What to Do About a Painful Lump at the Base of the Penis?

Q: What to Do About a Painful Lump at the Base of the Penis?

K： Hello, I believe it is a subcutaneous infection. <br>For now, let's not worry about it. <br>After a while, it will mature and become softer, and at that time, it will be more effective to address it. <br>This is a response from Dr. <br>Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung

A hard lump under the skin at the base of the penis could indicate several potential issues. It may be a benign condition such as a cyst, a fibroma, or a lipoma. However, it could also be a sign of Peyronie's disease, which involves the development of fibrous scar tissue that can cause curvature of the penis. In

Hello Doctor: I have had no sexual experience so far, but I have a habit of masturbating 2 to 3 times a week.
Recently, I have been experiencing some insomnia and thought that masturbating might help me sleep better (since it would make me tired).
However, after some excessive frequency, I suddenly noticed a hard lump about 1.5 cm x 0.5 cm in size under the skin at the base of my penis while showering.
It appears flesh-colored, feels like a blister when pressed, and is painful.
I foolishly thought it might be due to some inflammation, so I left it alone.
However, after almost a week, the lump has not gone away, so I tried to squeeze it, thinking that if it were a blister, it should disappear.
Instead, I squeezed out a clear, viscous fluid along with fresh blood, which startled me.
I then applied some anti-inflammatory ointment, and recently the height of the lump has slightly decreased, but its size has not reduced; instead, it appears purplish-red, resembling inflammation.
How can I eliminate this lump? Is this lump related to masturbation? Is my symptom severe enough to require a doctor's visit (I hope to avoid going if possible)?

K Sang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/17

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

K: Hello, I believe it is a subcutaneous infection.
For now, let's not worry about it.
After a while, it will mature and become softer, and at that time, it will be more effective to address it.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2006/07/17

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning issue with a painful lump at the base of your penis, and I understand that this can be quite distressing. Based on your description, it seems that you have developed a subcutaneous lump that is painful and has changed in appearance over time. Here are some insights and recommendations regarding your situation.

Possible Causes
1. Sebaceous Cyst: One common cause of lumps in the genital area is a sebaceous cyst, which can occur when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked. These cysts are usually benign and can sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to pain and discomfort.

2. Peyronie's Disease: This condition involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, which can cause lumps and pain. It is often associated with curvature during erections but can also present as a lump.

3. Infection or Abscess: The presence of pain, especially if you noticed pus or blood when you squeezed the lump, could indicate an infection or abscess. This would require medical evaluation and possibly drainage.

4. Trauma: Frequent masturbation or vigorous sexual activity can sometimes lead to trauma in the area, resulting in hematomas (localized bleeding outside of blood vessels) or other types of swelling.

Recommendations
1. Avoid Manipulation: It’s important to refrain from squeezing or manipulating the lump further, as this can exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of infection.

2. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the area may help reduce discomfort and promote drainage if there is an underlying infection.

3. Topical Treatments: While you mentioned using an anti-inflammatory ointment, it’s crucial to ensure that any topical treatment is appropriate for the area and does not cause further irritation.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump. If it continues to grow, becomes increasingly painful, or if you develop systemic symptoms such as fever, it is essential to seek medical attention.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given that the lump has not resolved after a week and has changed in color and size, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can perform a physical examination, possibly conduct imaging studies, and determine if further intervention is necessary.

When to Seek Immediate Care
- If you experience severe pain, fever, or any signs of systemic infection (like chills or sweats).

- If the lump continues to grow or changes significantly in appearance.

- If you have any difficulty urinating or notice blood in your urine.

Conclusion
While it’s understandable to want to avoid a doctor's visit, your symptoms warrant professional evaluation to rule out any serious conditions and to receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring the issue could lead to complications, especially if it is an infection or another treatable condition. Remember, your health is paramount, and seeking help is a proactive step towards recovery.

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