Penis Symptoms  
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This Care Guide Covers:

  • Rash, pain, discharge, itching, and swelling of penis
  • Symptoms not caused by a known injury

If not, see these topics
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Pubic Lice
Pubic Lice

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 on head of penis
  • Fever and looks infected (draining sore, ulcer, or rash that is painful to touch)
  • Fever and burning (pain) with urination
  • Cannot pass urine and 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 (draining sore, ulcer, or rash that is painful to touch)
  • Rash with painful tiny water blisters
  • Swollen foreskin and not circumcised
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
  • You have other questions or concerns
  • You are worried you might have an STD
  • Blood in semen
  • Painless rash (redness, tiny bumps, sore) that has been there for more than 24 hours
  • Using antibiotics for an STD for 3 days and still painful to pass urine
  • Other penis problems
Self Care at Home If
  • Painless rash (redness, tiny bumps, sore) that has been there for less than 24 hours
  • Mild itch and no rash
Causes & Health Information

Some Basics...

Causes of Burning with Urination

Causes of Discharge

Causes of Itching

Causes of Pain

Causes of Rash

Causes of Swelling

What Is Priapism?

This is an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. It is unwanted and often painful. It can be caused by sickle cell anemia. Certain drugs can also have this side effect. It may need to be treated in a hospital.

CARE ADVICE FOR PENIS SYMPTOMS

  1. What You Should Know:
    • Penis symptoms include rash, pain, discharge, itching, and swelling.
    • These symptoms can have many different causes.
    • You can treat mild penis symptoms at home.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Cleansing: Wash the area once with unscented soap and water. This will help to remove any irritants.
  3. Genital Hygiene:
    • Keep your penis and scrotal area clean and dry.
    • Wash the area daily. Use unscented soap and water.
    • Wear cotton underwear.
  4. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash spreads or gets worse
    • Rash lasts more than 1 day
    • Fever occurs
    • You get worse

Remember! Call your doctor if any of the "When to Call" symptoms occur.

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: 9/1/2012

Last Revised: 11/15/2012

Content Set: Adult Symptom Checker

Copyright 2000-2012. Self Care Decisions LLC; LMS, Inc.