Penis Pain

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain a medical history. Medical history questions documenting penis pain in detail may include the following:

• Time pattern
  • When did it develop?
  • Is it always present?
• Quality
  • Is it a painful erection (priapism)?
  • Is there pain when the penis is not erect?
  • Is the pain in all of the penis or just a specific part of it?
  • Are there any open sores or other lesions?
• Aggravating factors
  • Has there been a possibility of trauma to the area?
  • Are you at risk for any sexually transmitted disease?
  • Have you had a known exposure to a sexually transmitted disease?
• What other symptoms are also present?

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

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