Peyronie's disease not the only cause of penis pain

Peyronie’s disease often causes pain during erection because the shortened scar tissue located in the tunica albuginea cannot lengthen, and causes pain.  Occasionally, men will also report penis pain when erect and non-erect; some men will even report never having pain during erection but only when non-erect or flaccid.

Since pain is often a part of the Peyronie’s disease landscape, let us take a closer look at penis pain that occurs only during sexual activity, with the most common causes being listed first. .

Peyronie’s disease is a common explanation when men have sexual pain, but it is not the only one. See your doctor for an official diagnosis, but here are some other culprits.

Poor sexual technique and insufficient foreplay to cause adequate sexual lubrication.  Rushing into genital penetration before the female partner is adequately prepared sexually can be painful due to the vagina being dry and too contracted.  Use of adequate sexual lubrication can be extremely helpful.

Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland that can cause swelling and pain in the area behind your penis (just below your bladder), pain or burning when urinating, and painful ejaculation.

Genital herpes can cause a sore on the penis that results in very painful sex.  In addition to avoiding sexual contact with a partner during an outbreak because these sores are extremely infectious, part of the therapy for herpes is to refrain from sex in any case.

Urinary tract infections anywhere from the bladder to the tip of the urethra (urinary tube that runs the length of the penis to pass urine out of the body).  This needs to be treated rapidly, because they can spread and become very serious.

Yeast infections of any part of the urinary tract are often accompanied by itching or burning at the tip of the penis.

Allergies and dermatitis caused by sensitivity to chemicals or soaps can result in inflammation of the skin on the penis, especially for those men who are uncircumcised.

Psoriasis of is a non-infectious chronic skin condition that results in scaly, itchy and painful red patches.  These are usually treated with low-dose steroid creams. When psoriasis of the penis develops, sexual contact can be painful.

Phimosis is a condition of the penis in which the foreskin, also called the prepuce, is too tight to be completely retracted over the head of the penis.  Movement of this tight skin during sexual activity can be very painful.

Paraphimosis is a similar condition in which the tight foreskin becomes stuck behind the head of the penis.  Low grade infections can develop, and reduced blood flow to the area can occur, either or both of which are very painful.

Any pain that develops during sex should be investigated by a medical doctor.

For a more in-depth discussion about matters of penis pain, and the role of Peyronie’s disease in sexual activity, please refer to my book, “Peyronie’s Disease & Sex”