Penile pain is one of the most uncomfortable and worrying conditions men face. This pain can be mildly aching or sharp and severe. It can occur during sexual intercourse, urination or at rest. The underlying causes of penile pain range from trauma to infections, sexually transmitted diseases to anatomical disorders. In this article, we will examine the main causes of penile pain in detail.
Penis Pain Due to Trauma: Impact, Strain and Accidents
The penis is a sensitive organ to external factors and pain can occur as a result of various physical traumas. Some situations in daily life that occur unknowingly can affect this area and cause short or long-term discomfort. Common causes of penile pain due to trauma are:
- Direct Impact or Impact: Bruising, swelling and pain in the penis area may develop during sports, during a fall or as a result of accidental impact.
- Use of Tight Clothing and Underwear: Wearing tight or stiff underwear for a long time can put pressure on the penis and cause discomfort.
- Excessive strain during intercourse: Incompatible positions or uncontrolled movements can cause pain due to stretching of the penis and strain on the tissues.
- Riding a Bicycle or Motorcycle: Sitting on a hard saddle for long periods of time can compress the penis and surrounding nerves, causing temporary pain or numbness.
- Sudden changes in position during sleep: Involuntary lying on or squeezing between the legs while sleeping can cause mild pain in the morning.
- Surgical or Medical Interventions: Tissue sensitivity may develop after some surgical procedures in the past and this may make it more sensitive to trauma.
Although trauma-induced pain is usually temporary, bruising, severe swelling or prolonged pain should be referred to a specialist. Such symptoms may indicate a different underlying problem.
Pain Caused by Sexually Transmitted Diseases
One of the most common causes of penile pain is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases are usually transmitted after unprotected sexual intercourse and the first symptoms include burning, itching, discharge and pain at the tip of the penis. The pain may become more pronounced, especially when urinating or during sexual intercourse.
Diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and syphilis cause inflammation in the penile area, leading to pain. If left untreated, such infections can progress to more serious urological problems and even reproductive health complications.
The Relationship Between Urinary Tract Infections and Penile Pain
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), although rare in men, can cause penis pain when they occur. The mechanism and symptoms of such infections that cause pain are as follows:
- Burning and pain when urinating: It is the most common symptom. The infection irritates the urinary tract, which leads to burning or sharp pain during urination.
- Persistent Discomfort at the Penis Tip: If the infection is localized at the end of the urinary tract, it can cause a stinging sensation and discomfort at the tip of the penis.
- Persistent Discomfort at the Penis Tip: If the infection is localized at the end of the urinary tract, it can cause a stinging sensation and discomfort at the tip of the penis.
- Cloudy or Odorous Urine: Discoloration, foul odor or purulent discharge may be observed due to UTI.
- Pain in the lower abdomen and groin area: In some cases, the infection can travel upwards and cause pain in and around the bladder. This pain can also radiate to the penis.
- Fever and Fatigue: As the infection progresses, systemic symptoms such as general malaise and sometimes fever may occur.
Things to watch out for:
- When symptoms of urinary tract infection are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
- Adequate water consumption and hygiene are effective in reducing the risk of infection.
- The infection can be easily treated with appropriate antibiotics, but if treatment is delayed it can progress to the kidneys.
What is Peyronie’s Disease? Causes of Penis Curvature and Pain
Peyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder that causes abnormal curvature and pain in the penis. It is usually noticed during an erection and can negatively affect sexual life over time. Here are the main points to know about this disease:
- Hardening of the connective tissue (plaque formation): Peyronie’s disease begins with the formation of hardened plaques in the connective tissue in the penis. These plaques reduce flexibility and cause curvature.
- Significant curvature during erection: The plates cause one side of the penis to flex less. This causes the penis to curve upwards, downwards or sideways during an erection.
- Pain and Discomfort: In the initial stage of the disease, pain is usually felt. The pain occurs especially during an erection. Over time, some people may experience less pain but the deformity may remain.
- It can make sexual intercourse difficult: Severe curvature can make intercourse painful or impossible. This can cause psychological stress, loss of self-confidence and problems between couples.
- The exact cause of the disease is not known: It is often associated with irregular healing after minor trauma. Genetic predisposition and age factors also increase the risk.
- Early Diagnosis is Important: When the curvature is noticed or if pain has started, it is important to consult a urologist to manage the process. Interventions at an early stage can stop the progression.
Causes of Pain During and After Erection
Pain during or after an erection can have many different causes. This can both cause physical discomfort and negatively affect sexual life. Here are the main causes of this pain:
- Strain During Sexual Contact: Excessive pressure, uncontrolled movements or anatomical mismatches can lead to temporary damage to penile tissue and pain.
- Penis Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease): Penis curvature can cause discomfort, especially during an erection. This can lead to painful contacts during intercourse.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Inflammatory conditions can cause pain with burning and stinging sensations during urination or erection.
- Psychological Tension: Anxiety, stress or pressure to perform can trigger pain by causing muscles to contract.
- Receiving Support for Premature Ejaculation: Some men get to know their bodies better during the process of premature ejaculation treatments and this awareness can lead to early recognition of symptoms such as pain. This can be considered a positive part of the treatment process.
- Prolonged Erection (Priapism): Erections that last longer than normal can cause pressure on the tissues, causing pain and requiring urgent intervention.
The cause of the pain may be a simple strain or it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Therefore, if the complaints are recurring, it would be the best step to consult a specialist immediately.