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What to know about penis swelling.
There are many potential causes of a swollen penis, but most cases are not a cause for concern. However, in rare cases, people may need immediate medical treatment.
A swollen penis may make it difficult to urinate or have sex. The swelling may accompany other symptoms, such as redness, irritation, itching, or discharge. It is important to note these signs to determine the underlying cause.
The penis consists of the following parts:
• The tip, head, or glans: This is where the urethra is, and where semen and urine come out.
• The shaft: Generally, the longest portion of the penis that extends from the tip to where it connects to the lower abdomen.
• Foreskin: A retractable flap of skin that covers and protects the head of the penis. Some people may surgically remove the foreskin via circumcision.
• Frenulum: Where the foreskin meets the underside of the penis.
Understanding penis anatomy may also help identify the cause of the swelling.
This article discusses potential explanations of penile swelling, treatments, and when to see a doctor.
Causes .
Allergic reaction, sexual injury, and balanitis are common causes for a swollen penis.
There are many potential causes for a swollen penis, ranging from accidental damage to more serious conditions that can develop over time.
Allergic reaction.
Sometimes, someone may experience an allergic reaction to certain creams or lotions they use on the penis, causing painful swelling.
They could also be allergic to the latex found in some condoms. Studies estimate that as many as 4.3%Trusted Source of the general population may have a latex allergy.Treatment: If a person is allergic to creams or latex, it is best to avoid the offending product. For mild allergies, the reaction may ease by itself, or people may use over-the-counter antihistamines. For severe allergies, epinephrine may be necessary to prevent anaphylaxis.
Sexual injury.
People may accidentally injure their penis during sexual activity, usually due to excessive force, a lack of lubrication, or an accidental thrust in the wrong place. Even though there is no bone in the penis, it can experience something urologists refer to as a “fracture.”.For example, a person may experience penile trauma from forceful thrusting. Particularly if the penis exits their partner, then it does not enter again smoothly. The force may cause it to bend sharply despite the erection. This can be painful, and a popping sound often accompanies the pain.
Treatment: A penile fracture is a medical emergency, and a person should see a doctor immediately if they experience this. Treatment will usually involve surgery. A doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help the healing process.
Balanitis.
Balanitis is irritation of the glans penis. Studies suggest it affects approximately 3–11%Trusted Source of males during their lifetime. Balanitis can trigger the following symptoms:
• redness and swelling. Itchiness.
• pain or tenderness at the head of the penis.
• discharge from the penis.
There are many underlying causes of balanitis, including:
• thrush (yeast). poor hygiene.
• a bacterial infection.
• a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. diabetes.
• skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, or balanitis xerotica obliterans.
Treatment: A doctor may prescribe a cream, ointment, or antibiotics. If balanitis commonly reoccurs, a doctor may consider circumcision.
Priapism.
Priapism is a disorder where the penis maintains a prolonged erection without sexual stimulation. This condition needs prompt evaluation by a medical professional and may require emergency treatmentTrusted Source, as it can result in permanent erectile dysfunction.Treatment: Treatment for priapism may vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a doctor may drain the old blood from the penis, or inject the penis with medications to fix the blood flow problem.In more severe cases, doctors may consider surgery or fitting a shunt. The longer a person experiences these symptoms, the higher the risk of a poorer outcome.
Phimosis.
Phimosis is where the foreskin is too tight, making it impossible to pull it down over the head of the penis.Although normal in babies and toddlers, the foreskin usually separates from the glans naturally when children reach 2–6 years. Phimosis can arise as a complication of balanitis if the foreskin sticks to the inflamed and swollen glans penis.Treatment: People can usually treat phimosis with good hygiene, creams, and ointments. A doctor may recommend using steroid creams, antibiotics, and gently retracting the foreskin after a bath or shower. If it reoccurs, a doctor may suggest a circumcision. Alternatively, |