Penis pain

Alternative names:

pain in the penis; priapism

Definition:

Any pain or discomfort in the penis. Priapism is a persistent, painful erection.

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 disease
• cancer of the penis
• infected penile prosthesis
• sickle cell anemia

Note: There may be other causes of penis pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for penis pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.