Penis swelling can affect the glans (head), foreskin or the penis shaft. It can be accompanied by other symptoms like itching, pain, discharge and foul odor.
Most cases of a swollen penis require medical treatment. Some conditions, such as priapism or paraphimosis, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Infection
Various conditions can cause a person’s penis to swell. Some are sexually transmitted, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Others don’t involve sex but are due to irritation or friction like itching, redness, or discharge. Most of these conditions need medical attention. If the swelling is painful, or accompanied by other symptoms such as bumps, a foul odor, or difficulty having intercourse, seek immediate care.
One of the most serious causes is a fracture of the erectile structure of the penis. It causes pain, bruising, loss of the erection, and bleeding. It’s considered a medical emergency, and treatment typically involves surgery.
Other causes of swollen penis include urethritis, which can be caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. It’s a sexually transmitted infection that can also be accompanied by itching, testicular or foreskin swelling, trouble having intercourse, and a foul odor.
Another condition that can lead to a swollen penis is a recurrent case of balanitis, or an inflammation of the penis head (also known as the glans). This can be caused by diabetes, immunodeficiency, phimosis, or poor hygiene. If it reoccurs frequently, the doctor may recommend circumcision.
Injury
A penis can be swollen from injuries during sexual intercourse or as the result of knocks, scratches and bites. It can also be swollen by an infection or allergy and if a rash is present it may indicate a serious problem that needs to be treated by a doctor.
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis, which is known as the glans. The condition occurs when the foreskin is rolled back and becomes trapped, creating a tight band that prevents normal drainage of blood, causing the tip to swell. It can also occur when lymphatic fluid gets trapped in the penis due to a local abnormality of the drainage system. Swelling can also happen in the penis as a result of whole-body fluid overload, which is sometimes seen in people with heart or kidney failure.
The swollen head of the penis can be painful and itchy. It can also be red and tender. Infections, injuries and allergies can all cause this symptom, which may also be accompanied by a foul smell or unusual discharge.
Men who have a swollen penis should see their doctor right away to get diagnosed and begin treatment. Their doctor will ask them about their medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also swab the area to determine what kind of microorganism is causing the symptoms.
Inflammation
Swollen penis is a common problem that may indicate an infection, inflammation or other medical condition. Inflammation can affect the head (glans), foreskin and penile shaft. Usually, doctors can diagnose the problem by looking at the affected area and asking questions. They may ask whether you have used latex condoms, lubricants or delay sprays and can perform a swab test to check for unusual discharge. They can also examine the groin and test your blood sugar to look for diabetes. They may also test for yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
The main cause of a swollen head of the penis, or balanitis, is a fungal infection. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, like the genital area, and can be caused by using harsh soaps, condoms or spermicides, as well as by injury or illness such as diabetes. Balanitis can also occur if the foreskin rolls back and becomes trapped in the tip of the penis or glans, which creates a tight band that prevents blood drainage. Other symptoms of balanitis include pain, itching and foul-smelling discharge.
Another type of swollen penis is caused by kidney disease or excess fluid. People are more likely to get this condition if they have a condition that makes them retain water, such as heart or liver disease, and if they are overweight. The treatment for this condition is to treat the underlying cause, and can include antibiotics, hydration and diuretics. In severe cases, doctors might recommend circumcision, which involves the surgical removal of the foreskin.
Cancer
Cancer of the penis is very rare and can cause a painful, swollen lump on the head (also known as the glans), shaft or scrotum. Men with a history of sexually transmitted diseases or a family history of prostate cancer may be more at risk.
Men who have a swollen penis should see their doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a physical exam of the sexual organs and ask questions about any other symptoms that are present. For example, the doctor will need to know if the swelling is in the head or shaft and if it hurts when touched or during sexual activity.
The urologist will also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or an MRI to examine the soft tissue of the genitals. They may also request a sample of the tissue for a biopsy to rule out cancer.
Other causes of a swollen penis include lichen planus, a non-infectious itchy rash that appears as purple-red bumps on the skin, and genital warts, small fleshy growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). In some cases, a swollen penis can be a medical emergency. Conditions such as priapism and paraphimosis require immediate medical treatment.