To feel pain in the middle of the penile shaft is a frightening and frustrating experience for most men. Although men often experience different kinds of discomfort in this delicate area, learning about its causes and treatment can be crucial to treating the condition properly. In this blog post, I discuss possible causes of pain in the middle of the penile shaft, and some treatment options.
How the Penis Works, Anatomy of the Penis
To understand pain, it’s helpful to know about the anatomy of the penis. The penis is made up of three distinct structures: the corpora cavernosa (two tubular structures along the length of the penis), the corpus spongiosum (a single organ surrounding the urethra) and the skin over these structures. The middle of the penile shaft is usually a site between the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum, and the pain here can come from a variety of tissues and structures.
Common Symptoms of Pain at the Center of the Penile Shaft
1. Injury or Trauma
Injury or trauma is one of the most prevalent causes of penile shaft pain. This might be a consequence of heavy sex, car accidents or athletic injuries. The tissue in the penis is fragile, and any forceful pressure will result in discomfort, swelling or even bruising. If it’s pain that is the result of trauma, see a doctor immediately, especially if there are obvious signs of serious injury.
2. Peyronie’s Disease
In Peyronie’s disease, scar tissue grows fibrous within the penis and causes bending, stiffness, even erectile dysfunction. We do not fully understand the exact mechanism for Peyronie’s disease, but it appears to result from damage or trauma to the penis. For men with this disease, erections are often painful and should be treated by a physician.
3. Urethritis
Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra, the hollow tube through which urine and semen travel out of the body. It can cause pain in the shaft of the penile gland, especially when urinating or excreting. Urethritis is also triggered by sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, or non-infectious substances such as irritants or trauma. These symptoms include burning in the urine, faeces leaking from the penis, and fatigue.
4. Balanitis
Balanitis is an infection of the glans (head) of the penis that can spread down to the shaft. It is most often the result of poor hygiene, infections (bacterial or fungal), or allergic reactions. Typically, it causes the affected area to be red, swollen, and painful. Though balanitis typically focuses on the glans, pain can spread down to the shaft.
5. Infections
There are many different types of infections that can cause penile shaft pain. Genital pain or discomfort can result from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like herpes or syphilis. Other infections such as penile candidiasis (yeast infection) can also be painful. It’s essential to understand the nature of the infection before it can be treated.
6. Priapism
Priapism is a medical emergency in which a erect and sometimes painful erection does not cause sexual excitement. It can be caused by blood problems, medication or trauma. Without immediate intervention, priapism can lead to severe anaesthesia and irreversible damage to the penises.
7. Nerve Damage or Neuropathy
Injuries to the nerves in the genital region can cause penile shaft pain. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis or past surgeries can all lead to neuropathic pain. It is a chronic, even specialized form of pain.
8. Psychological Factors
Stress, anxiety or mental disorders can also trigger feelings of pain or unease in the penile shaft. It can even take physical form in the form of psychological tension or pain when it comes to sex.
Diagnosing the Cause of Pain
When you’re experiencing pain in the middle of the penile shaft, you must see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will:
Give a Medical History: Be candid about your symptoms, your history, your sexual activity, and any recent injuries or ailments.
Conduct a Physical Exam: Having a thorough exam of the genitals will identify any signs of physical injury, infection, or illness.
Test For Diagnosis: Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend urine tests, blood work, imaging exams or an appointment with a urologist.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you are experiencing persistent pain at the center of the penile shaft, then you should seek the help of a doctor to diagnose and treat the condition. Seek immediate care if you have intense pain, swelling, bruising or other disturbing symptoms, like bleeding or inability to urinate.
Treatment Options
What is treated for penile shaft pain will depend on what’s causing it. Here are some common approaches:
1. Medication
Antibiotics: If you experience pain due to a bacterial infection, your physician may prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.
Painkillers: Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will reduce discomfort.
Corticosteroids: If you have Peyronie’s disease, steroid injections may ease inflammation and pain.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can in some instances treat the pain caused by Peyronie’s disease or penile injury. An expert therapist might prescribe stretching and strengthening routines that promote mobility and alleviate discomfort.
3. Surgery
For severe cases where conservative remedies are ineffective or the pain is a result of a severe disease, such as a urethral stricture or severely curving Peyronie’s disease, surgery might be required. Surgical treatment may involve grafting to repair scar tissue or reconstructing the urethra.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Changing your lifestyle for a short period of time may also help to alleviate penile discomfort. This may include:
Don’t go out sexually intensely until it’s out of your system.
‘Safe sex to avoid STIs.
Treating diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure that can impact sexual health.
5. Counseling or Therapy
Counselling or therapy is helpful for anyone who’s struggling with stress or anxiety about penile dysfunction or sexual disfunction. Support from mental health professionals can address any psychosocial factors that may be at play.
Conclusion: Why Do I Have Pain In The Middle Of The Penile Shaft And How Can I Treat It?
The ache in the middle of the penile shaft may be caused by a variety of causes, from the benign to the serious. It is vital to treatment and management to be aware of what might be the cause of the pain and to be aware of when to seek care. If you’re experiencing this kind of pain, get your mind examined by a healthcare provider to diagnose the problem and prescribe the correct medication for you. By taking care of yourself, you’ll enjoy your wellbeing and lifestyle.
