Page 122 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

120 COMMON CONDITIONS: MEN’S PROBLEMS

Painful penis

The skin on the penis is thin and delicate and is easily injured or
WARNING
irritated. Minor bruising and chafing may occur after playing sports
or sexual activity. Soreness at the tip may be due to poor hygiene Seek immediate medical help if:
or irritation from soaps or spermicides, or result from infections, ● You have a painful erection that
lasts long after arousal has passed
including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other symptoms ● You have difficulty rolling your
of an STI include a rash, discharge from the penis, and pain foreskin forward again after it
when urinating. Pain that occurs only when your penis is erect or has been retracted
during sex may be due to an overtight foreskin.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Arrange to see your doctor, or go to a sexually
transmitted infection clinic if: Lubricating jelly (see p.186) is widely
available and will make sex more comfortable.
● You suspect that you have a sexually
Use it to help prevent soreness that may develop
transmitted infection or you are not sure because of irritants or vigorous activity.
what is causing the pain
Using jelly
Apply a water-soluble lubricant
to your penis just before intercourse.
What you can do yourself
There are several measures you can take that will
ease pain and help prevent soreness.

● Keep your penis and foreskin clean. Take a bath
or shower every day. If you have a foreskin, wash
underneath it with water and unperfumed soap.
Dry the end of your penis thoroughly.
PRACTICAL TIP
● Wear loose underwear to avoid discomfort.
● If the head of your penis gets inflamed or sore Salt-water baths Gently bathing your
penis 2 or 3 times a day in warm, salty water will
during sex, apply a water-soluble lubricating jelly
help relieve soreness, swelling, and inflammation.
beforehand (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Wash your
Add a handful of salt to a bath two-thirds full. If you
genitals after intercourse. If you think the problem
are finding urination uncomfortable or painful,
is due to the condoms you use, switch to a
urinate while lying in a warm bath, and shower
nonlatex type or one with a different spermicide.
yourself and the bathtub afterward.
● If you have a small injury on the tip of your penis,
let it heal completely before having sex again.
● If you think you may be sensitive to soaps and
Seek further medical advice
laundry detergents, use only nonallergenic powder
for your underclothes and avoid fabric softeners. Arrange to see your doctor or go to a
● If you have a sexually transmitted infection, urologist if:
bathing with salt water will help relieve symptoms ● Pain in your penis persists, or you develop
(see PRACTICAL TIP, right). Tell your partner you have new symptoms
an STI; he or she may also need treatment.