Community Health Network

Penis Symptoms
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Symptom
Description

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Call?

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Pubic Lice

Definition

Penis symptoms include rash, pain, discharge, itching and swelling
Not due to a known injury

General Information

Here are some common causes of penis symptoms:

Bladder infection (cystitis)
Contact dermatitis (e.g., latex condoms, lubricants, spermicides, perfumed soaps)
Irritation (small friction burns) after sexual intercourse or masturbation (inadequate lubrication)
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash
Priapism
Skin cancer
STD's (e.g., Herpes simplex, Syphilis, Chancroid, LGV, pubic lice, genital warts)
Trauma
Any preexisting skin disorders/rashes can also occur on the penis and scrotum (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, drug rashes)

Priapism

Definition: Priapism is defined as an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.
Symptoms: Prolonged, unwanted, usually painful erection.
Causes: Sickle cell anemia and certain medications.
Treatment: Erections lasting longer than 4 hours may require specialized treatment in an emergency department.

If not, see these topics

Itchy rash on inner thigh and JOCK ITCH is suspected
PUBIC LICE
POISON IVY, OAK, OR SUMAC suspected as cause
URINATION PAIN, MALE

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You feel weak or very sick Large amount of blood from end of penis Not circumcised, and foreskin pulled back and became stuck around head of penis Fever and looks infected (e.g., draining sore, ulcer, rash is painful to touch) Fever and burning (pain) with urination Unable to urinate and your bladder feels very full Painful erection lasting more than 1 hour
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think you need to be seen Burning or pain with urination Pus (white, yellow) or bloody discharge from end of penis Blood in urine Looks infected (e.g., draining sore, ulcer, rash is painful to touch) Rash with painful tiny water blisters Swollen foreskin (not circumcised)
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease Blood in semen Painless rash (e.g., redness, tiny bumps, sore) that has been present more than 24 hours Antibiotic treatment longer than 3 days for STD (e.g., penile discharge from gonorrhea, chlamydia) and painful urination is not improving All other penis symptoms (exception: painless rash present less than 24 hours, mild itchiness)
	Self Care at Home If
	Painless rash (e.g., redness, tiny bumps, sore) that has been present less than 24 hours, and you don't think you need to be seen Mild itchiness and no rash, and you don't think you need to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PENIS SYMPTOMS

Causes of Mild Rash:
- Irritation from a chemical product: perfumed soaps, latex condoms.
- Irritation from a plant (e.g., poison ivy), chemicals (e.g., insecticides), fiberglass, detergents.
- Early finding of sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Small friction burns can occur from intercourse (if inadequate lubrication).
Cleansing: Wash the area once thoroughly with unscented soap and water to remove any irritants.
Genital Hygiene:
- Keep your penis and scrotal area clean. Wash once daily with un-scented soap and water.
- Keep your penis and scrotal area dry. Wear cotton underwear.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash spreads or becomes worse
- Rash lasts more than one day
- Fever occurs
- You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 9/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online