Penile Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Penile pain may occur?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: I have been experiencing this symptom for over a month now.
Initially, I didn't think much of it, assuming it was just due to frequent masturbation.
However, I recently noticed that even if I refrain from masturbation for two to three days, the issue persists, which has made me a bit worried.

Symptoms: There are no external injuries to the penis, and I don't have any bruising or rashes.
Urination is normal and painless.
Generally, there is no pain, but if I apply slight pressure to the glans, I feel a dull pain inside the penis.
Additionally, I find it difficult to maintain an erection during masturbation, possibly due to this dull pain.
I'm unsure about what steps I should take next.

Long Tao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/08/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, your description does not indicate anything specific other than pain.
The causes of glans pain may include infection, kidney stones, inflammation, or injury.
Further examination is necessary for a proper diagnosis.
If you prefer not to seek medical attention, you may try local heat application to see if it helps reduce the pain.
If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask, and we can discuss and research it together.
This message is from the Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responding to you.

Reply Date: 2011/08/12

More Info

Penile pain can be a concerning symptom, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in the penis, particularly when pressure is applied to the glans (the head of the penis), and you have noted difficulties with maintaining an erection. Here’s a comprehensive overview of possible causes and recommendations.

Possible Causes of Penile Pain
1. Injury or Trauma: Even if there are no visible signs of injury, minor trauma from activities such as vigorous masturbation can lead to internal bruising or irritation.
2. Peyronie's Disease: This condition involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, which can cause pain and curvature during erections.
3. Infections: Conditions such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause discomfort, although you mentioned that urination is not painful.
4. Inflammation: Conditions like balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin) can lead to pain, even without visible redness or swelling.

5. Nerve Issues: Sometimes, nerve entrapment or irritation can lead to pain that may not be directly related to the penis itself.

6. Psychological Factors: Anxiety or stress related to sexual performance can also manifest as physical symptoms, including pain or discomfort during arousal or sexual activity.

When to Seek Medical Help
You should consider seeking medical attention if:
- The pain persists for more than a few weeks without improvement.

- You experience any additional symptoms, such as swelling, redness, or discharge.

- You have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection consistently.

- The pain worsens or changes in nature.

Recommended Actions
1. Avoid Irritation: Give your body some time to heal by reducing the frequency of masturbation or any activities that may cause discomfort.

2. Maintain Hygiene: Ensure that the genital area is clean and dry to prevent infections.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in symptoms, including the intensity of pain, any new symptoms, or changes in sexual function.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the pain continues, it is advisable to see a urologist. They can perform a physical examination, and if necessary, order tests such as ultrasound or blood tests to rule out infections or other underlying conditions.

5. Discuss Sexual Health: If anxiety or stress is a concern, consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health.

Conclusion
While penile pain can be distressing, many causes are treatable. It’s crucial to listen to your body and seek help when needed. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and alleviate concerns. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms with a professional can provide peace of mind and appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Penile Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, I usually have a habit of masturbating (every day). A few months ago, I experienced discomfort in my lower abdomen, especially when sitting, with a persistent itchy feeling that made me want to ejaculate. I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said I ...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello, urinary tract infections, stones, prostatitis, or excessive masturbation leading to penile injury are all possible causes. It is recommended to promptly visit a urology clinic for examination and treatment.

Understanding Penile Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Recently, after masturbating, I experienced mild pain in my penis while trying to sleep at night. There is sensitivity in the glans when lightly pressed, and I also feel some soreness in my lower back, penis, and perineum. What could these symptoms indicate, and do I need to seek...

Dr. Wu Shuyu reply Urology
Hello, the most common cause may be muscle soreness, but it cannot be ruled out that there could be an inflammatory condition. Mild symptoms often resolve on their own without the need for medical attention. It is recommended to rest first, but if symptoms persist or if you still...

Understanding Penile Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello: On the 13th, I engaged in DIY activities and experienced pain in my penis (specifically below the glans, near the front part of the shaft) during the process. I also felt pain during ejaculation that day. Over the past few days, I have observed that there is no pain when I...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
There should be nothing, just continue to monitor.

Understanding Unusual Penile Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, doctor: Recently, I have noticed a dull pain in my penis that comes and goes. Sometimes I don't feel anything when I'm not touching it, but there is a slight pain when I do touch it. I also discovered that during an erection, there seems to be a tight band or blo...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It's rare to see this in an outpatient setting; there may be other issues, such as injury or inflammation, so it might be better to seek medical attention.