Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Penis pain

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pain - penis; Priapism

Definition    Return to top

Penis pain is any pain or discomfort in the penis.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

The ability to treat penis pain at home depends on the underlying cause. Consult your health care provider about treatment. Ice packs may help ease the pain.

If penis pain is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, it is important for your sexual partner to also be treated.

Priapism is a medical emergency, so seek care immediately if you have a painful, prolonged erection that does not resolve. For penis pain caused by priapism that is being treated, ask your health care provider about treatment for the underlying disorder.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice any of the following:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain a medical history, which may include the following questions:

The physical examination will probably include a detailed examination of the penis, testicles, scrotum, and groin.

The pain can be treated once its cause has been identified. For priapism, a urinary catheter may be inserted to relieve urine retention, and medications or surgery (occasionally) will be discussed with you if they are necessary. Antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed for infections. Rarely, circumcision is advised for chronic infection under the foreskin.

Update Date: 10/24/2006

Updated by: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.