Painful Bump Near the Penis and Scrotum: A Guide - Urology

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A small lump has appeared near the junction of the penis and the left side of the scrotum?


Hello, Dr.
Hsu.
I am 22 years old and a university student.
I would like to ask you two questions.
Recently, I discovered a small lump near the connection between my left scrotum and penis, about 3 to 4 mm in size.
It usually doesn't cause much discomfort, but it hurts when I touch it or during DIY activities.
I have tried to squeeze it, and only a little pus came out.
This situation has been ongoing for about one to two weeks.
What should I do to resolve this? What could this condition be?
Additionally, my foreskin can retract completely when not erect, but when I try to retract it during an erection, I feel some pain.
Is this normal? How should I address this? I sincerely appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.

Kenshin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/03/22

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Kenshin: Hello, regarding the 1.3-4mm issue, I cannot make a judgment either.
I recommend seeking medical attention for early treatment.
Note: It could be due to infection, inflammation, or other lesions.

2.
If the foreskin cannot be easily retracted after an erection, it is mostly due to phimosis, which can be improved through surgical incision.
Note: If you prefer not to have surgery, regularly stretching the foreskin can gradually improve the condition.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Answers on the internet can only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is still important to seek care at a medical facility.

This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about you.

Reply Date: 2014/03/22

More Info


Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the painful bump near your penis and scrotum, as well as your questions about your foreskin. It's important to address these issues carefully, as they can be indicative of various conditions.


Understanding the Painful Bump
The bump you described, located near the connection between your penis and scrotum, could be a few different things. Given its size (3-4 mm) and the fact that it has been present for about one to two weeks, it may be a sebaceous cyst, a folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), or possibly a small abscess. The presence of pus when you attempted to squeeze it suggests that it could be an infection or an inflamed cyst.
Sebaceous Cysts are common and usually harmless. They occur when sebaceous glands become blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum. They can sometimes become inflamed or infected, which may cause pain and tenderness.
Folliculitis is another possibility, which is an infection of the hair follicles that can occur due to bacteria, fungi, or irritation. This condition can also lead to small, painful bumps that may produce pus.

Abscesses are localized infections that can occur in the skin, leading to a painful, swollen area filled with pus. If the bump is indeed an abscess, it may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.


Recommendations for the Bump
1. Avoid Squeezing: While it may be tempting to squeeze the bump, this can worsen the inflammation or spread an infection.
2. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the area may help reduce pain and promote drainage if it is an abscess.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given that the bump is painful and has been present for a couple of weeks, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend further treatment, such as antibiotics or drainage if necessary.


Concerns About the Foreskin
Regarding your foreskin, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience discomfort when retracting the foreskin during an erection. This discomfort can be due to several factors, including:
1. Tight Foreskin (Phimosis): If the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis) when erect, it may indicate phimosis, which can cause pain and discomfort.

2. Sensitivity: The glans can be sensitive, and some individuals may experience discomfort when the foreskin is retracted during an erection.

3. Infection or Inflammation: Conditions such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) can also cause pain during retraction.


Recommendations for the Foreskin
1. Gentle Retraction: If you experience pain, do not force the foreskin back. Instead, try to gently retract it when you are not erect to help stretch the skin gradually.

2. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene by cleaning the area gently with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh soaps or irritants.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the pain persists or worsens, or if you notice any unusual symptoms (such as redness, swelling, or discharge), it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess whether you have phimosis or another condition that may require treatment.


Conclusion
In summary, the bump you are experiencing could be a sebaceous cyst, folliculitis, or an abscess, and it is advisable to avoid squeezing it and to seek medical attention. Regarding your foreskin, if you are experiencing pain during retraction, it may be due to tightness or sensitivity, and consulting a healthcare provider would be beneficial for proper evaluation and management.

Please take care of your health, and do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance.

Best wishes for your health,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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