| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Any pain or discomfort in the penis . Priapism is a persistent, painful erection. |
| Alternative Names | Pain - penis; Priapism |
| Considerations | The most frequent causes of penile pain, which are excessive manipulation and pain resulting from human bites , could be avoided thorough increased care. |
| Common Causes | trauma (such as from excessive manipulation) bites, either human or insect pimples or any surface lesion genital herpes (visible lesions or sores are often preceded by 5 or 6 days of burning, itching or pain at the site of infection) inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) syphilis (can produce a painless penile sore) nonspecific urethritis caused by Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection under the foreskin of uncircumcised men ( balanitis )Reiter's syndrome priapism (persistent erection) Peyronie's diseasecancer of the penis infected penile prosthesissickle cell anemia |
| Home Care | Home care depends on the cause. Consult your health care provider about treatment of the cause. If penis pain is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, it is important for the sexual partner to also be treated. For penis pain caused by priapism (persistent erection), consult your health care provider about treatment for the underlying disorder. Ice packs may help the pain. |
| Call your health care provider if | pain persists for a prolonged period of time. there is a persistent erection (priapism). See your health care provider right away. pain is associated with other unexplained symptoms. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting penis pain in detail may include: time pattern When did it develop? Is it always present? quality Is it a painful erection (priapism)? Is there pain when the penis is not erect? Is the pain in all of the penis or just a specific part of it? Are there any open sores or other lesions? aggravating factors Has there been a possibility of trauma to the area? Are you at risk for any sexually transmitted disease? Have you had a known exposure to a sexually transmitted disease? other What other symptoms are also present? The physical examination will probably include a detailed examination of the penis, testicles , scrotum , and groin. Once the cause of the pain is determined, the appropriate treatment will be administered. For priapism, a urinary catheter may be inserted to relieve urine retention, and medications (or occasionally, surgery) are recommended if necessary. Antibiotics, antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed for infections. Rarely, circumcision is advised for chronic infection under the foreskin. After seeing your health care provider: If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to penis pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record. |
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