Penis Pain – Why Ignoring It Could Lead to Lasting Consequences

Most men go to great lengths to protect their nether regions -- and for good reason; a shot to the family jewels is not only extremely painful, it can cause long-term damage to the area.  Though the penis is made of tissue and cannot technically be broken in the same way as a bone, trauma to the penile area can result in scarring, which in turn may result in bending or curvature of the penis.

This condition is characterized by a plaque build-up, or hard lump, that develops in the tissue of the penis.  While less noticeable in a flaccid penis, the condition rears its ugly head when it is erect, leading the penis to bend or arc.  The condition can cause pain, make sexual intercourse difficult and damage the self-esteem or self-confidence of the man suffering through it. Severe bending or curving of the penis that interferes with the ability to engage in intercourse is known as Peyronie’s disease.  Proper penis care may lessen the chance that Peyronie’s disease will occur and should be undertaken as part of a healthy lifestyle.    

What is Peyronie’s disease?

In individuals who have experienced injury or trauma to the penis, a plaque build-up, or scar tissue, may occur on the top, bottom, or side of the penis, inside the tunica albuginea, a thick membrane which encircles the erectile tissue.  This scar tissue then pulls at the tissue of the penis, causing a bend in the erect penis.  Plaque on the top of the shaft is the most common and causes an upward bend; whereas plaque on the underside causes a downward bend.  The plaque can also appear on the sides, causing the penis to bend to the right or left.

Peyronie’s can gradually develop over time, as the plaque slowly builds, or may occur overnight, much to the surprise of the individual.  Peyronie’s is not an STD, nor is it cancerous or a tumor.  It is more common in men ages 40 to 70, but it can also occur in teenaged boys and younger men.      

What Causes Peyronie’s?

While research into this condition is ongoing, it is most commonly agreed by researchers that Peyronie’s is the result of trauma to the penis.  Hitting or bending the penis -- most often during sex -- can cause internal bleeding of the penis.  This type of injury is common during rough sex and can sometimes occur without the individual being aware the trauma occurred; at other times, the injury is very obvious and immediately painful. 

An aging penis may be more susceptible to Peyronie’s on account of the reduced elasticity of the penis, increasing the likelihood of rupturing the small blood vessels within the shaft. 

Peyronie’s has also been found to develop very slowly, with no known traumatic event, leading some researchers to theorize that it is an autoimmune disorder or a genetic condition, as there does appear to be a hereditary component. 

Treatment of Peyronie’s

Men suffering from Peyronie’s often do not seek medical attention until they have reached a point of painful erection or difficulty physically engaging in sex due to penile deformity.  Surgery may be required in severe cases in which the angle of the penis actually makes sex impossible.  Surgery may involve removing the plaque area from the penis or implanting a device to help straighten the penis and increase rigidity. Research into medical treatment for Peyronie’s is ongoing, with some studies utilizing oral medications, vitamin therapies, injections and radiation therapy.

Prevention is, of course, the best option whenever possible.  Maintaining proper blood flow to the penis keeps the cells healthy and functioning, which may reduce the tendency for scar tissue to form.  Being careful during sex and avoiding any sudden quick movements or changes in direction, which could injure the penis, may prevent rupture of the blood vessels that eventually contribute to plaque buildup.  Using proper athletic gear during contact sports or activities also helps keep the penis safe from injury and should be worn whenever the risk of penis injury is high.

A high-quality penis health formula (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) will contribute to the overall health and functioning of the penis and may help prevent or reduce the presence of scar tissue.  A specific combination of vitamins and nutrients can help increase blood flow to the area, leading to a rejuvenated and healthy penis.