Experiencing pain during an erection can be a concerning symptom. An erection involves a complex interplay of blood flow, nerves, and tissues within the penis. When this process is disrupted, pain can result.
Common Physical Causes of Pain
Peyronie’s disease involves fibrous scar tissue, or plaque, forming beneath the skin of the penis. This plaque does not stretch like normal tissue, causing the penis to bend or curve during an erection. Many men with Peyronie’s disease experience pain, particularly during the acute phase when the plaque is forming and worsening. The pain occurs because the scar tissue prevents the affected area from expanding fully when blood fills the erectile chambers.
Physical injuries to the penis can also lead to pain during an erection. A penile fracture, for example, involves a rupture of the fibrous membrane surrounding the erectile tissues, often occurring during vigorous sexual activity. Such an injury causes immediate, severe pain and a sudden loss of erection. Other forms of blunt trauma can similarly result in discomfort that worsens with erection.
Various infections and inflammatory conditions can cause pain during an erection. Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis, can lead to pain, irritation, and swelling exacerbated by an erection. This condition is more common in uncircumcised individuals and can arise from poor hygiene or certain infections. Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, may also cause pain in the penis and surrounding areas during an erection.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can contribute to penile discomfort. STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause inflammation in the reproductive organs, leading to painful erections. UTIs may cause irritation and pain during urination, which can extend to discomfort during an erection due to inflammation. Epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle, can also cause scrotal pain that might affect the penis during an erection.
Another common cause of pain is phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be fully retracted over the head of the penis. When the penis becomes erect, the tight foreskin restricts movement, causing pain. This restriction can lead to irritation or tears in the foreskin. General inflammation of penile tissues can also make erections painful due to swelling and increased pressure.
Less Common or Underlying Medical Conditions
Priapism is a prolonged, often painful erection that occurs without sexual stimulation and typically lasts for more than four hours. This condition is a medical emergency because blood becomes trapped in the penis, leading to a lack of oxygen to the penile tissues. Without immediate treatment, priapism can cause permanent damage and erectile dysfunction.
Nerve damage can also be a source of pain during an erection, often manifesting as neuropathic pain. Conditions such as diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar levels damage nerves throughout the body, including those that supply the penis. This nerve damage can impair signals necessary for an erection and cause pain or altered sensations. Injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic surgeries may also result in nerve damage that contributes to erectile pain.
Certain systemic conditions can lead to pain during an erection. Autoimmune conditions, for instance, can cause inflammation or affect connective tissues, contributing to conditions like Peyronie’s disease or general penile pain. Vascular problems that affect blood flow could also contribute to discomfort if blood flow is compromised during engorgement. Rare cases of penile tumors can also cause pain during an erection if they press on nerves or affect blood vessels.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience pain during an erection. Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, such as severe pain, a sudden onset of pain, or an erection that lasts longer than four hours without sexual stimulation. The presence of fever, unusual discharge, significant swelling, or visible deformities of the penis are also red flags.
A healthcare provider can identify the underlying cause of the pain. Self-diagnosis is often insufficient and can delay necessary medical interventions. Consulting a doctor, such as a urologist, can help ensure a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Addressing the issue early can help prevent potential long-term complications, including permanent damage to penile tissues or lasting erectile dysfunction.