Itchy and Painful Glans: Causes and Solutions

Itching and tingling of the glans?

1.
I have been experiencing itching and a prickling sensation on my glans for the past few days.
Upon inspection, I noticed that both the glans and the foreskin appear slightly red and have a bruised-like color.
Touching the glans causes some pain.
What should I do?
2.
Additionally, there are small red spots on the glans.
Could this be a sexually transmitted infection? However, I have not engaged in any sexual activity.
3.
For the past two days, I have also felt a stinging sensation while urinating.
I am wondering if this could be due to urethritis, which might be related to the issues with my glans.
4.
I have a foreskin, but I always retract it to wash during showers.
Could this be contributing to my problems?
5.
After using the restroom, I always dry myself with toilet paper.
I used to not experience any residual urine after urination, but now it feels like there is still urine that comes out afterward.
This has been bothering me for several days, and sometimes I feel discomfort in my lower region while sitting or walking.
Please help me, thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/05

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

It sounds like you have balanitis affecting the glans and possibly the urethra.
It is recommended that you see a urologist for examination and treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/03/05

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms related to your glans (the head of the penis) and possibly the surrounding areas. Let's break down your concerns and address them one by one.

1. Itching and Pain in the Glans: The symptoms of itching, pain, and redness you describe could be indicative of several conditions. Common causes include infections (such as yeast infections or bacterial infections), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The presence of a red or bruised appearance could suggest inflammation or irritation, possibly due to friction, poor hygiene, or an allergic reaction to soaps or detergents. It's crucial to avoid any irritants and maintain proper hygiene. If the symptoms persist, a visit to a healthcare provider is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Red Dots on the Glans: The small red dots you mentioned could be a variety of things, including folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), pearly penile papules (normal anatomical variations), or signs of an infection. Since you mentioned you have not engaged in sexual activity, the likelihood of an STI is lower, but not impossible. It's important to have these spots evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms like pain or discharge.

3. Painful Urination: The burning sensation during urination could indeed suggest urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), which can be caused by infections or irritants. This could be related to the issues you're experiencing with your glans. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s advisable to seek medical attention, as untreated urethritis can lead to more serious complications.

4. Presence of Foreskin: Having foreskin can sometimes contribute to hygiene issues if not properly cleaned. It's good that you retract it during bathing to clean the area. However, if you notice that you are having difficulty retracting it or if it becomes painful, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Conditions such as phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) can lead to inflammation and discomfort.

5. Post-Urination Dribbling: The sensation of residual urine after urination can be caused by several factors, including pelvic floor muscle weakness, incomplete bladder emptying, or inflammation. It’s not uncommon for men to experience this, especially if there are underlying issues with the urinary tract or prostate. If this is a new symptom for you, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider to rule out any potential issues.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination, possibly order laboratory tests (such as urine tests or swabs), and provide a treatment plan based on their findings. In the meantime, maintain good hygiene, avoid irritants, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening pain, fever, or any discharge, seek medical attention promptly. Your health and comfort are important, and addressing these symptoms early can help prevent further complications.

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