For men, having the ability to maintain an erection for a long time is probably considered a good thing when it comes to impressing women. But if there is pain in the penis after an erection, it doesn’t seem like a good thing anymore.
Because the penis is a delicate organ, various diseases can easily occur. It requires regular care and observation. Most importantly, if there are any abnormal symptoms in the penis area, it is not something to hide or be ashamed of when going to see a doctor.
Sometimes, these symptoms may be warning signs of various diseases. If you do not promptly see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, it may cause the disease to worsen, become more painful, harder to treat, and more costly.
…So how can pain in the penis during an erection be treated? Is there a solution? And what causes it? Many people who have experienced or are currently experiencing this symptom probably want to know.
Contents of this article
- Erection of the Penis
- Causes of Pain in the Penis During Erection
- Common Types of Pain
- How to Treat Pain in the Penis During Erection
Erection of the Penis
The erection of the penis is a physiological phenomenon where the penis becomes erect, filled with blood, and enlarges. It is the result of a complex interaction between the mind, nervous system, vascular system, and endocrine system. Erection occurs from stimulation or touch and the brain’s imagination and thoughts.
Stimuli trigger the brain to send signals through the spinal nerves. These signals stimulate the release of chemicals that send information causing blood vessels to supply blood to the penis, resulting in the release of a chemical called nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide functions to relax the smooth muscles of the penile tissue responsible for erection (corpora cavernosa), allowing more blood to flow into the area. This causes the penis to become erect.
What causes pain in the penis during erection?
- Inflammation or infection in the urethra, possibly accompanied by painful urination or pus discharge.
- Inflammation or abrasion on the skin of the penis, such as from friction or trauma.
- Skin diseases in the penile area such as genital herpes, which presents with blisters that may come and go. When blisters break, there is a burning sensation. These are sexually transmitted infections or contact infections. Folliculitis may cause mild pain, and if severe, there may be pus-filled bumps.
Common types of pain
1. Pain at the tip of the penis
If you experience unusual pain, burning, or irritation at the tip of the penis, do not ignore it. These symptoms may indicate inflammation of this important part. If there are wounds or pus discharge, it could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea, chlamydia (caused by different bacterial strains), chancroid, herpes, syphilis, shingles, etc.
Most cases occur in people who have unprotected sex. Some may experience pain extending to the testicles, which could be due to kidney stones or bladder stones. In some cases, the pain may not be severe but accompanied by itching, tingling, and slight redness without wounds. This could be general inflammation or dermatitis caused by moisture, friction, frequent washing, frequent use, or certain fungal infections.
2. Pain from the testicles extending to the groin
This could be due to inflammation of the testicles, varicose veins in the testicular area, or hernia. If vomiting occurs along with pain, it may be a hernia with bowel obstruction or testicular torsion, which requires surgical treatment. If there is pain in the skin between the testicles and the anus, it may indicate prostatitis.
3. Persistent erection with pain
This is a symptom of a rigid penis with blood congestion, an emergency condition requiring immediate emergency room treatment. Some cases occur during intercourse. Do not worry; these symptoms can be treated with medication. In some cases, if there is severe blood congestion, muscle relaxant injections may be given, and if not resolved, blood drainage with a needle may be necessary. If there is recurrent chronic pain with persistent erection, it may be related to nerve inflammation or psychological issues. Therefore, if you experience painful persistent erection, do not ignore it and see a doctor early for diagnosis.
4. Pain throughout the penis
If accompanied by painful urination, burning sensation, or blood in the urine, it indicates urinary tract stones. However, if there is blood discharge from the penis without pain, this is concerning as it may indicate bladder cancer.
Learn more about bladder inflammation
If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor for further examination to get an accurate diagnosis. For initial self-care before seeing a doctor, avoid frequently touching or scratching the tip of the penis. Avoid sexual intercourse for now. Do not apply any medications on your own since the cause is unknown. Keep the penis clean by washing with clean water. If the pain is severe, see a doctor immediately.
How to treat pain in the penis during erection
Therefore, in some cases, various types of pain may not be serious diseases. Conversely, no pain can be more serious because cancers often do not cause pain unless there are complications. Additionally, discomfort in the penis may indicate urethritis or urinary tract infections.
