Experiencing pain during an erection is a concerning symptom that warrants careful attention. An erection is a complex vascular event where the penis fills with blood, causing the tissue to stiffen and expand. When this natural process is accompanied by discomfort, it indicates a physical issue is preventing the smooth engorgement or stretching of the internal structures. Understanding the nature and location of the pain can help distinguish between a minor irritation and a potentially serious underlying medical condition.
Temporary and Minor Causes of Discomfort
Discomfort during an erection is often due to external or fleeting factors. Friction is a common source of surface irritation, occurring from a lack of adequate lubrication during sexual activity or masturbation. This chafing can wear down the sensitive outer layer of skin, leading to soreness and a temporary burning sensation that resolves with rest and moisturizing care. Wearing clothing that is too tight, especially during exercise, can also cause persistent rubbing against the skin, resulting in similar irritation.
Minor trauma, such as rough handling or a recent impact, can cause mild bruising or muscle strain that becomes noticeable when the tissue engorges and presses on the injured area. This discomfort is typically short-lived, subsiding as the minor injury heals. Another transient cause is hair becoming trapped or pulled, particularly pubic hair caught around the base of the shaft. In these minor cases, the pain is generally localized and tends to fade within a few days once the irritant is removed.
Conditions Affecting Internal Structure and Curvature
Conditions affecting the internal structure of the penis often cause persistent or severe pain during an erection. The penis contains two cylinders of spongy tissue, the corpora cavernosa, which are encased in a tough, fibrous sheath called the tunica albuginea. During an erection, blood fills the corpora cavernosa, causing them to expand and press against the tunica albuginea. If this sheath is damaged or scarred, it cannot stretch properly, leading to pain and curvature.
Peyronie’s Disease
One common structural cause is Peyronie’s disease, which involves the formation of fibrous scar tissue, or plaque, within the tunica albuginea. This inelastic plaque limits the expansion of the erectile tissue on one side, causing the penis to bend, curve, or develop a dent during erection. Pain is most common in the acute phase of the disease, which can last for six to eighteen months, as the plaque is actively forming. The pain results from healthy tissue attempting to stretch against the unyielding scar tissue during engorgement.
Penile Fracture and Chronic Scarring
A penile fracture is an acute and serious injury that occurs when the erect penis is subjected to sudden, blunt force, causing the tunica albuginea to rupture. This is a tear of the protective casing, typically accompanied by a distinct popping sound, immediate severe pain, and rapid bruising. Chronic scar tissue can also develop from prior, less severe injuries or surgical procedures, which can compromise the flexibility of the tunica albuginea over time. When the penis stiffens, this internal scarring acts as a tether, pulling against the expanding tissue and resulting in a painful sensation.
Pain Related to Inflammation and Infection
Infectious and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system can cause pain heightened by the vascular changes of an erection. When an erection occurs, increased blood flow and localized pressure amplify discomfort originating in nearby inflamed organs.
Prostatitis and Urethritis
Prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate gland, is a frequent cause of such pain. This inflammation can radiate pain to the lower abdomen, groin, and penis, and pressure changes during engorgement can exacerbate this discomfort. Similarly, urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra often linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), causes a burning or aching sensation that intensifies during an erection. The infection causes swelling and irritation in the lining of the urinary tract, which is stressed as the erectile bodies fill with blood.
Balanitis and UTIs
Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis (glans) and the foreskin, is another common infectious cause. Typically caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, balanitis results in redness, swelling, and soreness that becomes more pronounced as the tissue stretches during an erection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause discomfort in the pelvic area that is sometimes referred to the penis, with the vascular engorgement increasing the sensitivity of the inflamed tissues.
Indicators That Require Medical Consultation
While temporary soreness may resolve on its own, certain symptoms indicate the need for prompt professional medical evaluation.
You should seek immediate emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain, especially if accompanied by a popping sound, rapid swelling, or visible bruising (suggesting a potential penile fracture).
- Any painful erection that lasts for four hours or longer without sexual stimulation (known as priapism), which is a medical emergency.
You should also seek consultation if the pain is persistent, meaning it lasts for several weeks or progressively worsens, or if it is accompanied by a noticeable curvature or deformity of the erect penis. Pain coupled with systemic symptoms like fever, chills, unusual penile discharge, or difficulty urinating may indicate an underlying infection requiring prescription treatment. Consulting a doctor is the appropriate next step for persistent or concerning symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis and prevent potential long-term complications.