A stinging sensation in the penis, often signaling irritation or inflammation, can manifest as a sharp, burning feeling either externally on the skin or internally within the urethra. When related to urination, this discomfort is medically known as dysuria. Because the symptom can arise from conditions ranging from minor skin irritation to serious internal infections, medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
External Irritants and Contact Conditions
The most common causes of stinging are related to direct contact with irritating substances or physical friction. The skin of the penis is susceptible to contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction triggered by irritants or allergens, manifesting as a painful, stinging sensation, often accompanied by redness, itching, or a rash.
Common household products frequently contain chemicals that can provoke a reaction. Laundry detergents, fragranced soaps, body washes, and toilet paper residues can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritant contact dermatitis. Personal care products like spermicides, lubricants, or latex in condoms may also cause an allergic reaction. Identifying and eliminating the offending product usually allows symptoms to resolve quickly.
Mechanical irritation is another non-infectious cause. Vigorous sexual activity or prolonged friction from tight clothing can cause chafing and localized inflammation. Poor hygiene, allowing the buildup of skin cells and oils under the foreskin, may lead to balanitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin). Addressing hygiene practices or using gentle lubricants can alleviate this discomfort.
Causes Related to Genital and Urinary Infections
Stinging felt primarily during urination (dysuria) frequently indicates urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra. Infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, are the most frequent cause of urethritis and intense burning.
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) contribute to infectious urethritis, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. These bacteria colonize the urethra, causing inflammation and a pronounced stinging sensation during voiding, often accompanied by discharge. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also lead to urethritis, and the painful blisters or ulcers it produces contribute to external stinging.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria, such as E. coli, multiply within the urinary tract. While less common in men under 50, a male UTI causes a distinct burning sensation during urination, alongside increased frequency or urgency to void.
Fungal infections, most commonly Candida albicans (yeast), can also cause stinging, redness, and itching. This infection may be caused by poor hygiene, prolonged moisture, or as a side effect of antibiotic use. In all infectious cases, the stinging results from the body’s inflammatory response, requiring specific antimicrobial treatment.
Issues Involving the Urinary Tract and Prostate
Internal causes of stinging often relate to conditions deeper within the genitourinary system, frequently presenting as referred pain. The prostate gland is a common source of this irritation. Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate, can cause pain that radiates to the penis, testicles, or perineum.
Prostatitis includes acute bacterial forms causing severe symptoms like fever and burning during urination, and chronic forms causing long-lasting pelvic pain. The inflammation constricts the urethra and irritates nerve endings, leading to stinging. Treatment involves antibiotics for bacterial types or anti-inflammatory medication for non-bacterial forms.
Another internal source of stinging is the movement of kidney stones, hardened mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. As a stone passes down the ureter, it causes excruciating, cramping pain that often radiates to the groin and the tip of the penis. This stinging is referred pain caused by the stone irritating nerves along the urinary tract.
Less commonly, stinging relates to a urethral stricture, a physical narrowing of the urethra caused by previous infections or trauma. This obstruction makes urination difficult and painful. Diagnosis relies on imaging, urine tests, and a detailed medical history to pinpoint the underlying issue.
Warning Signs and Seeking Professional Care
While some stinging is temporary, certain accompanying symptoms signal a need for urgent medical attention. Immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is warranted if the stinging is accompanied by:
- Thick, cloudy, or foul-smelling discharge from the urethra.
- Blood in the urine or semen (hematuria).
- A sudden inability to urinate (acute urinary retention).
- Systemic signs of infection, such as a high fever, chills, or severe lower back or abdominal pain.
If the stinging sensation lasts for more than 48 hours without a clear, non-infectious cause, or if it interferes with daily life, schedule a medical appointment. Accurate diagnosis requires laboratory testing of urine and sometimes urethral swabs to identify the specific pathogen or determine if the issue is mechanical. Early diagnosis prevents potential complications, such as the spread of infection or the development of long-term problems.