Painful penis: Home Doctor & Self Therapy

The skin on the penis is thin and delicate and is easily injured or irritated. Minor bruising and chafing may occur after playing sports or sexual activity. Soreness at the tip may be due to poor hygiene or irritation from soaps or spermicides, or result from infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other symptoms of an STI include a rash, discharge from the penis, and pain when urinating. Pain that occurs only when your penis is erect or during sex may be due to an overtight foreskin.

WARNING

Seek immediate medical help if:
● You have a painful erection that lasts long after arousal has passed

● You have difficulty rolling your foreskin forward again after it has been retracted

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor, or go to a sexually transmitted infection clinic if:
● You suspect that you have a sexually transmitted infection or you are not sure what is causing the pain What you can do yourself There are several measures you can take that will ease pain and help prevent soreness.
● Keep your penis and foreskin clean. Take a bath or shower every day. If you have a foreskin, wash underneath it with water and unperfumed soap. Dry the end of your penis thoroughly.
● Wear loose underwear to avoid discomfort.
● If the head of your penis gets inflamed or sore during sex, apply a water-soluble lubricating jelly beforehand (see DRUG REMEDIES, below). Wash your genitals after intercourse. If you think the problem is due to the condoms you use, switch to a nonlatex type or one with a different spermicide.
● If you have a small injury on the tip of your penis, let it heal completely before having sex again.
● If you think you may be sensitive to soaps and laundry detergents, use only nonallergenic powder for your underclothes and avoid fabric softeners.
● If you have a sexually transmitted infection, bathing with salt water will help relieve symptoms (see PRACTICAL TIP, below). Tell your partner you have an STI; he or she may also need treatment.

DRUG REMEDIES

Lubricating jelly is widely available and will make sex more comfortable. Use it to help prevent soreness that may develop because of irritants or vigorous activity.

PRACTICAL TIP

Salt-water baths Gently bathing your penis 2 or 3 times a day in warm, salty water will help relieve soreness, swelling, and inflammation. Add a handful of salt to a bath two-thirds full. If you are finding urination uncomfortable or painful, urinate while lying in a warm bath, and shower yourself and the bathtub afterward.

Using jelly: Apply a water-soluble lubricant to your penis just before intercourse.