Tag Archives: pain

Peyronie’s disease and pain in the penis

Posted on by Dr.Herazy

Penis injury during sex common cause of Peyronie’s disease 

Nothing will get a man’s attention more than when his penis hurts.

There are typically two ways in which a painful penis can develop:  after direct penis injury, or as a result of some type of medical health problem or sickness affecting the urinary system.  When the penis hurts because of suspected disease of the prostate gland, bladder or urethra there are few clear cut answers to penis pain with the exact location, duration, and quality of penis pain different from case to case, without good explanation.   You will notice that some men with prostatitis have pain at the base of the penis, while other men with the same diagnosis have pain at the tip of the penis, and other men no penis pain at all.  Men who have a painful penis are often surprised that their condition is never given a definite diagnosis to explain its cause.

This discussion will focus primarily on a particular type of painful traumatic event peculiar to Peyronie’s disease that can either cause or worsen an existing penile problem, as with an injury during intercourse.

Peyronie’s treatment

Regardless of how Peyronie’s disease starts, surgery and drugs are not always needed to reduce the pain and penile distortion it causes. Since 2002 the Peyronie’s Disease Institute has worked with people from around the world to use natural Alternative Medicine methods to help their body reverse the Peyronie’s scar naturally. While surgery is always an option, most people prefer to first use non-surgical treatment to possibly avoid the inherent risks of surgery.

Learn more about Peyronie’s disease treatment with Alternative Medicine. Another good source of information is the Peyronie’s Disease Handbook.

Medical conditions that can cause penis pain

It is important to know that several common disease conditions not related to penile injury can also cause dull and sharp pain in the penis and should not be ignored, especially if you have other unexplained symptoms related to the pelvis or urinary system:

  • Peyronie's disease
  • Bladder stone
  • Cancer of the penis
  • Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
  • Reiter syndrome
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Erection that does not go away (priapism) after 4 hours – medical emergency
  • Genital herpes
  • Syphilis
  • Urethra inflammation caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea
  • Infected or defective penile prosthesis
  • Infection under the foreskin of uncircumcised men (balanitis)
  • Pimples or insect bites on the head or shaft of the penis

Because any of these conditions can cause a deeply hurt penis, it is always best to rule out disease of the urinary system by going to your family doctor for a complete examination with any type of pains in the penis.  If you do not have a medical health problem, then a painful penis is usually explained by past trauma to the genitals or pelvis.  Even minor trauma can at times cause significant penile injury with varying degrees of pain and other symptoms.  One of the reasons that traumatic penis damage is often not suspected as the cause of genital pain is that there is sometimes a delayed response between the time of injury and when the penis pain begins.  It is rather common for a man to discover that a penis injury during sex that started his Peyronies disease might not cause discomfort until several weeks or months afterward.  Probably the single-most common way for PD to start is from a forcefully bent penis during sex.

Penile fracture or broken penis syndrome – Common way to hurt penis during sex

Even though there are no bones in the penis, penile fracture and broken penis syndrome are legitimate medical terms.  Both refer to a sudden and forceful bending injury of the erect penis, resulting in torn or ruptured internal tissue.  Many times a penile fracture will occur as a result of injury during sex activity when an erection is suddenly and forcefully impacted at the tip of the penis, almost like being punched in the nose.  When the force is sudden and unexpected the vulnerable shaft can painfully sustain a sharp bend, “breaking” the inner layer of penile tissue called the tunica albuginea membrane, as well as other tissues.  The forceful impact that causes a penile fracture most commonly happens during heightened sexual activity with the female partner in the superior position; other sexual positions allow for this to happen but this is the classic situation that results in a penile fracture.  Within just a second of time she will pull back too far, lose contact with the male, and then continue back down on top of the erection impacting the penis head with her pubic, inguinal or inner thigh area.  The initial immediate pain can be very mild or severe, depending on many variables, yet sufficient to tear the tunica when it is stretched tight during an erection.

The tunica albuginea surrounds the two corpora cavernosa chambers, specialized elongated masses of spongy tissue of the penis that fill with blood to create an erection.  In a penile fracture, because the torn tunica albuginea can no longer trap blood inside the penile chambers, blood that is normally confined within the penile chambers can freely leak out to surrounding tissue often resulting significant bruising and swelling, in addition to varying degrees of pain in the penis.

About half of men who undergo penis injury similar to the above, or even compression injury during a work-, sports- or auto-related accidents, will self-heal and repair the problem with the tunica albuginea without developing Peyronie’s disease.   The other half of cases will not heal, and it will slowly and gradually worsen as Peyronie’s disease develops over time.

