Painful Erections: Causes and Solutions for Men

Painful erection?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my recent situation.
I've been under a lot of stress, which has led to an increase in the frequency of masturbation.
My foreskin is a bit long, but it can fully retract behind the glans when erect.
Previously, I would masturbate about once a day, and everything was normal until recently.
After one session, I intentionally tightened my muscles to delay ejaculation, and afterward, I noticed that I couldn't achieve an erection from visual stimuli that evening; I could only manage to get an erection through manual stimulation.
I thought it might be due to fatigue, so I decided to take a break for 1-2 days.
After resting, my function seemed to return to normal, but during the process of achieving a firm erection, I experienced some pain around the neck of the glans and the urethral opening, which disappeared once fully erect.
I then changed to ejaculating every 2-3 days, and although I occasionally stimulated myself in between, I did not ejaculate.
However, in the past few days, after one ejaculation, I found myself unable to achieve an erection from visual stimuli again, but I could still get an erection through manual stimulation.
Additionally, I have noticed a hard, bony-like protrusion beneath the skin at the base of the glans during the erection process over the past few years.
It looks like a blood vessel but feels very hard, almost like bone.
I'm not sure if it was always there, but I can't feel it when fully erect.
I have checked the skin of my glans and found no unusual growths.
Could this be a result of excessive masturbation leading to inflammation? Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/14

Dr. Liu Jiaju reply Urology

It is advisable for you to visit a urologist in person for a detailed physical examination to determine the cause of your issue and receive appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2017/05/14

More Info

Understanding painful erections and related issues can be a complex topic, especially when it involves psychological and physiological factors. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of physical discomfort and psychological stress, which can significantly impact sexual function.

Causes of Painful Erections
1. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and performance pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). In your case, the increased frequency of masturbation and the pressure to perform may have created a cycle of anxiety that affects your ability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is often referred to as "performance anxiety," where the fear of not being able to perform leads to further difficulties.

2. Physical Factors: The discomfort you describe, particularly around the glans (the head of the penis) and the shaft, could be due to several reasons:
- Irritation or Inflammation: Frequent masturbation, especially if done aggressively or without adequate lubrication, can lead to irritation or inflammation of the skin and underlying tissues. This could explain the pain you feel during erections.

- Peyronie's Disease: The hard, bony feeling you describe near the base of the glans could potentially be related to Peyronie's disease, a condition where fibrous scar tissue develops in the penis, causing curved, painful erections. However, this is typically accompanied by noticeable curvature and significant pain.

- Blood Vessel Changes: The hard feeling you mentioned might also be related to changes in blood vessels or the presence of varicosities (enlarged veins) that can occur with increased pressure during erections.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Reduce Frequency of Masturbation: It may be beneficial to reduce the frequency of masturbation to allow your body to recover. Overstimulation can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction and discomfort.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since stress seems to be a significant factor, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine. These practices can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall sexual function.

3. Use Lubrication: If you continue to masturbate, ensure you are using adequate lubrication to minimize friction and irritation. This can help prevent discomfort and potential inflammation.

4. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to consult a urologist or a healthcare professional specializing in sexual health. They can conduct a thorough examination, including checking for any underlying conditions such as Peyronie's disease or other anatomical issues.

5. Address Psychological Factors: If performance anxiety is a concern, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in addressing anxiety and improving sexual function.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in pain, the appearance of the penis, and your ability to achieve an erection. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

Conclusion
Painful erections and erectile dysfunction can stem from a combination of psychological and physical factors. By addressing both aspects—reducing stress and anxiety while also taking care of your physical health—you can work towards improving your sexual function. Remember, seeking professional help is crucial, as they can provide personalized advice and treatment options based on your specific situation.

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