Penis Problems: 6 Symptoms That Require Medical Attention

Have you noticed any unfamiliar or new concerns with your penis that you think might need medical attention?  In most instances, your penis might be completely healthy; however, a few health symptoms could cause be cause for alarm.

If you experience any of these symptoms on your penis, go to the doctor as soon as possible:

1. Bumps Or Lumps 

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are whitish or pinkish bump growths that form on the head of the penis. Generally, the lumps take the form of pimples, have a diameter of about four millimeters, and don’t contain pus. The cause is yet to be established, but what’s shown here first will help you know more about these growths and their symptoms.

Genital warts or anogenital warts can also be mistaken for PPP. They’re identified as small bumps along the shaft of your penis. They may also appear on the anus, which, in most cases, are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re prevalent, and HPV is spread mainly during sexual contact and also occurs in skin-to-skin connections.

Both penile papules and warts usually don’t exhibit symptoms or pain, but you might need to seek treatments for aesthetic purposes. These solutions include freezing, surgery, or laser treatments. However, HPV has no cure.

2. Itchy Penis

Often, an itchy penis is due to a fungal infection, like a thrush, otherwise known as candidiasis. On the other hand, it can also be a symptom of balanitis. It causes redness and inflammation around the head of your penis, and, sometimes, you might feel pain. Also, you may notice that during sex or when passing urine, you may feel pain and, sometimes, blood may even come out of your penis’s foreskin.

Infections contracted during sexual intercourse, such as genital warts, crabs, and genital herpes, as well as terrible hygiene habits, can cause balanitis. Non-sexually transmitted infections, such as thrush, might also be a cause.

Before getting treatment for balanitis, it’d help to undergo tests to determine the actual cause of the itchy penis.

3. Erectile Dysfunction 

As the name suggests, this condition implies that you can’t get an erection completely or retain one during sexual intercourse. This is often caused by exhaustion or stress. However, it can become a consistent issue, and you’re more likely to experience erectile dysfunction as you age. 

Persistent erection problems may result from blood circulation issues, diabetes, nerve disease, injury, or low testosterone levels. Psychological issues, alcohol, cycling, and blood leakage in the penis are among the other causes.     

Treatment options include eliminating lifestyle factors, such as stress or alcohol, and getting prescriptions for tablets, creams, injections, or pellets inserted in the urethra. Another option could be rods or vacuum devices put in the penis. 

Recommended: Erectile Dysfunction Test at Home

4. Tightness

The skin around the head of your penis could feel a little bit stiff or tight. You could also see white specks or spots around the area. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you could be dealing with a skin condition called lichen sclerosus. The cause isn’t known, although an overreactive immune system or your own genetic makeup could be major contributing factors. 

Be worried, especially if you’re uncircumcised or constantly feeling like you’re pushing while peeing. Untreated lichen sclerosus might lead to an entire urinary tract blockage, which might land you in the emergency room.

5. Penile Discharge

The medical term for penis discharge is urethritis, which happens when you have an inflamed urethra. It’s commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections or diseases, such as nongonococcal urethritis and gonorrhea. Young gay men generally contract it. It’s challenging to pinpoint a definite a cause; however, things like germs, spermicides, soaps, or a tube placed to drain the bladder can also be put to blame.

If you experience this problem, ensure to get checked by your doctor, although the infection may disappear without treatment. However, keep in mind that penile discharge can still be infectious even after the disappearance of the symptoms.

6. Peyronie’s Disease

With this condition, scar tissues with thick areas are seen on the shaft of your penis, thereby causing the penis to develop a deformed shape or bend. It’s generally caused by repeated minor injuries to the penis, such us during vigorous sexual interactions. Peyronie’s disease may cause problems during sex, such as a painful erection.  

Tests are a must in most cases, although scans with your doctor are suggested because poor blood circulation might also be the culprit. 

Conclusion

Most penis problems can be prevented. Nevertheless, ensuring that you routinely examine your penis can provide you with increased awareness of the state of the organ. Also, have yourself regularly checked by your doctor so that problems affecting your penis are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

For many people, discussing problems related to the penis with a doctor is a bit difficult. However, don’t let embarrassment stop you from taking care of yourself.