Pain in tip of penis

Men with Peyronie’s disease sometimes have pain in the tip of the penis, although this is somewhat unusual because the pain of PD is usually located along the shaft or even base of the penis.  Although pain in the penile tip could be related to Peyronies, it is more likely due to reflex from the prostate gland; prostatitis often will refer pain to the tip of the penis.  As a point of differentiation, prostatitis will often increase urinary frequency, reduce the force and volume of urine, burning in the penile tip unrelated to voiding, reduced erectile ability, blood in the urine and semen, and aching pain is possible in the penis, testicles, rectum, perineum, groin and lower abdomen and low back.  Prostatitis can be precipitated by too frequent or too infrequent ejaculation, sexual arousal without ejaculation, withdrawal at the time of ejaculation, aggressive bike or horseback riding, excessive spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, as well as prolonged sitting especially in an automobile.

A similar complaint is burning at the tip of the penis.  When this occurs it suggests the possibility of an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or an infection of the urinary tract.   Generally, an STD is associated with a change of sexual partners, and can be variable from few a few subtle symptoms to marked genital pain during intercourse, discharge, itching and pain burning pain in the penis tip during urination.  STDs are serious problems that demand prompt and aggressive medical diagnosis and care.   A common urinary infection is suspected if you feel the need for frequent urination or notice that you need to urinate again within a few minutes.

Pain at base of penis

Pain at the base of the penis is perhaps most often explained as originating from a chronic bacterial infection of the prostate (chronic bacterial prostatitis).  This problem often comes and goes over time without apparent reason.   During a flare-up the penis pain can be dull or sharp, and extend to the testicles and anus as well as the pubic bone in front or the low back.  Bowel movements may be painful at this time.  It is also common to note frequent urgency of urination, pain when urinating or during ejaculation. While these symptoms are similar to an acute bacterial prostatitis, men who have a flare-up of chronic bacterial prostatitis tend to be less run down, feverish and ill-feeling than with acute prostatitis.

Peyronies: Disease of the Penis?

Posted on by Dr.Herazy

Peyronie’s disease is not a disease

The problem that brings men to this website that is usually commonly called Peyronie’s disease is not a disease of penis tissue, actually.  We continue to use this term only because for hundreds of years it has been commonly associated with this problem we share, but it is not accurate.

A disease refers to an altered condition of the body that is associated with extreme pain, significant and limiting organ or system dysfunction, social problems, and even death.  Further, a disease is typically acquired by means of indirect or direct contact or transmission from one person to another.  While there are many definitions of what constitutes a disease, the above definition is universally acceptable.

Let’s consider each element of what constitutes a disease, point by point.

1.    Peyronie’s disease seldom causes extreme pain, and sometimes no pain at all – does not fulfill definition.

2.    The genitourinary system of which the penis is only a part continues to function carrying urine in all cases, and has reduced sexual function in about half of the cases – does not fulfill definition.

3.    Society is not affected by a Peyronie’s curved penis that plays havoc with the man who has it in the way that diseases like the flu or measles, alcoholism, syphilis and tuberculosis  do – does not fulfill definition.

4.    Lastly, it is not communicable.  It is not possible to catch Peyronies from someone else or pass it on to another person  – does not fulfill definition.

5.    Peyronie’s disease is not fatal, except to some couple’s sex life – does not fulfill definition.

You will notice that throughout the PDI website and blog I often refer to this problem as a “condition.”  More clinically accurate names that were taken from the Peyronie’s Disease Institute website:

1.    Indurato penis plastica

2.    Penile fibrosis

3.    Penile fibromatosis

4.    Penile induration

5.    Chronic cavernositis

6.    Fibrous sclerosis of the penis

7.    Fibrous cavernositis

8.    Fibrous plaques of the penis

Peyronie’s syndrome

Some people use the term Peyronie’s syndrome to refer to this problem, but technically that is also not a correct way to refer to Peyronie’s disease.

A syndrome refers to a typical group of several essential and clearly recognizable clinical signs, symptoms and characteristics that often occur in association or together, creating a picture or profile of a recognizable clinical condition.  In an actual syndrome the presence of one feature, sign or symptom will alert a doctor to the possibility a particular syndrome might be present.  Once this is established, the doctor will automatically look for other features, signs and symptoms that normally occur with it within the profile of that suspected syndrome. If additional typical findings are found, a diagnosis of that suspected syndrome can be made.

