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Penis pain
Pain - penis
Penis pain is any pain or discomfort in the penis .
Penis
The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. The penis is located above the scrotum. It is made of spongy tissue and bloo...
Causes
Causes may include:
- Bladder stone
- Bites, either human or insect
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Cancer of the penis
Cancer of the penis
Penile cancer is cancer that starts in the penis, an organ that makes up part of the male reproductive system.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Erection that does not go away (priapism)
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Genital herpes
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This article focuses on HSV type 2 infection.
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Infected
prosthesis
of the penis
Prosthesis
A prosthesis is a device designed to replace a missing part of the body or to make a part of the body work better. Diseased or missing eyes, arms, h...
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Infection under the foreskin of uncircumcised men (
balanitis
)
Balanitis
Balanitis is swelling of the foreskin and head of the penis.
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Inflammation of the prostate gland (
prostatitis
)
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is swelling of the prostate gland. Prostate tissue becomes inflamed. This problem can be caused by an infection with bacteria. Acute pr...
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Peyronie's disease
Peyronie's disease
Curvature of the penis is an abnormal bend in the penis that occurs during erection. It is also called Peyronie's disease.
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Reiter syndrome
Reiter syndrome
Reactive arthritis is a group of conditions that may involve the joints, eyes, and urinary and genital systems. These areas become swollen and infla...
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Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a disease passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disc take on a sickle or crescent ...
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Urethritis
caused by
chlamydia
or
gonorrhea
Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the body.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleChlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleGonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
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Home Care
How you treat penis pain at home depends on its cause. Talk to your health care provider about treatment. Ice packs may help ease the pain.
If penis pain is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, it is important for your sexual partner to also be treated.
An erection that does not go away (priapism) is a medical emergency. Get to the hospital emergency room right away. Ask your provider about getting treatment for the condition causing priapism.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you notice any of the following:
- An erection that does not go away (priapism). Seek immediate medical attention.
- Pain that lasts for more than 4 hours
- Pain with other unexplained symptoms
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will do a physical examination and take a medical history, which may include the following questions:
- When did the pain start? Is pain always present?
- Is it a painful erection (priapism)?
- Do you feel pain when the penis is not erect?
- Is the pain in all of the penis or just one part of it?
- Have you had any open sores?
- Has there been any injury to the area?
- Are you at risk for exposure to any sexually transmitted diseases?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The physical exam will most likely include a detailed exam of the penis, testicles, scrotum, and groin.
The pain can be treated once its cause has been found. Treatments depend on the cause:
-
Infection, antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other medications (in rare cases,
circumcision
is advised for long-term infection under the foreskin).
Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
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Priapism, the erection needs to diminish, a
urinary catheter
is inserted to relieve urinary retention, and medicines or surgery may be needed.
Urinary catheter
A urinary catheter is a tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder.
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References
Broderick GA. Priapism. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 25.
Frenkl T, Potts J. Sexually transmitted diseases In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 13.
Jordan GH, McCammon KA. Peyronie's disease. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 28.
Pettaway CA, Lance RS, Davis JW. Tumors of the penis. In:Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 34.
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Male reproductive anatomy - illustration
The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Male reproductive anatomy
illustration
Review Date: 1/21/2015
Reviewed By: Scott Miller, MD, urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
