Various conditions can cause penis pain.
Pain in your penis might be constant or come and go, and it can be felt in different areas — at the tip, along the shaft or deep inside. If the pain is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms like swelling, discharge or trouble peeing, see a doctor.
Causes of pain at the tip of the penis
Phimosis
Phimosis is when your foreskin is too tight to pull back over the head of your penis, which can cause pain, especially when you get an erection, urinate or have sex. It can happen if your foreskin doesn’t loosen as you grow up, or later in life due to infections, scarring or inflammation. If it’s mild, you can try gentle stretching exercises or use a special steroid cream to help loosen the skin. If it’s more serious or keeps causing problems, a doctor might recommend surgery to loosen your foreskin.
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Balanitis
Balanitis is when the head of your penis becomes red, swollen, and sore, usually due to an infection, irritation, or poor hygiene. It can happen if bacteria, fungi, or irritants like soap or sweat build up under your foreskin. You might notice pain, itching, a rash, discharge, or a bad smell. It can also make it uncomfortable to urinate. Treatment depends on the cause—washing gently with warm water can help, and a doctor might prescribe antifungal cream, antibiotics, or a mild steroid cream to reduce inflammation. If balanitis keeps coming back, you may need to change your hygiene routine or consider a procedure to loosen or remove your foreskin.
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Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria get into your urinary system and cause irritation and inflammation. If you have a UTI, you might feel a burning pain when you pee, need to go more often (even if only a little comes out), or notice that your urine looks cloudy or smells bad. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria, but if symptoms don’t go away, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.
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Sexually transmitted infection
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) happens when bacteria, viruses or parasites are passed between people during sexual activity. If you have an STI, you might notice pain, burning, or itching when you pee, especially at the tip of your penis. Other symptoms can include unusual discharge, redness, swelling, or sores on your genitals. Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can cause pain at the tip of the penis, while others, like herpes, might cause painful blisters or ulcers. The best way to know for sure is to get tested. Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics or antiviral medication, so if you notice any symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. Using condoms and getting regular sexual health check-ups can help prevent STIs in the future.
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Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can make the skin on your penis thin, white, and easily irritated. It can cause itching, burning, pain, or tightness, especially around the foreskin and head of the penis. Some men also notice small white patches, cracks, or scarring, which can make the foreskin difficult to pull back and may cause pain during sex or urination. The exact cause isn’t clear, but it may be linked to immune system problems or hormone imbalances. Treatment usually includes steroid creams to reduce inflammation and stop the condition from getting worse. In severe cases, circumcision may be needed if the foreskin becomes too tight. If you notice any changes in the skin on your penis, seeing a doctor early can help prevent long-term problems.
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Pain in the rest of your penis
Prostatitis, chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
Prostatitis happens when your prostate gland becomes inflamed, which can cause pain in different areas, including your lower abdomen, groin, perineum (the area between your scrotum and anus), lower back or at the tip of your penis. Some men also feel pain during or after urination, ejaculation or while sitting for long periods. If prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, if there’s no clear infection, it may be chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Symptoms of CPPS also include issues with urinating, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and painful ejaculation. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, or lifestyle changes like managing stress and staying active. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or urinary issues, seeing a doctor can help you find the right treatment.
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Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease happens when scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing it to bend or curve, which can lead to pain, especially during erections. Some men also feel discomfort in the shaft of the penis, a lump where the scar tissue has built up, or difficulty having sex due to the curve. The pain usually improves over time, but the bending may stay the same or get worse. In mild cases, Peyronie’s disease might not need treatment, but if it’s causing pain or making sex difficult, a doctor might suggest medications, stretching exercises, injections, or, in severe cases, surgery to straighten the penis. If you notice a new curve, lump, or pain in your penis, it’s a good idea to see a doctor early, as treatment works best in the early stages.
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Priapism
Priapism is when you have a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours and doesn’t go away, even when you’re not sexually aroused. The pain usually starts mild but gets worse over time, often felt in the shaft of the penis. It happens when blood gets trapped in the penis and can’t drain properly. Priapism can be caused by blood disorders, injuries, certain medications, or even recreational drugs. It’s a medical emergency—if it’s not treated quickly, it can lead to permanent damage and erectile dysfunction. Treatment depends on the cause but may include draining the trapped blood with a needle, medication to reduce swelling, or surgery in severe cases. If you ever have a painful, long-lasting erection, go to the hospital as soon as possible.
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Injury or trauma
Injury or trauma to the penis can happen from accidents, rough sex, or direct impact, leading to pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty urinating. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, depending on the injury. Common injuries include cuts, bruises, swelling from a sudden bend, or more serious damage like a penile fracture, which happens when the erect penis is forcefully bent. In minor cases, rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relief can help. More serious injuries, like a fracture or deep cuts, need urgent medical attention and may require surgery to prevent long-term issues like scarring, erectile dysfunction, or penile curvature. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty getting an erection after an injury, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Penile fracture
A penile fracture happens when the tissue inside your penis tears during an erection, usually from bending or sudden force, like during rough sex or a fall. It causes a sharp, severe pain, often with a popping sound, followed by rapid swelling, bruising, and sometimes a bent or misshapen penis. Some men also have trouble getting or keeping an erection after the injury. A penile fracture is a medical emergency — if you think it’s happened, go to the hospital immediately. Treatment usually involves surgery to repair the tear, which helps prevent long-term issues like erectile dysfunction or a permanent curve in the penis. The sooner it’s treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.
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