Penile Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Penile strain?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some discomfort I experienced.
After masturbating and ejaculating on Wednesday, I suddenly felt a slight pain in the area on the right side of the base of my penis and the left side of my right thigh, which felt somewhat like a strain.
This has happened before, but it has been a long time since the last occurrence.
Usually, based on my previous experiences, the discomfort goes away after a good night's sleep, but this time, even after sleeping, there is still a slight discomfort.
I find it strange that this sensation appeared suddenly 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, and I wonder if there is any correlation.
Could this possibly be penile vein inflammation? The 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 feel 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 area? Thank you for your guidance, Doctor.

Xiao Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/01

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

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

Hello, I would like to ask a question.
After masturbating and ejaculating 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 it last occurred.
Based on my previous experience, this discomfort usually resolves after a good night's sleep.
However, after sleeping this time, I still feel a slight discomfort, which I find quite strange, as 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 connection.

Could this possibly be penile venous inflammation? --> The likelihood is low because my discomfort is not located on the penis but rather in the right lower abdomen near the right thigh, while the left side feels completely normal.
When I palpate my testicles, I do not experience any other discomfort.
Could this indicate inflammation in some area? --> If the symptoms persist, I should seek medical attention, but currently, the symptoms do not seem indicative of inflammation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/01

More Info

Penile pain, especially when localized to the area around the base of the penis and extending to the inner thigh, can arise from several causes. Given your description of the pain occurring after ejaculation and the sensation resembling a strain, it is essential to consider both muscular and vascular factors.

Possible Causes of Pain
1. Muscle Strain: The pain you are experiencing could be due to a muscle strain in the pelvic region or inner thigh. Activities such as masturbation can sometimes lead to overexertion of the pelvic floor muscles or the muscles in the groin area, resulting in discomfort. This is particularly plausible if you engaged in vigorous activity or unusual positions.

2. Vascular Changes: The observation of more prominent and darker blood vessels at the base of the penis may indicate increased blood flow or engorgement of the veins during sexual arousal and ejaculation. This is typically normal, but if there is accompanying pain, it could suggest a condition like superficial thrombophlebitis or even a mild form of penile venous congestion.

3. Nerve Irritation: The pain could also stem from irritation of the nerves in the pelvic area. Conditions such as pudendal nerve entrapment can cause pain that radiates to the inner thigh and groin.

4. Infection or Inflammation: While you mentioned no symptoms of urinary issues or discomfort upon palpation of the testicles, it is still important to rule out any underlying infections, such as epididymitis or prostatitis, which can sometimes present with referred pain.

5. Penile Conditions: Although less likely given your symptoms, conditions such as Peyronie's disease or penile trauma could also lead to localized pain. However, these typically present with more pronounced symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Help
While your symptoms may resolve with rest, it is crucial to monitor them closely. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain does not improve after a few days of rest or worsens, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

- Additional Symptoms: If you experience any new symptoms such as swelling, redness, fever, or changes in urination, seek medical attention promptly.

- Recurrent Episodes: If this pain recurs frequently, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Self-Care Recommendations
In the meantime, consider the following self-care measures:
- Rest: Avoid activities that may exacerbate the pain, including vigorous sexual activity or heavy lifting.

- Ice Application: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

- Gentle Stretching: Engaging in gentle stretching exercises for the pelvic and thigh muscles may help relieve tension.

Conclusion
In summary, while the pain you are experiencing may be due to a benign cause such as muscle strain or vascular changes, it is essential to remain vigilant about your symptoms. If the discomfort persists or worsens, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate management to ensure your health and well-being.

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