Penis Pain

Overview

Penis pain can occur in the shaft, head (glans), or base of the penis. It may be sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning, and can happen during urination, sexual activity, or at rest. While some causes are minor, penis pain can indicate serious conditions requiring prompt medical attention.

Common Causes

Infections

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): Burning pain during urination
  • Sexually transmitted infections: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes
  • Balanitis: Inflammation of glans penis
  • Posthitis: Foreskin inflammation
  • Prostatitis: Prostate infection causing referred pain
  • Epididymitis: Can cause penile pain
  • Yeast infection: Candidiasis

Injury and Trauma

  • Penile fracture: Rupture of erectile tissue
  • Zipper injury: Common accidental trauma
  • Sports injuries: Direct trauma
  • Rough sexual activity: Friction injuries
  • Prolonged erection: Priapism

Skin Conditions

  • Contact dermatitis: Allergic reactions
  • Psoriasis: Scaly, painful patches
  • Lichen sclerosus: White patches, scarring
  • Lichen planus: Inflammatory condition
  • Fixed drug eruption: Medication reaction

Structural Problems

  • Phimosis: Tight foreskin
  • Paraphimosis: Trapped retracted foreskin
  • Peyronie's disease: Scar tissue causing curvature
  • Urethral stricture: Narrowing of urethra
  • Frenulum breve: Short frenulum

Other Causes

  • Kidney stones: Pain during urination
  • Bladder stones: Sharp pain
  • Penile cancer: Rare but serious
  • Referred pain: From back or hip problems
  • Psychological: Stress-related pain

Associated Symptoms

  • Discharge from penis
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Frequent urination
  • Swelling or redness
  • Rash or sores
  • Itching or burning
  • Fever
  • Painful erections
  • Difficulty retracting foreskin
  • Testicular pain

Diagnosis

  • Medical history: Including sexual history
  • Physical examination: Visual inspection and palpation
  • Urine tests: Check for infection
  • STI testing: Swabs and blood tests
  • Ultrasound: For structural problems
  • Cystoscopy: Examine urethra and bladder
  • Biopsy: If cancer suspected

Treatment Options

  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections
  • Antifungal medications: For yeast infections
  • Antiviral drugs: For herpes
  • Pain relievers: NSAIDs or acetaminophen
  • Topical steroids: For inflammatory conditions
  • Circumcision: For severe phimosis
  • Surgery: For Peyronie's disease or strictures
  • Emergency treatment: For priapism or paraphimosis

Emergency Symptoms - Seek Immediate Care

  • Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
  • Severe pain after injury
  • Inability to urinate
  • Foreskin stuck behind glans (paraphimosis)
  • Signs of severe infection (high fever, spreading redness)
  • Penile fracture (popping sound during sex, immediate pain/swelling)
  • Heavy bleeding

Prevention

  • Practice safe sex
  • Maintain good hygiene
  • Wear protective gear during sports
  • Treat foreskin problems early
  • Stay hydrated to prevent stones
  • Regular STI screening if sexually active
  • Gentle handling during sexual activity
  • Proper lubrication during sex

Important: Don't delay seeking medical care for penis pain. Early treatment prevents complications and improves outcomes.