Penile Venous Inflammation: Symptoms and Causes Explained - Urology

Share to:

Penile venous inflammation


Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some discomfort I experienced.
After ejaculation on Wednesday, I suddenly felt a slight pain in the area on the right side of the base of my penis, extending to the left side of my right thigh.
It felt somewhat like a strain.
This has happened before, but it has been a long time since the last occurrence.
Usually, based on my past experiences, the discomfort goes away after a good night's sleep.
However, this time, even after sleeping, I still feel a slight discomfort, which I find quite strange, especially since it appeared suddenly after ejaculation.
I do not have frequent urination or painful urination; everything seems normal.
I have noticed that the microvessels at the base of my penis appear more prominent and darker, and I wonder if there is any correlation.

Could this possibly be penile vein inflammation? The discomfort I feel is not in the penis itself but rather in the lower right abdomen near the right thigh, while the left side feels completely normal.
When I touch my testicles, I do not experience any other discomfort.
Could this be a symptom of inflammation in some area, or is it possible that it is simply a strain in that specific part? Thank you for your guidance, Doctor.

Xiao Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/28

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology


Hello, this response is for reference only and cannot replace a physician's examination, assessment, or tests.

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about a sudden pain I felt on the right side of the base of my penis and the left side of my right thigh after masturbating and ejaculating on Wednesday.
It felt a bit like a strain.
This has happened before, but it has been a long time since the last occurrence.
Typically, in my previous experiences, the discomfort would resolve after a good night's sleep, but this time, I still feel a slight discomfort after sleeping, which I find quite strange.
I wonder why this sensation would suddenly appear after ejaculation.
I do not have frequent urination or painful urination; everything seems normal.
However, I have noticed that the microvessels at the base of my penis appear more prominent and darker.
I am unsure if this is related.

Could this possibly be penile venous inflammation? It seems unlikely since my discomfort is not in the penis itself but rather in the lower right abdomen near the right thigh, while the left side feels completely normal.
When I touch my testicles, I do not experience any other discomfort.
Could this indicate inflammation in another area? If the symptoms persist, I will seek medical attention, but currently, the symptoms do not resemble typical signs of inflammation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/10/28

More Info


It sounds like you're experiencing some discomfort in the area around the base of your penis and upper thigh, particularly after ejaculation. Based on your description, there are a few potential explanations for the symptoms you're experiencing, including penile venous inflammation, muscle strain, or even a minor vascular issue.

1. Penile Venous Inflammation:
Penile venous inflammation, also known as thrombophlebitis, can occur when a vein in the penis becomes inflamed, often due to trauma or excessive pressure. This inflammation can lead to localized pain and discomfort, which may be exacerbated by activities such as masturbation or sexual intercourse. The fact that you noticed more prominent and darker veins in the area could suggest some venous engorgement or inflammation. However, this condition is typically accompanied by more significant symptoms, such as swelling or tenderness directly in the penile area, which you have not reported.

2. Muscle Strain:
Another possibility is that you may have experienced a muscle strain in the pelvic or groin area. The muscles in this region can be sensitive and may become strained during physical activities, including sexual activity or vigorous masturbation. The sensation you describe as "a little bit of pain" could be a result of overexertion of these muscles. If this is the case, the discomfort should gradually improve with rest and gentle stretching.

3. Vascular Issues:
You mentioned that the discomfort is localized to the right side of your lower abdomen and upper thigh. This could indicate a vascular issue, such as a minor hematoma or localized swelling due to increased blood flow or pressure in the area. If the veins appear more prominent and darker, it could be a sign of increased venous pressure, which might occur after ejaculation due to the engorgement of blood vessels during arousal.

4. Other Considerations:
While you do not report any urinary symptoms, it's essential to consider other potential causes, such as infections or other inflammatory conditions. Conditions like epididymitis or orchitis (inflammation of the epididymis or testicle) can sometimes present with discomfort in the groin area, although they typically come with additional symptoms like swelling, redness, or fever.

Recommendations:
Given that your symptoms have persisted despite rest, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A physical examination can help determine if there is any swelling, tenderness, or other abnormalities in the area. If necessary, imaging studies such as an ultrasound may be performed to assess the blood vessels and surrounding tissues.

In the meantime, consider the following self-care measures:
- Rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the discomfort.

- Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce any potential swelling.

- Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate discomfort.

If you notice any worsening of symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or the development of new symptoms (like fever or changes in urination), seek medical attention promptly. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to any discomfort in the genital area.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Penile Health: Can Blood Vessel Inflammation Occur?

I saw a doctor the day before yesterday because I have redness and swelling of the foreskin, and there are small hard lumps when I touch it. The doctor mentioned it could possibly be vasculitis, but after looking through a lot of original texts, I couldn't find any relevant ...


Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Xiangxiang: Hello, what is referred to as vasculitis is an inflammatory response caused by damage to the endothelium of blood vessels due to certain stimuli. This is not a disease that only occurs here; wherever there are blood vessels, inflammation can potentially occur. The mos...

[Read More] Understanding Penile Health: Can Blood Vessel Inflammation Occur?


Understanding Penile Venous Inflammation: Symptoms and Self-Care Tips

Hello doctor, I apologize for bothering you. I am 26 years old and recently discovered a cartilage-like structure near the glans, just below the coronal sulcus. It is ring-shaped, measuring 1-2 cm, and is not painful or itchy. It becomes more noticeable during an erection. After ...


Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It is mostly related to vascular issues. It is advised to avoid excessive sexual activity and masturbation, as it can lead to frequent engorgement, making recovery difficult. If there is swelling, redness, or skin breakdown, please seek medical attention. Wishing you good ...

[Read More] Understanding Penile Venous Inflammation: Symptoms and Self-Care Tips


Understanding Penile Varicosities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

I recently noticed that the blood vessels at the base of my penis have become enlarged, and they feel firm to the touch but are not painful. Normally, there is no pain, but the vessels are noticeably thick. I have also been experiencing some difficulties with erectile function, s...


Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
Penile venous leakage is indeed one of the causes of erectile dysfunction. After diagnosis through a duplex penile Doppler ultrasound, penile venous ligation surgery may be considered.

[Read More] Understanding Penile Varicosities: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment


Understanding Enlarged Penile Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I suddenly noticed a blood vessel on my penis that has inexplicably swollen and has not subsided for several days. It becomes more prominent during an erection, and I feel some discomfort. I have a past medical history of varicocele; I wonder if thi...


Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology
Typically, inflammation of the penile veins is not related to varicocele and usually resolves on its own, although it may take a bit longer, possibly 1 to 2 months. If there is no severe discomfort, it is advisable to leave it alone and allow it to heal on its own.

[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Penile Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help


Related FAQ

Varicocele

(Urology)

Folliculitis

(Urology)

Syphilis Infection

(Urology)

Epididymitis

(Urology)

Urethritis

(Urology)

Perineal Swelling

(Urology)

Erectile Dysfunction

(Urology)

Chronic Prostatitis

(Urology)

Phimosis

(Urology)

Balanitis

(Urology)