Pain arising from the penis is often a result of a sexually transmitted infection and can be associated with burning, itching, painful urination, discharge, or blood in the urine. Infections or inflammation of the bladder or prostate can also result in penile pain. Balanitis is a term that refers to an infection and inflammation under the foreskin of the penis, and this is another potential cause of penile pain. Trauma, persistent erection (priapism), cancers, and Peyronie's disease (the development of scar tissue within the penis) are other causes. Sickle cell anemia may cause priapism due to blockages of small blood vessels in the penis.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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Causes of Penile Pain
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Balanitis (Inflammation of the Head of the Penis)
Balanitis is a condition in which the skin of the head of the penis becomes inflamed. If the foreskin is also inflamed, it is...
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Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
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Penis Cancer
Signs and symptoms of penile cancer include a lump on the penis and redness, irritation, or a sore on the penis. Risk of penis...
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Peyronie's Disease (Curvature of the Penis)
Peyronie's disease or curvature of the penis (Peyronie disease) is a condition in which scar tissue develops inside the penis....
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Priapism (Penis Disorder)
Priapism is a penis disorder characterized by a prolonged, unwanted erection of the penis. Medical conditions, trauma, or...
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Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia)
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Other Causes of Penile Pain
- Abscess
- Allergic Dermatitis
- Bacterial Infections
- Bladder Stone
- Chlamydia
- Genital Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Infected Penis Prosthesis
- Syphilis
- Trauma
- Urethritis
Examples of Medications for Penile Pain
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