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Penis Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Sexual Health Issues

Penis Disorders

Disorders of the penis can cause significant pain and negatively impact a man's sexual function and fertility.

Overview

Problems with the penis can affect various aspects of health, including sexual function and fertility. Common penis disorders include:

  • Erectile dysfunction: The inability to get or keep an erection.
  • Priapism: A painful erection that does not go away.
  • Peyronie's disease: Bending of the penis during an erection caused by a hard lump known as a plaque.
  • Balanitis: Inflammation of the skin covering the head of the penis, which occurs most often in men and boys who have not been circumcised.
  • Penile cancer: A rare form of cancer that is highly curable when detected early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peyronie's disease involves the development of scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis, causing curvature, pain, or difficulty with erections. In many cases, the acute phase with pain lasts 6 to 18 months, after which the curvature may stabilize or slightly improve, but it rarely resolves completely without intervention. Management options include oral medications, vacuum devices, or injections to break down scar tissue. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that affect sexual function and have been stable for at least 12 months.
The most common warning sign of penile cancer is a painless lump, thickening, or discoloration on the head or shaft of the penis. Other signs include sores that do not heal, bleeding, or discharge. Because penile cancer is rare and highly curable when detected early, any persistent changes in the appearance or texture of the penis should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Treatment often involves surgery, which may range from local excision to more extensive procedures depending on the stage, and is frequently combined with radiation or chemotherapy for advanced cases.
Priapism is a prolonged, often painful erection that lasts more than four hours and is not associated with sexual arousal. It is a medical emergency because the trapped blood can cause permanent tissue damage and lead to erectile dysfunction if not treated quickly. Immediate medical attention is required to drain the blood from the penis and restore normal circulation. Causes can include blood disorders, certain medications, or recreational drug use, and prompt treatment is critical to preserving sexual function.
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis, often caused by poor hygiene, fungal infections, or skin conditions. Prevention involves gentle daily cleaning of the penis, especially under the foreskin, with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, followed by thorough drying. Treatment depends on the cause; antifungal creams are used for yeast infections, while antibiotic creams or ointments may be prescribed for bacterial causes. In severe or recurrent cases, a doctor may recommend circumcision to prevent future episodes.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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