Penile Discomfort: Causes and Recovery Tips

Glans issues

Hello, doctor.
I have poor sitting posture, which causes discomfort in my coccyx.
Two weeks ago, I wore less elastic jeans for work, and in the afternoon, I adjusted myself due to an erection.
That night, when I went to the restroom, I noticed localized pain when pressing on the glans, but urination was not painful.
During that week, I masturbated without applying pressure to the painful area, and ejaculation was also painless.
I have a foreskin that can retract automatically halfway or manually fully, with no obvious external injury or redness, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
Recently, I switched to looser pants, and when I sleep well, I still experience morning erections.
The pain has slightly alleviated, and I thought a few more days of rest would lead to recovery.
However, over the weekend, I went to the gym and did about half an hour of aerobic exercise on a stationary bike, and I still felt slight discomfort in the area.
It feels somewhat like a nerve strain from prolonged masturbation, although my frequency is low, about once every one to two weeks.
In the past few days, I've noticed a decrease in penile sensitivity.
Could you please advise what might be causing this discomfort? Will resting for a few days help with self-healing?

K, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/18

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

Based on your description, there seems to be no issue.
However, each injury that causes inflammation and symptoms is related to the healing capacity and characteristics of the tissue.
Tissue that has not fully healed is more susceptible to re-injury, which prolongs the recovery time.
The penis can easily bend and sustain injury when erect due to its rigidity, especially if a previous injury has not completely healed.
I want to emphasize again that there seems to be no problem based on your description.
I can only advise you to be particularly careful in protecting it during erections to facilitate gradual recovery.

Reply Date: 2024/06/18

More Info

Understanding penile discomfort can be multifaceted, and it’s essential to consider various factors that may contribute to the symptoms you’re experiencing. Based on your description, it seems that the discomfort may stem from a combination of mechanical irritation and possibly some nerve-related issues.

Firstly, the discomfort you felt after wearing tighter jeans and adjusting your position could indicate that the pressure on the genital area may have caused some temporary irritation or strain. The penis, particularly the glans (or head), is sensitive, and any pressure or friction can lead to discomfort. The fact that you experienced pain upon pressing the glans but not during urination suggests that the issue may not be related to an infection or urinary tract problem, as those typically cause pain during urination.

The absence of visible signs such as redness, swelling, or external injury is a positive indicator that the issue may be more related to irritation rather than an acute injury. The fact that you have a retractable foreskin and can manage it without pain also suggests that the discomfort is localized rather than systemic.

Regarding the sensation of reduced sensitivity, this could be due to a few factors. Sometimes, after an episode of irritation or discomfort, the nerves in the area can become temporarily desensitized. This is often a protective response from the body, allowing the area to heal without further irritation. Additionally, if you’ve been avoiding direct contact with the sensitive area due to discomfort, this could also contribute to a temporary change in sensitivity.

As for recovery, it’s generally advisable to allow your body some time to heal. Since you’ve already switched to looser clothing, which reduces friction and pressure, that’s a good step. Resting from activities that may exacerbate the discomfort, such as vigorous exercise or any activities that involve significant pressure on the pelvic area, can also be beneficial.
Typically, minor irritations can resolve within a few days to a week, especially if you’re taking care to avoid further irritation. If you notice that the discomfort persists beyond a week or worsens, or if you develop any new symptoms (such as swelling, discharge, or significant changes in urination), it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination and possibly recommend further tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, the discomfort you’re experiencing is likely due to mechanical irritation and possibly some nerve sensitivity changes. With appropriate self-care, including wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding activities that may aggravate the area, you should see improvement. However, if symptoms persist, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

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