The penis is the most important organ in a man’s body. So it is normal for them to feel worried or anxious if there is pain in their penis and they may wonder what is the reason behind it.

In this article, DR. Muhd Taufiq Rashid from DR. Tan & Partners (DTAP) Clinic in Somerset, Singapore, with over 10 years of clinical experience in consulting on sexual and reproductive health, anti-ageing, weight control and healthy lifestyles, shares his top ten causes on penile pain.

Photo: Intermountain Healthcare

DTAP Clinic was initially established in 2005 at Robertson Walk, Singapore, with the aim of providing quality healthcare for everyone.

The top causes, according to DR. Muhd, are as follows:

INFECTIONS

(1) Balantis 

This is the inflammation of the foreskin and is caused by fungal or bacterial infections, such as soaps, powders or creams that are applied over the foreskin. Those with chronic conditions such as Diabetes or HIV are more prone to contracting this. While the pain is not serious, it is itchy and uncomfortable.

(2) Herpes

One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), herpes is known to cause lesions in the mouth and genital areas and presents in the form of painful blisters or ulcers over the skin and is highly sensitive to the touch. It is treatable with anti-viral tablets but recurrence rate is high.

(3) Chancroid

Transmitted through sexual intercourse, this presents as a single, large painful ulcer on the penis, together with enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the groin area. It is easily treatable with antibiotics.

(4) Urethritis

An infection of the urinary tract, symptoms include pain during urination or discharge from the tip of the penis. If such symptoms appear, a simple urethral swab can be done to determine the cause of the pain; most urethritis infections are treatable with antibiotics.

(5) Prostate infections 

Linked to urinary tract infections, this presents in the form of severe pain during urination and occasionally, fever and shivering. Sometimes it may be difficult to diagnose, and a longer course of antibiotics are usually needed.

TRAUMA

(6) Penis Fractures

Penis fractures occur when there is injury to the erectile tissue inside the penis, usually during sexual intercourse when the penis slips out of the partner and the partner sits back down on the penis, causing injury. Symptoms include sudden, sharp pain and occasionally a snapping sound.

(7) Torn Frenulum

A strip of skin connecting the head of the penis to the foreskin, the frenulum can break during sexual intercourse, resulting in pain and bleeding. In serious cases, surgery is sometimes required to fix the frenulum.

OTHERS

(8) Peyronie’s Disease

This is where the penis shaft becomes inflamed and as it heals, it leads to contraction of one side of the penis, causing it to bend and become inflammed. This often causes pain during sexual intercourse. Treatments range from shock wave therapy to surgery depending on the severity.

(9) Paraphimosis

This is where the foreskin is completely retracted to expose the head of the penis and cannot be pulled forwards. This affects the blood flow to the penis, resulting in immediate pain. If this happens, seek treatment instantly.

(10) Chronic pelvic pain syndrome

This causes pain in the testes, penis or lower back, due to inflammation of the prostate or the groin area.

This piece was brought to you by the DTAP Clinic in Somerset.