Penis pain

Alternative names:

pain in the penis; priapism

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.