prominence, it could indicate an underlying issue that warrants further investigation.

One possible cause of a prominent and painful vein during an erection could be related to a condition known as penile thrombophlebitis. This condition occurs when a vein in the penis becomes inflamed and may form a clot, leading to pain and discomfort. This could be exacerbated by activities such as vigorous masturbation, which may cause trauma to the blood vessels. If the pain is localized to a specific area and is associated with tenderness, it could be indicative of this condition.

Another consideration is the possibility of Peyronie's disease, which is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. While this condition typically presents with a noticeable bend in the penis, it can also cause discomfort and may be associated with prominent veins due to changes in blood flow dynamics.

In some cases, the pain and prominence of the vein could be a result of a more benign condition, such as a varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. Although varicoceles are more commonly associated with the scrotum, they can sometimes affect the blood flow to the penis and lead to discomfort during erections.

It’s also worth considering the role of sexual activity itself. If you have recently increased the frequency or intensity of masturbation, this could lead to temporary changes in the vascular structure of the penis, resulting in the symptoms you are experiencing. Over time, these changes may resolve on their own, but if the pain persists or worsens, it is crucial to seek medical advice.

Given your concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist, who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies if necessary. They can help determine whether your symptoms are due to a benign condition or if there is a need for further intervention.

In summary, while a prominent vein during an erection can be a normal anatomical variation, the presence of pain suggests that it is essential to investigate further. Conditions such as penile thrombophlebitis, Peyronie's disease, or even the effects of increased sexual activity could be contributing factors. Seeking medical advice will provide you with clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed appropriately. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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