Peyronie’s syndrome is not a valid term because the characteristics, signs and symptoms of Peyronies are actually too few, and seldom present a customary group of features that suggest this particular health problem.  By usual medical standards the few symptoms and signs associated with PD are actually vague and sometimes are totally missing. Since there are typically only three such standard findings associated with Peyronie’s disease (penis pain, penis curvature, presence of the common Peyronie’s plaque or scar), this group is not  large enough to strongly suggest this condition, hence Peyronie’s syndrome is not a good term to use.

Disease of penis not fair to either party

Many times I am asked how I would suggest telling a woman about Peyronie’s disease.  The first thing I say is, “You want to be fair and accurate when you tell this new woman you have just met about your problem. For this reason do not tell her you have a ‘disease.’  PD is not a disease, so do not create a problem for her or yourself that neither of you deserve.”  I then go on to explain that to be most accurate and honest requires that you describe what is wrong with you, avoiding the term “Peyronie’s disease.”  Simply say, “I injured myself a few years ago, and now I have an excess of internal scar tissue that has caused some penile curvature.  I am not as straight or large as I was before this scar material developed, but I am otherwise very healthy. Do you have any questions about what I have just said?” Then answer her questions honestly and forthrightly.  I have never met a man who has gotten into trouble or lost a woman in a new relationship if he offers this type of description of his problem.

You do not have a disease of penis tissue so do not frighten her or create problems where none should exist.

If you wish to learn more about this condition usually called Peyronie’s disease, or Peyronie’s disease treatment, please review our website and blog for additional information.

Nine Causes of Pain in the Penis

Posted on by Dr.Herazy

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”

Peyronie’s Syndrome

Posted on by Web Designer

Peyronie’s disease defies classification

Technically, Peyronie’s syndrome is not the correct way to refer to Peyronie’s disease.  Actually, calling it Peyronie’s disease is not correct, either, but more on that later.

First, the term Peyronies syndrome.   A syndrome refers to a group of several essential and clearly recognizable clinical signs, symptoms and characteristics of a health problem that often occur in association or together.  In the situation in which a syndrome occurs, the presence of one feature, sign or symptom would alert a doctor to the possibility a particular syndrome was present, so he/she would automatically look for other features, signs and symptoms that normally occur with it.  If those additional findings are detected, then  a diagnosis of that syndrome could be made.

Peyronie’s syndrome is not a valid term because the characteristic Peyronies symptoms are actually too few, and they do not usually form a tightly bound set of features that suggest this particular health problem. The few symptoms and signs associated with PD are actually vague by usual medical standards. Since there are typically only three such standard features or clues associated with Peyronie’s disease  (penis pain, distorted or curved penis, and the common Peyronie’s plaque or scar), this set of presenting characteristics is not large enough or strongly suggestive of the condition, hence syndrome is not a good term to use.

Peyronie’s syndrome is not a disease, either

Then we come to the term Peyronie’s disease, which is not all that accurate either.  A disease refers to any condition that causes extreme pain, significant organ or system dysfunction, social problems, and even death, and is usually acquired through direct or indirect transmission or communication from one person to another.  Of course, there are many definitions and ways of looking at what constitutes a disease, but that is generally acceptable in most cases.

Since Peyronie’s disease seldom causes extreme pain, and sometimes no pain at all, it does not fulfill that requirement.   Since the genitourinary system of which the penis is only a part continues to function, and the penis continues to carry urine and oftentimes is still capable to function sexually, it does not fulfill the requirement of loss of function.  While having a bent penis plays havoc with the man who has it, and the woman or women he is sexually active, it does not affect society as a whole, the way actual diseases like the flu or measles, syphilis, tuberculosis or alcoholism do.  Peyronie’s disease is not fatal, except to some couple’s sex life, so it also does not fulfill that part of the requirement.  And lastly, this problem is not communicated or transmitted from one person to the next; you cannot catch Peyronies.

When referring to Peyronie’s disease it is more accurate and fair to use other terms like “condition,” or the more descriptive terms that follow in this list.  These are more clinically accurate names that have been collected and were taken from the PDI website:

  1. Indurato penis plastica
  2. Chronic cavernositis
  3. Fibrous sclerosis of the penis
  4. Fibrous cavernositis
  5. Fibrous plaques of the penis
  6. Penile fibrosis
  7. Penile fibromatosis
  8. Penile induration

This list of descriptive terms was taken from the PDI website where the basics of Peyronie’s disease are discussed at length.  If you wish to learn more about this condition, called Peyronie’s disease, please review this additional information.  But whatever you do, do not call it Peyronie’s syndrome, OK?