Penile Edema and Tissue Hardening: Causes and Treatments

Q: Penile Edema and Tissue Hardening: Causes and Treatments

Hello Mr. <br>Kobayashi： Regarding your question, I have reviewed it carefully. <br>The best advice is for you to visit the urology clinic in person. <br>A thorough examination and physical assessment will provide a clearer understanding of the issue and how to address it. <br>Fo

Preputial edema and tissue sclerosis?

Hello, Doctor: For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a ring-shaped edema beneath the glans of my penis.
Generally, it is not very painful, but there is a sensation of warmth and swelling, and sometimes it feels red and uncomfortable, including the glans.
Another characteristic is that when I touch, I can feel a straight line extending from the center of the dorsal side of the penis down to the lower abdomen, which is also painful upon pressure.
It feels like there is a hardened, cord-like tissue inside, which is quite uncomfortable.

Could you please explain the possible causes and treatment options? In the past, I often experienced skin breakdown in the coronal sulcus area after intercourse or masturbation.
Is this related? I had a circumcision twenty years ago; could this be connected? Is there any relation to sexually transmitted diseases? I have consulted other doctors about this issue but have not yet sought treatment.
I was verbally informed that "the external symptoms may be caused by balanitis and are not necessarily related to sexually transmitted diseases, while the hardened tissue inside could be a result of urethritis leading to tissue fibrosis." However, I still have several questions:
1.
Is there an absolute correlation between the external edema and the internal tissue hardening? Since these two symptoms seem to have appeared simultaneously, could the tissue hardening be causing the edema, or are they unrelated with different causes?
2.
If they are unrelated, and the edema is gradually improving, can the so-called "balanitis" be ignored? Will it heal on its own? Are there any potential sequelae?
3.
Although the edema is gradually improving, the hardened area inside remains painful and firm.
What should I do? Are there any methods to alleviate this before seeking medical attention?
4.
If it is indeed "tissue fibrosis," is this a serious condition? How should it be managed? Can it be ignored? Is medication or surgery necessary? Are there any sequelae? Will it affect sexual function?
5.
Additionally, beneath the circumcision site in the coronal sulcus, there seems to be a hard ring surrounding the penis, which is not part of the foreskin but rather the internal tissue.
Is this a scar from the surgery? Is it related to the edema? Does it connect to the aforementioned hardened axis line that extends vertically to the lower abdomen?
I kindly ask for your time to answer these questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Xiao Lin.

Xiao Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/01

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

Hello Mr.
Kobayashi: Regarding your question, I have reviewed it carefully.
The best advice is for you to visit the urology clinic in person.
A thorough examination and physical assessment will provide a clearer understanding of the issue and how to address it.
For example, is there a definite correlation between edema and balanitis? Not necessarily.
Is treatment for balanitis required for it to heal? Not necessarily; some mild inflammation may resolve on its own.
However, if the inflammation is more severe, medication may be needed to help reduce complications and accelerate healing.
As for the relationship between circumcision and skin injury (abrasion), I personally believe there is no direct correlation (since it has been twenty years).
The formation of firmer tissue plaques during the healing and repair process after surgery is likely a normal phenomenon.
Generally, this should not cause pain or significant effects; however, sometimes minor nerves may be affected during surgery, leading to what is known as neuropathic pain.
In any case, I still recommend that you come to the urology clinic for a detailed examination, as I believe this will be the most beneficial for you.

Reply Date: 2004/01/01

More Info

Hello, 小林,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your symptoms of penile edema and tissue hardening. It’s important to address these concerns comprehensively, as they can significantly impact your quality of life and sexual health.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Penile Edema and Tissue Hardening: The swelling (edema) you are experiencing under the glans (the head of the penis) could be indicative of a condition known as balanitis, which is inflammation of the glans and can be caused by infections, irritants, or allergies. The hardening you feel along the dorsal aspect of the penis could be related to fibrosis or scarring, possibly due to previous trauma or inflammation.
2. Connection Between Edema and Hardening: While both symptoms may appear simultaneously, they do not necessarily have a direct causal relationship. The edema could be a response to inflammation, while the hardening might be a result of chronic irritation or injury. It’s possible that the inflammation from balanitis could lead to localized swelling, while the hardening could be a separate issue, such as urethral stricture or Peyronie's disease, which involves fibrous scar tissue that can cause curvature and pain.

Treatment Options
3. Self-Care and Monitoring: If the edema is improving, it may suggest that the inflammation is resolving on its own. However, it’s crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If the swelling subsides but the hardening persists, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation.
4. Pain Management: For the discomfort associated with the hardening, you might consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Warm baths may also provide symptomatic relief.

5. Potential Fibrosis: If the hardening is indeed fibrosis, it is essential to understand that while it may not be immediately serious, it can lead to complications such as pain during erections or sexual dysfunction. Treatment options for fibrosis can include medications, injections, or in some cases, surgical intervention if the condition significantly impacts function or causes pain.

Further Evaluation
6. Medical Consultation: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult a urologist. They can perform a physical examination and may suggest imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to determine the exact nature of the hardening and any underlying conditions.

7. Post-Surgical Changes: The hard line you feel could be related to scarring from your previous circumcision. Surgical interventions can lead to changes in tissue structure, which may manifest as palpable changes. This scarring is typically not harmful but can sometimes lead to discomfort or sensitivity.

Conclusion
In summary, while the edema may be resolving, the persistent hardening warrants further investigation. It is essential to differentiate between simple inflammation and more complex conditions that may require treatment. Please do not hesitate to seek medical advice to ensure that you receive appropriate care tailored to your specific situation. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and prevent potential complications.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Penile Edema After Surgery: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. Last year, I underwent "penile correction surgery," and since then, I have experienced swelling of the foreskin. Sometimes it swells significantly, while other times it is smaller. For instance, after masturbation, the swelling becomes quite pronounced. C...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
It may be due to damage to the lymphatic vessels and microcapillaries, which, due to individual constitution, do not heal well. Regularly applying heat compresses can enhance circulation and should lead to a certain degree of improvement.

Understanding Penile Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor. It has been about a month since my last inquiry. At that time, I was experiencing a problem where my penis had a ring-like swelling with prominent blood vessels resembling worms. I followed your advice and refrained from sexual activity for a month, but unfortunate...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: I reviewed previous responses, and both blood vessels and lymphatics are involved in the flow of fluids. If there is retention, it can lead to swelling. DIY methods are not impossible, but your original approach may have issues that could cause impaired blood or lymphatic ...

Effective Strategies to Treat Penile Edema and Restore Normal Function

Hello Doctor, I am experiencing a slight sadness. Thank you for your answers and suggestions over the past couple of days. Lastly, I would like to ask about what you mentioned regarding vascular or lymphatic obstruction leading to swelling, which over time can cause relaxation. T...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Upon closer inspection, it is still possible to see some areas of swelling. Does this indicate that it has not yet returned to normal? --> Yes, I would like to ask how to improve circulation in the penile area to ensure better blood and lymphatic flow. Should I engage i...

Understanding Penile Edema After Prolonged Erection: Causes and Solutions

Hello doctor, about eight months ago, I started experiencing swelling in my penis after it has been erect for a period of time. The swelling usually subsides the next day and is located at the junction between the glans and the shaft. I have searched online and found information ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The phenomenon of edema is often due to poor circulation. I have not encountered a situation where it resolves the next day. Could it be edema caused by friction? You may want to consult a physician while the swelling is still present, as the doctor may be able to identify...