Most of the time, the penis becomes swollen due to an allergy, especially when it appears after sexual intercourse with a condom. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection or fracture, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Some symptoms that may arise with penis swelling and indicate a health problem include pain, intense redness, itching, sores or bleeding.
If the swelling of the penis does not disappear after a few minutes or appears accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a urologist to identify the correct cause and begin the most appropriate treatment.
What could a swollen penis be?
The most common causes that can make the penis swollen are:
1. Allergic reactions
Swelling in the penis can also happen due to an allergic reaction caused by dirty underwear or underwear made from a different fabric, lubricants, soap and condoms, for example. In addition to swelling, the allergy can be manifested by itching, redness or the presence of small red dots on the head of the penis, for example. Also find out what itching on the penis can be.
What to do: It is important to identify the cause of the allergy and avoid contact with the causative agent. It is also recommended to properly clean the intimate area, using appropriate soaps, and preferably wear cotton underwear.
2. Balanite
Balanitis corresponds to inflammation of the head of the penis, the glans, and when it also affects the foreskin, it is called balanoposthitis, which results in redness, itching, local heat and swelling. Balanitis is usually caused by a fungal infection, most often Candida albicans, but it can also be due to bacterial infections, an allergic reaction or poor hygiene, for example. Find out about other symptoms of balanitis and how it is treated.
What to do: As soon as characteristic signs and symptoms of infection are identified, it is important to go to the urologist or pediatrician, in the case of children, so that the cause can be identified and treatment initiated. Treatment can be done with the use of antifungals, if the cause is a fungal infection, or antibiotics, if it was caused by bacteria. Furthermore, it is important that men pay attention to intimate hygiene to prevent the proliferation of these infectious agents.
Make an appointment with the nearest urologist so that a more detailed assessment of the penis can be carried out so that the best treatment can be started:
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
3. Fracture
Penis fractures typically occur during sexual intercourse, usually when the woman is on top of the man and the penis slips out of the vagina. As the penis does not have a bone structure, the term fracture refers to the rupture of the membrane that covers the corpora cavernosa, resulting in pain, immediate loss of erection, as well as hematoma, bleeding and swelling.
What to do: If there has been a fracture in the penis, it is recommended that the man goes to the urologist, so that the fracture can be evaluated and, thus, verify the need for surgical repair. Treatment with medication is only carried out when the fracture is very small. It is also important to place ice on the area, avoid sexual intercourse for up to 6 weeks and take medications that inhibit involuntary nocturnal erections. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of penile fracture.
4. Urethritis
Urethritis corresponds to inflammation of the urethra caused by bacteria, such as Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can result in swelling of the penis, especially at its end, as well as itching, swelling in the testicles, difficulty urinating and the presence of discharge. Understand what urethritis is and how to treat it.
What to do: It is recommended that men consult a urologist so that treatment can begin, which is normally done with the use of antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin associated with azithromycin, which must be used according to medical recommendations.
5. Herpes genital
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that initially appears as small sores or blisters in the male genital region, mainly at the end of the penis, resulting in itching, pain and burning when urinating, discomfort and, in some cases, swelling. See how to identify the symptoms of genital herpes.
What to do: It is important to go to the urologist so that the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started, which is normally done with the use of antiviral tablets or ointment. Furthermore, it is important to use a condom during all sexual relations to prevent the transmission of the disease. Find out how genital herpes is treated.
6. Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which there is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in various parts of the body, including the penis and scrotum, due to congenital changes, obstruction of the lymphatic system or infection. In addition to swelling of the penis, discomfort and redness in the region may also be noticed.
What to do: It is recommended that a urologist be consulted so that the cause of the accumulation of lymphatic fluid can be identified and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be initiated. If it is related to an infection, the use of antibiotics orally or directly into a vein may be indicated. However, in most cases, the doctor must recommend surgical drainage.
How to prevent
Preventing penis swelling can be done by adopting better hygiene habits, as most of the time it involves infections. Furthermore, it is important to use condoms during sexual intercourse, to prevent the transmission or contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to using appropriate lubricants.
It is also important that men preferably wear cotton underwear and go to the urologist as soon as they notice changes in their penis. See what the urologist does and when to see him.
